When the Mortal Puts on Immortality

Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Corinthians 15:35-58.

Addressing a potential objection, St. Paul teaches the Corinthians about the resurrection body. Using images from agriculture and creation, he says that the resurrection body is given by God as a different kind of body with a different glory than this perishable body. The resurrection body will be raised imperishable and glorious, animated fully by the Holy Spirit. As we are connected with Adam and have borne the image of dust, so also as we are connected with Christ we will bear His heavenly image. This will happen on the Last Day, when even those who have not died will be changed. The perishable will put on the imperishable. This mortal body will put on immortality as death is finally swallowed up in victory. This blessed hope which we await, strengthens us to labor in the Lord right now.

“Nothing But Christ Crucified” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 1 Corinthians. In response to correspondence from the Christians in Corinth and reports about matters arising in the congregation, St. Paul writes to address various matters of Christian faith and life. Throughout it all, he directs our attention to the power and wisdom of God for our salvation: Christ crucified.