Questions for Littles: What question does the apostle suggest that someone will ask in v35? What does the apostle call this person in v36? What must happen to what is planted, in order for it to be made alive? How does the resulting plant compare to what was put in the ground (v37-41)? To what event does v42 compare a particular plant being produced by a particular seed? What kind of body is put into the ground? What kind of body comes out of it—what four things do v42-44 say about the body that is put into the ground? What four things do those verses say about the body that comes out? What did the first Adam become (v45)? What did the last Adam become? From where was the first Adam (v47)? From where is the last Adam? Who is the pattern for what happens to those who are in the first Adam (v48)? Who is the pattern for what happens to those who are in the last Adam? Whose physical image have we borne (49a)? Whose physical image shall we bear (49b)?In this week’s Epistle reading, we begin with a question that implies an objection that could have been reasonable. “With what body?...” implies the objection, “Have you seen my body, and what happens to it after death? I don’t want that body back!!!”
Of course not. That zombie stuff is literally what horror stories are made of. But, as the apostle says, it is a foolish objection. For the decline, death, and decay of our bodies all belong to the first Adam. It is what we deserve in him. It is what happened to him. It is what will happen to everyone who is in him. But he is not the pattern for us who believe in Christ!!
No, Christ is the pattern for us. And what happened with Christ? A corruptible, dishonored, weak, natural body went into the tomb. An incorruptible, glorious, powerful body that belongs to a world that is yet to come came out of the tomb.
And it is precisely the fact that we do decline and die and decay that should convince us that our resurrection bodies will be made just like Christ’s. For, if this principle of being physically conformed to our covenant head is what causes our current difficulty in the first Adam, then we are living proof that the principle is valid. Now, let us apply the principle to the last Adam: What has happened to Christ’s body as our covenant Head will happen also to us for His sake! Hallelujah!
With what kind of body will you be raised? Why? What will you experience in it?Suggested songs: ARP16B “I’ll Bless the Lord” or TPH358 “Sing, Choirs of New Jerusalem”
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