April 2021 Memory Verse

And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man. – 1 Corinthians 15:49

Paul writes a strong and straightforward letter to the church in Corinth to address the moral problems of corruption, sin, and immorality that were pervasive among Christians and certain church members there. This division was undermining the church and reflective of their spiritual immaturity.

As this was unfolding, Paul needed to address the problems which focused squarely on the need for corrective action and a clear commitment to unity in Christ. He emphasized the need to stand firm in their faith, be united in mind and thought as believers, and overcome living in this corrupt society.

As we live today, we must overcome these same divisions as Christians; we need to renew our minds with God’s Word — stand firm and live it out. By following Christ’s example, we bear more and more the image of the heavenly man.

We are human like Adam, the “earthly man,” with the same limitations. As we grow spiritually, we are changed to be more like Jesus, the “heavenly man.” Our present bodies are perish-able and prone to decay, but our resurrected bodies will be transformed and raised imperishable.

Though these bodies are perishable, they will be raised imperishable as the “heavenly man.” The mortal body will be changed into an immortal state — for our sinful flesh and blood cannot enter the kingdom of God. First Corinthians 15:50 teaches us “that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.”

Our immortal, spiritual bodies will not be weak, will never get sick, and will never die. They will be strong and sin-free. Because Christ rose from the dead, He is the source of the spiritual life that will result in our resurrection as the “heavenly man.” Praise be to God!

Just as we, who have been saved by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8) were born in the image of the earthly man of dust, so too will we also bear the image of the heavenly man — for He who began a good work in us at salvation will complete it in the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

by Eileen and Hank Pearson