1 Corinthians 15:48-49, The Image of the Heavenly
1 Corinthians 15:48-49 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
God’s work of redemption for fallen men is meant to rescue them from hell to heaven. The earthy, the man that lives upon earth, that is cursed to an unavoidable death, has a reprieve. And the earthy is starkly contrasted with the heavenly. The curse of the earthy is contrasted with the blessing of the heavenly.
And the work of sharing the gospel of reconciliation so that the earthy may partake of the heavenly is decidedly urgent. As long as a man is alive, he may have the opportunity to find salvation in Christ Jesus. But death brings with it a frightening reality for those who do not know Christ. It is a fearful consignment to everlasting judgment as the Apostle Paul rightly said in 2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
May the good news of a resurrection life be conveyed to bring awakening, hope, and comfort to a dying world. Amen.