“The first man was from earth, a man of dust;
the Second Man is the Lord from Heaven.”
~ Paul (1 Corinthians 15:47)

 

Here is yet another brilliant example of Paul unwittingly “getting it” without actually getting it.  For Paul is here speaking of the principle of a post-mortem salvation that comes solely to those who have chosen to worship Jesus Christ as their “only Lord & Savior.”  Of course, as is so often the case, Jesus had a completely different take on the same (see Mark 10:18, John 5:41, John 7:16, John 8:50-54, John 12:44 et al) — just as he would have had a very different take on this verse …

Indeed, if we look to the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, it becomes readily clear that he would see the “first man” in each of us as the ego that is sustained by every act of sinful selfishness, and that he would see the “Second Man” in each of us coming to life in every moment of Purposeful self-sacrifice for others.  For – to Jesus at least – this is how humans could attain Salvation (see John 13:15-17 & Matthew 24:12-14 et al) and this is how we could be ever “born again” (see John 3:1-8).

 

So in closing, keep in mind that “the Lord from Heaven” mentioned in this verse is not a celestial ruler residing somewhere “up above” us (as Paul believed), but rather is the Divine Essence residing within us all (according to Jesus — see Luke 17:20-21 + John 14:20); an Essence that comes to light whenever we choose to Love others selflessly (Matthew 16:24) – especially our enemies (Matthew 5:40-44) &/or the downtrodden in our midst (Matthew 25:35-40).

 

Amen … Let it be so.

 

Filed under: My Favorite Verses by Scaughdt