Shining Like Stars: What the Bible Reveals About Life After Death

We continue our meditation on 1 Corinthians 15, focusing on the incorruptible resurrection body that believers will receive at Christ's return. When that Day comes, what God has molded us to be will be revealed. Paul wrote that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50), indicating that believers' bodies will be transformed from perishable to imperishable (v. 53). Those believers on earth at Christ's coming will be changed instantly, without experiencing death. When Christ returns, in a flash, in the blink of an eye, God will make us like Christ. The apostle Paul writes elsewhere about this transformation of our bodies:

…the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body (Philippians 3:20-21).

The Greek term for "transform" is metaschēmatizō, derived from "meta," meaning a change of place or condition, and "schēma," referring to shape or outward form. It denotes transforming or altering the external form or appearance of something, such as refashioning or reshaping.^[1]

An imperishable body means it never ages or falls ill. Our new bodies will always be glorious, radiating beauty and youthful strength through God's glory. Just as Jesus entered the upper room through locked doors (John 20:19), we will also be able to pass through walls and travel instantly, free from physical limitations. Our new bodies will not be confined to a single realm of existence. While we cannot fully understand this now, being limited to earth, they will surpass our greatest imaginations—like a mighty oak surpassing its acorn.

Paul mentioned that our new bodies will resemble Christ's glorious body (Philippians 3:21), radiating authority and beauty. Jesus said, "The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43). These bodies will also be powerful (1 Corinthians 15:43). While strength will be part of it, this power also includes the ability to perform miracles, similar to Jesus, both then and now. We will partner with Him to accomplish His will. Our bodies will be resurrected, enabling us to see His face and be transformed into His likeness. The prophet Daniel described this time as follows:

¹"At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. ²Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. ³Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever(Daniel 12:1-3; emphasis added).

Daniel wrote that this would occur during a time of distress unlike anything the world has ever seen. However, during that time, everyone whose name is written in God’s book will be delivered (v. 1). This deliverance of God's people, the rapture and resurrection of the saints, occurs at some point during the tribulation, or time of distress (Matthew 24:21-29). Daniel continues by saying that those who dedicate their lives to reaching others for Christ will shine like the stars forever. While I cannot grasp what it means to shine like a star, it certainly sounds like a reward that will be amazing and worth our sacrifice, effort, and devotion to Christ. What God has been doing within you and through you will be revealed, and it will be glorious; the chrysalis of this old, decaying body will be transformed into an immortal body, just like our Lord's. It will finally be time to go home! Graduation day at last! There will be a magnificent new beginning, for Christ is the First Fruits (1 Corinthians 15:23), and we shall be like Him. When that Day arrives, may you be found in Him. Keith Thomas

Continue Your Journey…

This devotional is part of our series, Insights into Eternity. If you want to dive deeper into what God has planned for your future, continue to the next lesson: Study 3: What Will Your Resurrection Body Look Like?

^[1] Key Word Study Bible, AMG Publishers, Page 1651.