1 corinthians 15:46 - However that which is spiritual isn’t first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual.
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What does "1 corinthians 15:46" mean?
1 Corinthians 15:46, "However that which is spiritual isn’t first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual," is a key verse in Paul's discussion of the resurrection and the nature of the resurrected body. To understand it, we need to look at the context of the entire chapter. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context:
The Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-58): Paul is arguing for the reality of the resurrection of believers. He emphasizes that if Christ wasn't raised, our faith is in vain. He contrasts the earthly, perishable body we have now with the glorified, imperishable body we will receive at the resurrection.
Meaning of the Verse:
The verse highlights a fundamental principle in God's plan and the order of creation and redemption. It means:
1. "That which is natural isn't first": The natural realm, the physical world we experience with our senses, is not the starting point or the ultimate reality. It's a temporary and imperfect state.
2. "But that which is natural": We begin in the natural realm. We are born with physical bodies, governed by physical laws and limitations.
3. "Then that which is spiritual": The spiritual realm, the realm of God and the Holy Spirit, is the ultimate reality and the ultimate destination for believers. However, we come to the spiritual after the natural. It implies a progression or a transformation.
Interpretations & Implications:
Order of Creation and Redemption: God created the physical world first (Genesis 1), and then infused it with life. Similarly, we are first born into a physical existence, and then, through faith in Christ, we are born again spiritually.
Progression, not Elimination: The verse doesn't suggest that the natural is evil or to be discarded. Instead, it implies a progression. The natural serves as a foundation upon which the spiritual is built.
Human Development: We begin as physical beings, and as we grow in Christ, we develop our spiritual capacity and understanding.
The Resurrected Body: Paul uses this principle to explain the nature of the resurrected body. Adam, the first man, had a natural body. Christ, the second Adam, has a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:45). Our resurrected bodies will be like Christ's - spiritual, imperishable, and powerful.
Contrast with Gnosticism: This verse implicitly refutes Gnostic ideas prevalent at the time, which believed the spiritual was inherently good and the physical inherently evil. Paul affirms the goodness of creation while emphasizing the ultimate importance of the spiritual.
In Summary:
1 Corinthians 15:46 teaches that the natural world and physical life are not ultimate realities. They are a necessary first step in God's plan, leading to a spiritual reality, culminating in our resurrected bodies that will be glorious and spiritual, just like Christ's. The verse emphasizes the order of God's plan: natural first, then spiritual, highlighting the transformative power of faith in Christ and the promise of a future, glorified existence.
1 corinthians 15:46 - However that which is spiritual isn’t first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual.
What does "1 corinthians 15:46" mean?
1 Corinthians 15:46, "However that which is spiritual isn’t first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual," is a key verse in Paul's discussion of the resurrection and the nature of the resurrected body. To understand it, we need to look at the context of the entire chapter. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context:
The Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-58): Paul is arguing for the reality of the resurrection of believers. He emphasizes that if Christ wasn't raised, our faith is in vain. He contrasts the earthly, perishable body we have now with the glorified, imperishable body we will receive at the resurrection.
Meaning of the Verse:
The verse highlights a fundamental principle in God's plan and the order of creation and redemption. It means:
1. "That which is natural isn't first": The natural realm, the physical world we experience with our senses, is not the starting point or the ultimate reality. It's a temporary and imperfect state.
2. "But that which is natural": We begin in the natural realm. We are born with physical bodies, governed by physical laws and limitations.
3. "Then that which is spiritual": The spiritual realm, the realm of God and the Holy Spirit, is the ultimate reality and the ultimate destination for believers. However, we come to the spiritual after the natural. It implies a progression or a transformation.
Interpretations & Implications:
Order of Creation and Redemption: God created the physical world first (Genesis 1), and then infused it with life. Similarly, we are first born into a physical existence, and then, through faith in Christ, we are born again spiritually.
Progression, not Elimination: The verse doesn't suggest that the natural is evil or to be discarded. Instead, it implies a progression. The natural serves as a foundation upon which the spiritual is built.
Human Development: We begin as physical beings, and as we grow in Christ, we develop our spiritual capacity and understanding.
The Resurrected Body: Paul uses this principle to explain the nature of the resurrected body. Adam, the first man, had a natural body. Christ, the second Adam, has a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:45). Our resurrected bodies will be like Christ's - spiritual, imperishable, and powerful.
Contrast with Gnosticism: This verse implicitly refutes Gnostic ideas prevalent at the time, which believed the spiritual was inherently good and the physical inherently evil. Paul affirms the goodness of creation while emphasizing the ultimate importance of the spiritual.
In Summary:
1 Corinthians 15:46 teaches that the natural world and physical life are not ultimate realities. They are a necessary first step in God's plan, leading to a spiritual reality, culminating in our resurrected bodies that will be glorious and spiritual, just like Christ's. The verse emphasizes the order of God's plan: natural first, then spiritual, highlighting the transformative power of faith in Christ and the promise of a future, glorified existence.