Incorruptness, as a biblical concept, refers to the state of being free from moral corruption, decay, or impurity. It is closely associated with the ideas of purity, integrity, and holiness, reflecting the character of God and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

Biblical References

The term "incorruptness" is not frequently used in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept is woven throughout Scripture. In the Berean Standard Bible, the idea is often conveyed through words like "incorruptible," "imperishable," and "undefiled."

1. Divine Nature and Incorruptness: God is described as incorruptible, highlighting His eternal and unchanging nature. Romans 1:23 speaks of humanity's folly in exchanging "the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles." Here, the incorruptibility of God is contrasted with the corruptible nature of created things.

2. The Incorruptible Word: The Word of God is described as incorruptible, emphasizing its eternal truth and power. 1 Peter 1:23 states, "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." This passage underscores the enduring and unchanging nature of God's Word, which brings about spiritual rebirth and transformation.

3. Incorruptible Inheritance: Believers are promised an incorruptible inheritance in heaven. 1 Peter 1:4 describes this inheritance as "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you." This promise assures Christians of the eternal and secure nature of their future hope in Christ.

4. Incorruptible Bodies: The resurrection of the dead is a key aspect of Christian eschatology, where believers are promised incorruptible bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:52-54 explains, "For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality." This transformation signifies victory over death and the full realization of eternal life.

5. Moral Incorruptness: The call to live in moral incorruptness is a recurring theme in the New Testament. Titus 2:7 urges believers, "In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity." This exhortation highlights the importance of living a life that reflects the purity and holiness of God.

Theological Significance

Incorruptness is a reflection of God's perfect nature and His desire for His people to share in His holiness. It is both a present reality and a future hope for believers. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, Christians are called to live lives marked by integrity and purity, resisting the corrupting influences of the world. The promise of an incorruptible inheritance and resurrection body provides motivation and assurance for believers to persevere in faith and godliness.

Practical Implications

1. Personal Holiness: Believers are encouraged to pursue personal holiness, striving to live lives that are free from moral corruption. This involves regular self-examination, repentance, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.

2. Integrity in Conduct: Christians are called to demonstrate integrity in all areas of life, including work, relationships, and ministry. This involves being truthful, trustworthy, and consistent in one's actions and words.

3. Hope in Eternal Promises: The assurance of an incorruptible inheritance and resurrection body provides hope and encouragement in the face of life's challenges and the reality of death. Believers are reminded to fix their eyes on the eternal promises of God, which are secure and unchanging.

Incorruptness, therefore, is not only a divine attribute but also a calling for believers to reflect God's holiness in their lives, looking forward to the fulfillment of His promises in eternity.1. (n.) Freedom or exemption from decay or corruption.

2. (n.) Probity; integrity; honesty.

1 John iv. 16-Dec
... Works of mercy, affections of charity, sanctity of piety, incorruptness of chastity,
modesty of sobriety, these things are always to be practiced: whether we ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily viii 1 john iv.htm

As Concerning Purity of Body; Here Indeed a Very Honorable Regard ...
... therefore must the mind corrupt itself by a lie for the sake of its body, which
it knows remaineth incorrupt if from the mind itself incorruptness depart not. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 10 as concerning purity.htm

Preface to Volume i. Of the Edinburgh Edition.
... His heresy turns mainly upon two points"the assumed incorruptness of human nature,
and the denial of all supernatural influence upon the human will. Sec. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/preface to volume i of.htm

2 Cor. vi. 1, 2
... But by "pureness" here, he means either chasteness again, or general purity,
or incorruptness, or even his preaching the Gospel freely. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xii 2 cor vi.htm

Incorruptness (1 Occurrence)
...Incorruptness (1 Occurrence). Titus 2:7 In all things showing thyself a pattern
of good works: in doctrine showing incorruptness, gravity, sincerity, (WBS). ...
/i/incorruptness.htm - 6k

Incorruption (6 Occurrences)

/i/incorruption.htm - 8k

Increase (184 Occurrences)

/i/increase.htm - 40k

Incorruptness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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