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"SOWN IN ORDER TO BE RAISED" "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is SOWN in corruption; it is RAISED in incorruption: It is SOWN in dishonour; it is RAISED in glory: it is SOWN in weakness; it is RAISED in power: It is SOWN a natural body; it is RAISED a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) (caps mine for emphasis)In this 15th chapter of 1st Corinthians, we find that powerful promise of our future hope in Christ. The reality of Christ's resurrection assures us of our own resurrection and the ultimate defeat of death. As we journey through life, facing various trials and uncertainties, let us hold firmly to the Gospel of Christ, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Our future is secured in Christ, death is defeated, and victory is ours.Notice here that the words "sown" and "raised" are both mentioned four times in these 3 verses? I love the way the Holy Spirit reminds us here with those sobering words, "it is sown", but then He quickly follows it up with that sure promise, "it is raised." No wonder He's the Comforter!Look at what Paul pens concerning our present earthly bodies versus our promised eternal bodies.Our earthly body:1. It is sown a perishable body (15:42 a, 45a, 47a).2. It is sown in dishonor (15:43a).3. It is sown in weakness (15:43c).4. It is sown a natural body (15:44a, 46a, 48a).5. It is sown bearing the likeness of the first Adam (15:49a).Our eternal body:1. It will be raised imperishable (15:42b).2. It will be raised in glory (15:43b).3. It will be raised in power (15:43d).4. It will be raised a spiritual body (15:44b, 46b, 48b).5. It will be raised giving life (15:45b).6. It will come from heaven (15:47b).7. It will be raised bearing the likeness of Christ (15:49b).As we carry those flowers to the cemetery and place them on the graves of those faithful to God fallen heroes of freedom, or maybe a Christian family member or a saved friend who died while serving their country, let's not dwell long on that day when they were placed in the ground. Rather, let's look forward to the day they will be raised. And oh, what a day that will be when that shout will be heard, the trump will sound, and the dead in Christ shall come forth (1 Thessalonians 4:15-16).Friends, it will serve us well to remember that the bodies of those dear ones there in their graves aren't buried and bound forever. No! No! According to the Scriptures, they're only SOWN in order to be RAISED!