One Hope

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come.

We look…

This is a statement about posture.

Romans 8:18-19

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed.

"On one level the lesson nature teaches is fairly simple: what looks like death is merely preparation for the regeneration of livings things…What the naturalist sees in nature as proof of its regenerative strength, the Christian embraces as revelation of the power of God to raise us all to life everlasting." Vigen Guroian

We look to the day that the curse of sin is broken and the redemption of humanity is complete.

…for the resurrection of the dead…

Resurrection is the defeat of death.

Resurrection is not the reversal of death, that is called resurrection.

Resurrection is "God's 'yes' to life and creation." –Karl Barth

1 Corinthians 15:20-27

20 But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.

23 But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at his coming, those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when he abolishes all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he puts all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be abolished is death. 27 For God has put everything under his feet. Now when it says “everything” is put under him, it is obvious that he who puts everything under him is the exception.

…the life of the world to come.

"World" could be better translated as "age" (aión)

The world is not going to be restored; it will be completed and perfected.

Revelation 21:1-7

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

3 Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.

5 Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.” 6 Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life. 7 The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be my son.

We are to be people who live "at home with the Lord."

Amen.

This is true.

To confess the Creed is to place our whole lives—past, present, and eternal future—into the hands of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is not just a personal statement of faith; it is a public act of surrender.