Commentaries:
<< 1 Corinthians 15:41 1 Corinthians 15:43 >>
1 Corinthians 15:42-49
The image Paul speaks of is not merely that we will be composed of spirit even as Christ is, but that our very nature and character be like His. If God desired that we merely be spirit, He could have made us like angels. Angels, however, are not God; they are angels. God is doing a work in us through which we will become like Him, not like angels.
His purpose requires that we cooperate. Though our part is very small by comparison to what He is doing, it is nonetheless vital. Notice how Paul draws this beautiful section of I Corinthians to a conclusion by drawing our attention to what it will take on our part to make God's purpose work: "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (I Corinthians 15:57-58).
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Elements of Motivation (Part Three): HopeRelated Topics: Angels | Begettal of the Holy Spirit | Begotten of God | God's Image | God's Nature | God's Work | God's Workmanship | Image and Likeness of God | Image of Christ | Image of God | Image, Spiritual | Spirit Beings | Spirit of God | Steadfastness | Transformed into His LikenessOther Forerunner Commentary entries containing 1 Corinthians 15:42:
Genesis 1:26-27
Genesis 13:14-15
Luke 1:26-30
Luke 1:41-42
1 Corinthians 1:7-8
Revelation 7:3-8
Revelation 14:1-5
Revelation 20:1-3
<< 1 Corinthians 15:41 1 Corinthians 15:43 >>
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What Does 1 Corinthians 15:42 Mean?
In relation to 1 Corinthians 15:42, which speaks of the body being sown in corruption and raised in incorruption, the transformation at resurrection mirrors Christ's nature and character, not merely a change to spirit like angels. God's purpose is to shape humanity to be like Him, requiring cooperation, though humanity's role is small compared to God's work. This purpose demands steadfastness and dedication. As concluded in 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, thanks are given to God for victory through Jesus Christ, urging believers to remain immovable, always abounding in the Lord's work, with assurance that their labor is not in vain.