The Spiritual Body

[Mr. M]

1 Corinthians 15:

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 

43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 

44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 

45 And so it is written, The first man Adam became a living being.

The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

It is an established fact that the redeemed of the Lord will not spend eternity in our natural body,

but in a glorified, spiritual body that will fully manifest at the resurrection of the just.

But what, if any role does the spiritual body play during our time on earth? To begin, what is

being transformed from glory to glory as we abide and overcome in this life?

2 Corinthians 3:

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 

18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being

transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

This is essential to sound comprehension, because:

2 Corinthians 5:

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive

the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 

11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God,

and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

It is for this reason that we cannot see our natural body as hopelessly corrupt and defiled by sin.

The redemption of our body is for the Lord's glory.

16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ

according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away;

behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 4:

5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bond servants for Jesus’ sake. 

6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts

to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 

Clearly, Paul's second epistle to the Corinthians emphasizes this point over and over.

2 Corinthians 6:

15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 

16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God.

As God has said: I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

17 Therefore; Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.

18 I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

No one will be spared the testing of the Lord's presence; all will have their life's work tried by fire.

Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

1 Corinthians 3:

12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones,

wood, hay, straw, 

13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire;

and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 

14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 

15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Will we come through as pure gold, or found wanting?

Isaiah 33:

14 The sinners in Zion are afraid;
Fearfulness has seized the hypocrites:
Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire?
Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burning?
15 He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly,
He who despises the gain of oppression,
Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes,
Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed,
And shuts his eyes from seeing evil:
16 He will dwell on high;
His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks;
Bread will be given him,
His water will be sure.

17 Your eyes will see the King in His beauty;
They will see the land that is very far off.

 

[Mr. M]

4 minutes ago, Mr. M said:

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 

2 Timothy 2:

19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal:

The Lord knows those who are His, and,

Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver,

but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 

21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor,

sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.