Swallowed Up of Life: Triumph Over Mortality

This study explores the profound truth of our mortal bodies being transformed and overcome by the divine life, examining the nature of God, the work of Christ, and the experience of the believer in receiving and living in this eternal life.

1. The One True God and His Manifestation

1.1 God is One

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 45:5-6

There is only one God, the Creator of all things.
He is indivisible and supreme, without equal or rival.
All divine attributes reside in this single being.

1.2 The Lord Jesus Christ: God Manifest in Flesh

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9; Isaiah 9:6

Jesus is the one God revealed in human form.
In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
He is both fully God and fully man.

1.3 The Spirit of God

Verses: John 4:24; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:9-11; Acts 2:38

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the one God, the Spirit of Christ.
It is the active presence and power of God working in the world and in believers.
Receiving the Spirit is receiving the very life of God.

2. The Atoning Work of Christ

2.1 The Purpose of the Incarnation

Verses: Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 John 3:8; Romans 8:3

God took on flesh to destroy the works of the devil and deliver humanity from the power of death.
Through His human experience, He became a merciful and faithful high priest.
He came to reveal the Father and offer salvation.

2.2 The Sacrifice on the Cross

Verses: 1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 5:8-9

Jesus bore our sins in His own body on the tree, providing complete atonement.
His death was the ultimate sacrifice, satisfying divine justice.
Through His blood, we receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

2.3 Resurrection and Victory

Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:4; Acts 2:24

God raised Jesus from the dead, demonstrating His power over sin and death.
His resurrection is the guarantee of our own future resurrection.
He conquered mortality, opening the way for us to share in His life.

3. Experiencing the New Birth

3.1 Repentance and Faith

Verses: Acts 2:38; Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3

True repentance involves a change of mind and heart, turning from sin to God.
Faith is believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as the one God and Savior.
These are foundational steps to receiving God's life.

3.2 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5; Colossians 2:12

Baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ is essential for the remission of sins.
It is a burial with Christ and a resurrection to newness of life.
This act identifies us with His death, burial, and resurrection.

3.3 Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 2:38-39; John 7:38-39; Romans 8:11

The infilling of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in other tongues, is the promise to all believers.
The Spirit is the life-giving power of God dwelling within us.
It is the down payment of our inheritance and the power for victorious living.

4. The Promise of Glorification

4.1 The Spirit as the Pledge of Life

Verses: Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14

The Holy Spirit within us is the guarantee that our mortal bodies will be quickened.
It is the earnest of our inheritance, assuring us of future glory.
The Spirit is the life-force that will ultimately overcome all mortality.

4.2 Transformation at His Coming

Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2

At the return of Christ, believers will be instantly changed, receiving glorified bodies.
Our humble bodies will be fashioned like unto His glorious body.
Mortality will be swallowed up by immortality, and corruption by incorruption.

4.3 Victory Over Death

Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; Hosea 13:14; Revelation 21:4

Death, the last enemy, will be utterly defeated.
The sting of death and the victory of the grave will be abolished.
Through Christ, we have triumph over death and the promise of eternal life.