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Book of 1 Corinthians - Chapter 15 - Verse 50

15:50
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

Meaning

The verse "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." highlights the spiritual nature of the kingdom of God. In this verse, the term "flesh and blood" symbolizes our physical, mortal bodies which are inherently corruptible. The idea put forward is that our physical nature, with all its weaknesses and limitations, is incompatible with the divine and eternal nature of the kingdom of God. This verse serves as a reminder that in order to enter the kingdom of God, we must be transformed spiritually and freed from the corruption of our earthly bodies. It emphasizes the need for a new, incorruptible nature in order to inherit eternal life in the kingdom of God. As believers, we are called to live not according to the flesh, but according to the spirit, in order to be partakers of the spiritual inheritance that awaits us in the kingdom of God.

Theological Overview

Upon theological interpretation, this verse from Corinthians highlights the idea that our earthly bodies, made of flesh and blood, are not suited for inheriting the kingdom of God. The passage emphasizes the contrast between the corruptible nature of our physical bodies and the incorruptible nature of the kingdom of God. It suggests that a transformation or change is necessary in order for humans to be able to enter the spiritual realm of God. This transformation is often understood in Christian theology as the resurrection of the body, where believers will receive glorified bodies that are fit for eternal life in the presence of God. The word "corruption" here refers to the perishable, mortal nature of our current bodies, while "incorruption" points to the imperishable, immortal state that believers will receive in the kingdom of God. This verse underscores the belief in the transformation and renewal of believers in order to enter into the eternal realm of God.

American Standard Version

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
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