Football season is here! The anticipation of opening kickoffs loom in the air. At this point in the season every team has championship aspirations. Even the Broncos have a chance…well probably not! Christians have something far more important to look forward to than tailgating and touchdowns though.

Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. “O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. -1 Corinthians 15:51-57

Imperishability. Dominance. Victory. There is no fear of losing, being traded, or season/career ending injuries. However, we must be on the team to receive these benefits.

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. -Romans 8:1-2

There is one condition. We must be “in Christ.” Romans 6 details how to get into Christ discussing what baptism does for a believer. However, baptism is merely the opening whistle. The remainder of this game is played out daily for the rest of a Christian’s life.

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. -Romans 12:1-2

Make no mistake. These assurances come for one reason, Jesus Christ. He commanded us to stand firm in our faith and constantly, tirelessly work for Him. The benefits of being faithful far outweigh alternative. As Paul said,

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

-1 Corinthians 15:58

Acquitted. Freed. Eternal. Once condemned to die, mankind has been offered a pardon.

Faithful submission to God’s Will is absolutely necessary to be pleasing to Him. We must be transformed into what He wants us to be. After all we have been freed from sin and death. God is now calling the plays. We traded the play-calling right for imperishable bodies, dominance over death, and victory over an otherwise unbeatable foe. If we will only stay faithful, we can utter the same words the Apostle John did as he anticipated Jesus’ return and the endgame.

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. -Revelation 22:20b

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Your people are waiting.