Instant Transformation
In an instant – in the twinkling of an eye – we will be changed from this perishable, earthly body to an imperishable body – transformed into His likeness.
Listen very carefully, I tell you a mystery [a secret truth decreed by God and previously hidden, but now revealed]; we will not all sleep [in death], but we will all be [completely] changed [wondrously transformed], in a moment [an instant], in the twinkling of an eye, at [the sound of] the last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [who believed in Christ] will be raised imperishable, and we will be [completely] changed [wondrously transformed]. ~1 Corinthians 15:51-52 AMP
Called to Live with Him
God calls us to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, for salvation. If we choose to believe and receive His gift of Life, we will live with Him forever.
For God has not appointed us to [incur His] wrath [He did not select us to condemn us], but [that we might] obtain [His] salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who died for us so that whether we are still alive or are dead [at Christ’s appearing], we might live together with Him and share His life. ~1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 AMPC
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. ~John 14:1-3 NASB
Instantly Transferred
In one instance, we are here, and the next instance, we are there. I have a friend who visited heaven for just a few moments. Kay speaks of the River of Life washing away all the cares of the world, the pain, and the sickness. Instantly, she was well, clothed in white, and walking on a narrow pathway towards Jesus, Who was walking towards her with arms outstretched and smiling.
Kay speaks of the cloud of witnesses and that she recognized family and friends who had gone before her. Kay speaks of the atmosphere of peace, wholeness, and understanding of wellbeing. She said it was very hard on her when Jesus said she must return to the earth – that it wasn’t her time. She speaks of her return being a mixed blessing. Kay said earth has a “weight of heaviness to it” that makes breathing laborious though we do not realize it. In heaven, everything is weight free, light, and bright. Kay speaks of breathing freely in the River of Life and on the pathway. I hope Kay’s visit brings you hope and reassurance.
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” ~Hebrews 12:1-3 NASB
We never know the instant we will be called home, but we do have this moment in time to respond the Lord’s loving invitation to come to Him.
“Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Christ), in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
There will no longer exist anything that is cursed [because sin and illness and death are gone]; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bondservants will serve and worship Him [with great awe and joy and loving devotion]; they will [be privileged to] see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.
And there will no longer be night; they have no need for lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign [as kings] forever and ever. Then he said to me, ‘These words are faithful and true.’
And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel [as a representative] to show His bondservants the things that must soon take place. ‘And behold, I am coming quickly.
Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is the one who heeds and takes to heart and remembers the words of the prophecy [that is, the predictions, consolations, and warnings] contained in this book (scroll).’ I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things.” ~Revelation 22:1-8a AMP
In an instant, our perspective changes from the temporary offerings of this world to the forever offerings our loving God offers us through Jesus Christ. In this instant or moment of time, how will you respond to Him?
Recommendations:
How to Find God – Strength with Dignity
How to Examine the Soil of Our Hearts – Strength with Dignity
5 Ways to Overcome Our Fears – Strength with Dignity
References:
7 bible Verses about Twinkling of an Eye. Published by Knowing Jesus. Retrieved December 1, 2022, from 7 Bible verses about Twinkling Of An Eye (knowing-jesus.com)
Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631.
Amplified Bible, Classis Edition (AMPC) Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.
New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB 1995), copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
World English Bible (WEB) by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Bible Gateway Blogger Grid Member #bgbg2 #BibleGateway
18 thoughts on “Instant – in the Twinkling of an Eye – Transformation”
Paul had said that when we die
we’ll be quite abruptly changed;
in the twinkling of an eye
bodies will be rearranged
to a form that will not perish,
but will fit a life in Christ.
This is something to be cherished,
for if I may be precise
things are getting pretty rough
for this body that is mine;
it has seen more than enough
and it’s getting to be time
to let it go with little sorrow,
a down payment on tomorrow.
I’m sad to hear things are so rough, Andrew! I’m so glad we have a hope that does not perish! May the Lord continue to give you and Barb grace as you walk this journey.
I loved reading about Kay’s experience. I think we can avoid talking about death sometimes, but the hope we have is amazing!
I’m so thankful He is our Living Hope, Lesley!
Lisa, my thoughts went in the same direction, using 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. However, I don’t read the Amplified very often and I LOVED the wording so thank you for sharing it! “In an instant, our perspective changes.” Amen!
I’m so thankful we have His Presence, Joanne, as His Presence changes us and our perspective. {Using Bible Gateway – whenever I look up a verse, they have a button that says see other translations, then I read through and pick the translation that seems to bring the most clarity – AMP, AMPC, NASB or WEB. Anyway, I’m not sure if you use that resource or not, but it is helpful.}
Beautiful post, Lisa, so full of hope. And thanks for sharing Kay’s experience as well.
I’m so glad you were encouraged, Sandra! Kay’s experience brings insight, hope, and comfort.
Thank you for sharing Kay’s testimony. God is good to allow us glimpses to encourage those of us whose faith in the unknown can sometimes waiver when the chips are down. #8
Kay’s testimony brings us both hope and comfort, Dawn!
What a wonderful testimony. A lot of people are skeptical of those near death experiences. They are so personal, I am glad Kay shared it. I know when I could not longer fight for my life in the hospital, Jesus did.
I’m so glad you were encouraged, Rebecca! Yes, Kay’s testimony brings such peace and comfort to us. I’m so glad Jesus walked with you in the hospital, and you are here with us today!
Instant, in the twinkling of an eye – isn’t this a wonderful thought? Enjoyed reading about your friend Kay. I have a friend that died on the operating table and floated above her body. She later asked the doctors why there were numbers on top of a tall cabinet in the room. They were secretly doing a study on NDE patients. I’ve encouraged her to write about her experience, maybe she will one day. Thanks so much for linking up at the Unlimited Link Party 92. Shared.
In the twinkling of an eye is a wonderful thought, Dee! Kay’s story is encouraging! I hope your friend writes about her experience or tells it to someone like you and allows you to write it for her. Thanks for hosting, Dee!
I’m so glad that when Jesus comes, we’ll be changed in an instant! Meanwhile, I strive to allow God to change me here on earth–the transformation is often painful (mostly mentally and emotionally), but I know he’s doing a good work in me!
Transformation is a daily process, Anita! I’m so glad we can trust Him to finish what He has begun in us!
This is so comforting and peace bringing. I treasure your encouragement today.
Thank you for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.
Kay’s testimony is comforting, Paula.