What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:45?

So it is written

- Paul signals that what follows rests on the settled authority of Scripture, echoing Genesis 2:7.

- By prefacing with “it is written,” he reminds us that every point in this chapter about resurrection stands on God-breathed writ (2 Timothy 3:16).

- The Gospel hinges on promises already penned; Paul simply draws the line from the first pages of Genesis to the empty tomb.

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The first man Adam became a living being

- Genesis 2:7: “Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.”

• Adam received life; he did not generate it.

• His life was earthy and finite, and through him sin and death spread to all (Romans 5:12-14).

- Adam’s physical, natural life sets the baseline for humanity—precious yet perishable (1 Corinthians 15:47).

- Paul underscores the literal history of Adam so we grasp the literal hope of resurrection; if the first man is myth, the argument collapses.

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the last Adam a life-giving spirit

- “Last Adam” identifies Christ as the final, definitive Head of a new humanity (1 Corinthians 15:22).

• Where Adam could only receive breath, Jesus breathes out eternal life (John 1:4; John 5:21).

• His resurrection body is spiritual—not immaterial, but perfectly animated by God’s Spirit, incapable of decay (Romans 6:9).

- Because He lives, He imparts life now (John 11:25-26) and guarantees a resurrected, incorruptible body for every believer (1 Corinthians 15:52-53).

- The contrast is complete: Adam brings mortality; Christ brings immortality (Romans 5:15-19).

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summary

- Scripture roots the gospel in real history: Adam literally formed from dust, Christ literally risen from death.

- Adam received life and passed on death; Jesus conquers death and passes on life.

- Trusting the last Adam secures more than forgiveness—it secures a future, glorified body suited for eternity with God.