Bearing the Image of the Heavenly 1 Corinthians 15:49

Paul the apostle declared to the church members in Corinth, “as is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly”, and in chapter fifteen and verse forty-nine of First Corinthians, Paul told the church members how the “earthy” shall “bear the image of the heavenly”, where we read:

And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

The verse begins, “And as we have borne the image of the earthy,...” Paul began with the words, “as we have borne” or “as Paul and the church members have worn like a garment” “the image” which means “the figure and likeness” “of the earthy” or “that which is made of the earth, dust or dirt and by implication terrain”. Paul made reference to how he and the church members wore their “earthy” bodies.

The verse goes on to say, “...we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” Paul added the words, “we shall also” which means “Paul and the church members will in addition” “bear” or “wear like a garment” “the image” which means “the figure and likeness” “of the heavenly” or “that which exists and takes place in heaven and the heavenly regions”. The promise given by Paul was those within the church who believed in Jesus would also “wear” the likeness of their “heavenly” bodies.

When we think through these words from Paul, we enjoy his promise of the “heavenly” body. God the Heavenly Father gave us “earthy” bodies, and those bodies cannot enter into “heaven”. Therefore it is necessary for us to receive the “heavenly” bodies made available by belief in His Son Jesus. May all who read these words and believe in Jesus Christ claim the promise of their “heavenly” bodies as they rely upon the Creator of the Universe who knows all things both now and forever.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.