1 Corinthians 15:43 – Dishonor versus glory

It is sown in dishonor; it is roused in glory.

The body that is buried is not only corruptible but also “in dishonor”. Dishonor does not mean ‘shame’ but ‘without honor’ and ‘without glory.’ In Romans 9:21 this Greek word (atimia) is also translated as ‘dishonor’. Our existence is not only finite, but it also follows a path of humiliation. As Peter and Isaiah put it: “all flesh is like grass and all its glory like a flower … the grass withers and the flower falls off …”. We cannot miss the imagery: a flower that fades and finally falls off. Many have difficulty facing this process and are fighting against it. A fairly hopeless undertaking …

But then the contrast: the body that is raised in glory. Note the word “glory.” Paul used it earlier (: 41) in connection with sun, moon and stars. These celestial bodies each have “glory,” i.e., light luster. Imagine: the body that is “raised in glory” is luminous and literally “beautiful”! Presumably Adam and Eve had a similar “light garment” in the court before they ate the forbidden fruit. Anyway: the body in the revival will shine in glory!

Delen: