Read I Corinthians 15 The Resurrection from the dead

So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption (:42). It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power (:43). It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. (I Corinthians 15:42-44)

Paul begins with the prominence of resurrection that is what the gospel is. The proofs of resurrection as Jesus was seen by many of His disciples. He continues with the parade of resurrection concerning Christ as the firstfruit and death is destroyed. Here with regard to the pattern of resurrection. He clarifies the varieties of bodies - those of vegetations, flesh, fishes, celestial and terrestrial with their different glory and adaptation in the different sphere. Now he directs to the resurrection of the dead. The change of the body from the terrestrial to a celestial one. Paul use 4 contrasts to show the difference.

Incorruption triumphs over corruption. Burying the dead is like sowing them; it is like committing the seed to the earth, that it may spring out of it again. And our bodies, which are sown, are corruptible (subject to disease, injury and decay), and crumble to dust. God will raise it up from the grave and never more be liable to corruption.

Glory triumphs over dishonour. It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory. Ours is at present a vile body. At the resurrection a glory will be put upon it; it will be made like the glorious body of our Saviour; it will shine out with a splendour resembling his.

Power triumphs over weakness. It is laid in the power of death, deprived of all vital capacities and powers, of life and strength: it is utterly unable to move or stir. But when we arise our bodies will have heavenly life and vigour infused into them; they will be hale, and firm, and durable, and lively, and liable no more to any infirmity, weakness, or decay.

Spiritual triumphs over natural. The natural body fitted to the temporal condition and sensitive pleasures and enjoyments of this life, which are all gross in comparison of the heavenly state and enjoyments. But when we rise it will be spiritual. It transients the natural, it is perfection in purity and beauty.

Prayer: Lord, I keep my body the best I know how. I do fail now and then yet by Your sustaining grace I have enjoyed many years of good health and vitality. The day will come I am totally freed from any infirmities and be changed to a glorious body.

Previous Day
Next Day