*1 Corinthians 15:42-58
Paul promises believers a future transformation with imperishable bodies at the moment of Christ’s return.
- Nature of the Resurrection Body:
- Paul explains the transformation that occurs in the resurrection, using the analogy of a seed that dies and then rises in a new form. He states that the body is sown perishable but is raised imperishable.
- The resurrection body is described as sown in dishonor but raised in glory; sown in weakness but raised in power; and sown a natural body but raised a spiritual body.
- Contrast Between Adam and Christ:
- He contrasts the first man, Adam, who became a living being and was of the earth, with the last Adam—Christ, who is a life-giving spirit and is from heaven.
- As believers have borne the image of the earthly man, so they will bear the image of the heavenly man in their resurrected form.
- Mystery of the Resurrection:
- Paul reveals a mystery: not all believers will die, but all will be changed in an instant, at the last trumpet. The dead will be raised imperishable, and the living will be changed.
- This transformation is necessary because perishable bodies cannot inherit the imperishable kingdom of God.
- Victory Over Death:
- Upon this change, the saying will come true that “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
- Paul taunts death, asking where its victory and sting are, and explains that the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
- He credits God for giving believers victory over death through Jesus Christ.
- Exhortation to Steadfastness and Labor:
- In conclusion, Paul encourages the Corinthians to stand firm and let nothing move them.
- He exhorts them to always give themselves fully to the work of the Lord, knowing that their labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:42-58 teaches us that because of Jesus, death is not the end—we have the promise of eternal life. Our bodies may grow weak now, but one day, God will give us new, perfect bodies that will never wear out. This gives us hope and reminds us to stay strong in our faith. We can apply this by not being afraid of life’s challenges, standing firm in our trust in God, and always giving our best in serving Him, knowing that everything we do for Him has eternal value.
1 Corinthians 15:42-58 (WEB)
15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown perishable; it is raised imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is also a spiritual body.45 So also it is written, “The first man Adam became a living soul.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, that which is spiritual isn’t first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual. 47 The first man is of the earth, made of dust. The second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the one made of dust, such are those who are also made of dust; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 As we have borne the image of those made of dust, let’s also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood can’t inherit God’s Kingdom; neither does the perishable inherit imperishable.51 Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable body must become imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable body will have become imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then what is written will happen: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”55 “Death, where is your sting?Hades, where is your victory?”56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.