The Heavenly One and the Heavenly Ones 1 Cor. 15:47-49
The sermon explains the difference between earthly and heavenly Christians, and how we can manifest Christ in our lives.
John Nelson Darby expounds on 1 Corinthians 15:47-49, emphasizing the distinction between the earthly nature of Adam and the heavenly nature of Christ. He explains that just as we are born of Adam, we are also to be transformed into the likeness of Christ, reflecting His glory and character. Darby highlights that our current state in Christ allows us to experience a heavenly existence, even while on earth, and that this transformation characterizes a group of believers known as the 'perfect.' He encourages Christians to realize their identity in Christ and to manifest His nature in their lives.
Text
(Words in Season, Vol. 4, 1890, page 103.)
I do not see any difficulty in 1 Cor. 15:47-49. Ek is the source, hence characterises a thing in its nature. Ek pneumatos, e.g., so ex ouranon. One man is earthy dust, the other from heaven. It is not apo, merely, that He came thence. Then verse 48: as we are all what fallen Adam was, so our place, as in Christ, is to be just like Christ; and as we have carried this in manifestation as Adam's children, so we shall be manifested just such as Christ Himself, as Man. It is the source, and so character, nature, and constituted condition, and then manifested form. Of course, we have to realise it now we are in Christ, sitting in heavenly places in Him. As He is, so are we also, in this world.
This characterises a class of Christians the "perfect," as contrasted with forgiven children of Adam. But the state of the affections is not the subject here (1 Cor. 15), but to be in glory like Christ acts on them now and here.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Source and Character of the Heavenly Ones
- A. Ek is the source and characterises a thing in its nature
- 'B. Example: Ek pneumatos, e.g., so ex ouranon'
- II. The Contrast Between Earthy and Heavenly
- A. One man is earthy dust, the other from heaven
- B. Not just a matter of origin, but of character and nature
- III. The Manifestation of Christ in Us
- A. As we are in Christ, sitting in heavenly places in Him
- B. As He is, so are we also, in this world
Key Quotes
“Ek is the source, hence characterises a thing in its nature.” — John Nelson Darby
“As He is, so are we also, in this world.” — John Nelson Darby
Application Points
- We can manifest Christ in our lives by being in Christ and sitting in heavenly places in Him.
- Our character and nature are shaped by our source, whether earthly or heavenly.
- As we are in Christ, we can have a heavenly character and nature, even in this world.