1 Corinthians 15:46
Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
1 Corinthians 15:46
Paul distinguishes the order of creation: what is natural (psuchikos) comes first, then what is spiritual (pneumatikos). The sequence counters the idea that spiritual life can precede earthly existence; instead, heavenly life blossoms from earthly form through God’s Spirit. This verse clarifies that Christianity entails transformation, not rejection of the created order. The “first” is the natural body; the “second” is the spiritual body, emphasizing the resurrection’s work.
The verse underlines sanctification and eschatology. Salvation begins in the natural order but culminates in the spiritual, reshaped life. It guards against dualism that despises matter and affirms that God will perfect what He created. It also supports the doctrine of resurrection, not a disembodied afterlife alone, but a transformed, spiritualized body.
Practical takeaway: growth in Christ means the Spirit reshapes our natural life into something more divine. Evaluate habits: do they cultivate the “natural” or the “spiritual”? This could mean renewing mindsets about work, rest, and physical health with a viewpoint oriented toward spiritual renewal. Embrace practices that integrate body, soul, and spirit—fasting with prayer, regular worship, and service that embodies God’s life in tangible ways.
Cross-References: Romans 8:5-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Philippians 3:20-21; 2 Corinthians 3:18