In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “death has been swallowed up in victory.” (I Corinthians 15:52-54)
“We will be changed.” Notice that when the change occurs, death has been swallowed up in victory. The ascension to Heaven is not mentioned.
This is the resurrection. The resurrection is not a change of where we are but a change of what we are. The expression “the dead will be raised imperishable” does not mean raised from the surface of the earth, but changed from death into life.
Notice there is no mention of an ascension. The “rapture” teaching of our day emphasizes an ascension. An ascension is not a part of the resurrection. An ascension is nothing more than a movement from the earth to the spirit world. It is not a critical part of our redemption. It is an expression of Kingdom power----nothing more.
