What does "image of the heavenly" mean in 1 Corinthians 15:49? Text of the Passage “And just as we have borne the image of the earthly, so also shall we bear the image of the heavenly.” (1 Corinthians 15:49) Key Word Study: “Image” • Greek: εἰκών (eikōn) – a visible likeness, exact representation • Carries the idea of sharing not only appearance but nature and attributes • Same root used of Christ as the “image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15) Earthly Image: The Legacy of Adam • Adam was “formed from the dust of the ground” (Genesis 2:7) • Because of the Fall, his descendants inherit: – Mortality – “in Adam all die” (1 Corinthians 15:22) – Weakness and dishonor (vv. 42–43) – A natural body suited for life on a fallen earth (v. 44) • Paul’s phrase “we have borne” highlights our present, undeniable solidarity with Adam’s fallen condition Heavenly Image: The Likeness of Christ • The “last Adam” is “the Lord from heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:47) • After His resurrection, Jesus possessed: – Incorruptibility (v. 42) – Glory (v. 43) – Power (v. 43) – A spiritual body still tangible yet free from death and decay (Luke 24:39; Romans 6:9) • This “image of the heavenly” is nothing less than sharing Christ’s risen, glorified human nature How and When We Bear the Heavenly Image • Moment of Resurrection: – “For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:52) – “He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.” (Philippians 3:21) • Certainty of Fulfillment: – “We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2) • Present Foretaste: – The Spirit inwardly renews us (2 Corinthians 3:18), guaranteeing our future redemption (Ephesians 1:13–14) Connections with Other Scriptures • Romans 8:29 – Predestined “to be conformed to the image of His Son” • 2 Corinthians 5:1–4 – Longing to be “clothed with our heavenly dwelling” • Colossians 3:4 – “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” • Revelation 21:4 – No more death, mourning, crying, or pain—realities tied to the heavenly image Implications for Daily Life • Confidence – Our future body is as certain as Christ’s resurrection • Hope – Suffering and decay are temporary; glory and immortality await • Holiness – We set our minds “on things above,” living consistently with our destiny (Colossians 3:1–3) • Encouragement – Comfort one another with the promise that we will “bear the image of the heavenly” in perfect, everlasting fellowship with the Lord |
    |