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Victory!

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Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Intro

Who can go to heaven? Have a done enough good things to outweigh the bad? Do I think I’m at least a little better than half the people? Am I worthy? I don’t really deserve to go to hell, do I?

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I really believe this question, “Who can go to heaven?” is the most important one you must answer in your lifetime. It will change everything.

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In last Sunday passage, Paul’s focus was on answering questions related to what our heavenly resurrected bodies would be like and today he answers this vital question. “Who can go to heaven?”

Series

We are continuing our series in 1 Corinthians called Living in Light of Eternity. We have heard the Apostle Paul’s words to the church in Corinth about some very serious problems they were dealing with like divisions, fighting, sexual morality, marriage, and singleness. Then he taught about using their spiritual gifts humbly and properly, and the need for everything to be done in love. Paul ends his letter by giving the church encouragement about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and our future resurrection as believers. 
‌That’s where the series title “Living in Light of Eternity” comes from. With our view of eternity, knowing that our souls will go on forever and ever, knowing that God will judge our behavior, and knowing that His Son Jesus died so that we can spend eternity with God – how should we think, live, and act today?
‌The Focus of chapter 15 is the resurrection – its centrality and vitality in the Gospel, the hope it gives us in this life and eternity, what resurrected bodies are like, and finally the victory we find in Christ.

A Mystery
Verses 50-53Paul starts out referring back to Jesus’ discussion with Nicodemus in 
John 3
. “How can someone enter God’s kingdom and ultimately heaven?” Jesus answered, “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” In other words, “no human being can go to heaven.” We cannot become part of God’s kingdom physically. Jesus said, you must be born again spiritually. Spiritual rebirth is necessary for someone to be ready for heaven because we are born separated from God by our sin. You may be thinking, well, maybe that’s some terrible person somewhere else. I was born in a Christian home. We always went to church. I’m a pretty good person. Surely, I must be ready for heaven. Paul wrote in the book of Romans to answer this really clearly.
Victory!
Romans 3:10-12
Romans 3:23
Romans 6:23
Who can go to heaven? Only people who are changed by faith in Jesus Christ. 
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Do you remember the three points of the Gospel from a few weeks ago?
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1. Jesus died
2. He was buried
3. He rose on the third day
Verses 54-57 In verse 54, Paul says when this happens, when your perishable body is replaced by the imperishable or eternal body, the words of the prophet Isaiah will be fulfilled. Do any of you have Bibles with little letters above certain words or verses? This is a cross-reference. What verse is listed by the word “Death?” Mine says 
Isaiah 25:8
Not only do we have victory over death and the grave, through Jesus we have victory over sin. It no longer has power or complete control over us. Back in 
Romans 6
How do we say”No” to sin? Let me share a helpful picture with you.
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This “Y” Chart helps us see that our decisions begin in our heart – what we want and desire.
Now What?Verse 58Paul really made the closing of this message easy for me. Verse 58 starts with “Therefore, my beloved brothers.” It’s the “Now What summary of his teaching about the resurrection of Jesus, our future resurrection, our victory over sin and death, and our eventual immortal bodies. So what should you do?

Be steadfast and immovable.
Always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Our work for God is never in vain.

We all need a regular Spiritual Checkup.
Take AwaysDo you know the answer to today’s question: Who can go to heaven? 
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Are you going to heaven because you have new life in Jesus Christ or are hoping you will make on your own merits? God’s Word says if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ You will be saved. You need to confess your sinfulness and ask for God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. By faith alone, you need to accept his free gift of eternal life through God’s grace and mercy.
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How are you doing in the battle with sin? Is your desire to please God or please yourself? He promises to transform our hearts and change us as we yield our lives to Jesus as our Lord. If you are struggling with a particular sin or area of your life you may want to check out some of the booklets in our lobby. There is also a brochure to help identify idols or desires in our hearts. Talk to another brother or sister. Ask for prayer. Ask for help. Don’t stay alone.
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Are you stead, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord? If you are not involved in a ministry or serving, we have opportunities for you. Take a look at the “serve” flyer at the Welcome Center.
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Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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