1 Corinthians 15:46

150409_up_into_dome

Thursday, 9 April 2015

However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 1 Corinthians 15:46

Speaking of the process of the resurrection and the order of it, Paul now explicitly states a truth to consider which confirms what he has been saying. There is an order to the progression of man (not meaning all men, but those who will be of the resurrection).

Earlier in 1 Corinthians 15:21-23 Paul spoke of this order which has been ordained. Included in it is not only resurrection to life, but a different category of life than what we currently understand. There was first “the natural.” Adam was created as a living being, being brought from the dust. He was given free will and he (known to God before it happened) exercised that free will. In doing so, corruption ensued. This is the state of the natural.

However, for those who will participate in the resurrection, like the seed which changes into something else, we too will change. It will be from “the natural” into “the spiritual.” This is the process which God ordained for the order of things. Whereas the natural was of decay and death, the spiritual will be of eternal vigor and life.

Life application: What we perceive now will be put away and something far better than we can imagine will replace it. Whatever is coming, it will be glorious!

Heavenly Father, without a life of difficulty, disease, death, and decay, we could never truly appreciate eternal life. Contrast provides perspective, and knowledge allows us to perceive it in its proper way. Knowing this, I am happy to say that “This world isn’t my hope or my home.” I long for that which lies ahead. No fear here! Even so, come Lord Jesus! Amen.

 

Leave a Reply