The Earthly—The Heavenly

The Earthly—The Heavenly

“As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also will be those who are heavenly.”

The first man was earthly. Earthly [natural] things also come first. “The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” He is heavenly. If the last Adam can make our spirit alive, then we, too, will become heavenly.

“The second Man is from heaven.” He came down to earth and became a man. As the Son of Man He consecrated a new and living way through the flesh, that which could not be obedient to God’s law. Heb. 10:20. He has left us steps so that we shall walk in them. 1 Pet. 2:21-24. We, too, will become heavenly if we follow Him in these steps. What price are you willing to pay to be heavenly?

In the resurrection there will be both earthly and heavenly bodies. God will create a new heaven and a new earth. Those who are heavenly are called the wife of the Lamb, who had God’s glory, but on earth were the nations, of which there were many. Rev. 21.

Jesus says we must forsake everything and hate our own life in order to become spiritual. The rich man had to do that, too, in order to receive a treasure in heaven. This is in agreement with what Paul writes: “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.”

When I desire carnal things, it will only end up in corruption. Then I am earthly. Then it is not fitting to put me in charge of a heavenly inheritance. I don’t have any sense for it.

Nevertheless, those who do not have an ear for sanctification, like the robber on the cross, can have their sins forgiven. Just as the first Adam lived a wonderful life in Paradise, so they can live in all eternity. Then this word will be fulfilled as it is written: “As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust.”

But if I have a heavenly calling, I have to give heed to Him who came from heaven and follow Him. Heb. 3:1. Then I desire the things of the Spirit and crucify the flesh with its passions and desires. Gal. 2:24. I get all the corruptible things out of my mind, and then my spirit will be made alive. Then I will also get a sense for my heavenly inheritance. Col. 1:12. This occurs now while I bear the image of the man of dust, which is my earthly, corruptible body. And if this quickening of my spirit occurs, I will also bear the image of the heavenly Man and receive a body like His. These will be the ones who will be transformed “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” They will be God’s habitation on the new earth. What price are you willing to pay for that glory?