The Real Thing

Now for the real thing, Now for the kingdom come, Now for refining, We are more than we've become

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In my early years as a Christian I used to wonder how people could get so excited about heaven. It was mostly described as a floating existence in a spiritual realm with no tangible or physical reality. Such an ethereal concept didn't sound too thrilling to me but I held on to the idea that the Lord would not actually let us get too bored up there, and I also felt a bit guilty for entertaining such worldly doubts.

Then I began to dig deeper into Biblical truth, discovering that future human existence without a physical body is only a passing phase, and that one day we will be raised just like Jesus was and given a new body just like His. Where that spiritual body lives for the rest of eternity will depend on our attitude to Jesus now and what we do in our bodies today. (1 Corinthians 15, 2 Corinthians 5) The ultimate, everlasting home for those who have given their lives to Jesus will be the New Earth and the New Heaven where we will live as real and resurrected bodies for ever. (Revelation 21) 

Paul says in Colossians 2:17: 'These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.'

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The word 'substance' is also translated in some versions as 'reality' but the actual word means 'body'. There is a close relationship between the word 'shadow' (skua) and the word 'body' (soma), just as there is a connection between a physical being and the shadow that it casts; they are counterparts. However, it is patently evident that 'soma' is more real, more substantive, more tangible than its 'skua' which flits around according to the light source.

Paul is writing to the Colossians about the religious practices of the day, festivals and life styles which some people regarded as essential to godly living, but which in fact were mere passing shadows. There is nothing wrong with a shadow, as long as it reminds us of the body, as long as it points to the truth, which is reality. The scriptures are full of 'shadows' that point to Jesus. The Old Testament is fulfilled by the New, made complete by the entry of Jesus clothed in human flesh, a body whose shadow has been seen since the beginning of history.

In the light of this we may wish to consider what is 'body' and what is 'shadow' in our own lives. There is still much chasing of shadows in our modern culture, and there is much tradition, religion and ritual surrounding church life. Let us make sure that all of it points us to the Body of Christ Himself, or we may find ourselves disillusioned or chasing after shadows.

Here are some words from a recent inspiring song from Marc James:

Now for the real thing
Now for the kingdom come
Now for refining
We are more than we've become
Now for repenting
Til our only cry is Jesus
Now for the promise
Now for the church on fire
Now for the fulness
We want more than shallow lives
Now for your goodness
To fill the whole earth, Jesus.

Be blessed in your seeking of the real thing. 'And Christ himself is that reality.' (Colossians 2:17 NLT)

Author: John Plumb

May God bless and enrich your life

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