<\/p>\n
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As believers in Christ, we stand at the threshold of a profound transformation\u2014a journey from our natural, earthly state to a spiritual, heavenly one. This transition culminates in a glorious spiritual state that often remains veiled to our current understanding. The Apostle Paul hints at this transformation in 2 Corinthians 5:17:<\/p>\n
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature<\/b>: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new<\/b><\/span>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This verse speaks of a radical change, a new creation that begins the moment we come to faith in Christ. But what is the ultimate form of this new creation? What will we be when we fully transition from the natural to the spiritual?<\/p>\n
The prophet Isaiah, centuries before Christ, foresaw this newness:<\/p>\n
(Isaiah 43:19) “Behold, I will do a new thing<\/b><\/span>; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even <\/b>make a way in the wilderness<\/b><\/span>, and rivers in the desert<\/b>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This Old Testament prophecy points to the transformative work of God, which finds its fullest expression in Christ and our future glorification.<\/p>\n
The Apostle John, in his first epistle, acknowledges the mystery surrounding our future state:<\/p>\n
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, <\/b>when he shall appear, we shall be like him<\/b><\/span>; for we shall see him as he is<\/b>.” (1 John 3:2)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This verse encapsulates both the certainty of our transformation and the mystery surrounding its final form. We are already children of God, yet our ultimate spiritual state remains veiled.<\/p>\n
The prophet Daniel also spoke of this future glorified state:<\/p>\n
(Daniel 12:2-3) “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth <\/b>shall awake<\/b><\/span>, some to everlasting life,<\/b> and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And <\/b>they that be wise<\/b><\/span> shall shine as the brightness of the firmament<\/b>; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
As we progress through this study, we must remember the words of our Lord Jesus in Luke 17:20-21:<\/p>\n
“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you<\/b><\/span>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This passage reminds us that the spiritual state we’re exploring is not an external, observable change, but an internal, spiritual reality. It begins in the heart and manifests in our lives as we grow in Christ, ultimately culminating in a glorified spiritual state.<\/p>\n
To grasp these spiritual truths, we must heed the instruction of 1 Corinthians 2:13:<\/p>\n
“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing <\/b>spiritual<\/b><\/span> things with <\/b>spiritual<\/b><\/span>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Our study will rely not on man\u2019s wisdom or speculation, but on the teachings of the holy spirit as revealed in Scripture. We will compare spiritual truths with spiritual truths, using God’s Word to interpret itself and illuminate our understanding of what we shall become.<\/p>\n
As we explore this topic, let\u2019s approach it with humility, remembering the counsel of Proverbs 28:26:<\/p>\n
“He that trusteth in his own heart <\/b>is a fool<\/b><\/span>: but whoso walketh wisely, <\/b>he shall be delivered<\/b><\/span>.<\/b>“<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Our goal in this study is not merely to satisfy curiosity about our future state, but to gain a deeper understanding of God’s ultimate purpose for us. As we review what we shall be, may we be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), growing ever more into the image of Christ.<\/p>\n
As we begin to explore this profound transformation, we must first understand our current natural state and its limitations. This understanding will serve as a foundation for grasping the magnitude of the change that awaits us.<\/p>\n
As we learned in our previous study, the natural or carnal mind is fundamentally limited in its ability to grasp spiritual truths. Paul articulates this in Romans 8:6-7:<\/p>\n
“For to be carnally minded is death<\/b><\/span>; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace<\/b><\/span>. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This aligns with what we saw in 1 Corinthians 2:14:<\/p>\n
“But the natural man receiveth not<\/b><\/span> the things of the Spirit of God<\/b>: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned<\/b>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The prophet Isaiah also spoke of this spiritual blindness:<\/p>\n
(Isaiah 6:9) “And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but <\/b>understand not<\/b><\/span>; and see ye indeed, but perceive not<\/b>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
We previously discussed the concept of the ‘old man’ or ‘old nature’. Paul describes this in Ephesians 4:22:<\/p>\n
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man<\/b>, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This ‘old man’ corresponds to what Paul calls the “image of the earthy” in 1 Corinthians 15:49:<\/p>\n
“And as we have borne the image of the earthy, <\/b>we shall also bear the image of the heavenly<\/span><\/b>.<\/b>“<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This earthy nature traces back to Adam’s creation, as described in Genesis 2:7:<\/p>\n
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground<\/b><\/span>, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul<\/b><\/span>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Paul further elaborates on this concept in Romans 5:12-14:<\/p>\n
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world<\/b>, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned<\/b>: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come<\/b><\/span>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
TThis passage underscores how our natural state has always been fundamentally sinful, with Adam’s transgression serving as the point where sin and its consequences were fully realized in the world. This “reign of death” characterizes our natural state from conception, emphasizing our deep need for transformation through Christ.<\/p>\n
Our previous study emphasized the importance of spiritual discernment in overcoming the limitations of our natural state. Hebrews 5:14 highlights this:<\/p>\n
“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of <\/b>full age<\/b>, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil<\/b><\/span>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The prophets recognized this need for divine insight. Jeremiah prayed:<\/p>\n
(Jeremiah 10:23) “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself<\/b><\/span>: it is not in man<\/b><\/span> that walketh to direct his steps<\/b>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
As we concluded in our last study, our natural state necessitates a profound transformation. Jesus emphasizes this in John 3:3:<\/p>\n
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man <\/b>be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God<\/b><\/span>.<\/b>“<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Ezekiel prophesied about this transformation:<\/p>\n
(Ezekiel 36:26) “A new heart<\/b><\/span> also will I give you, and a new spirit<\/b> will I put within you: and I will <\/b>take away the stony heart<\/b><\/span> out of your flesh, and I will <\/b>give you an heart of flesh<\/b><\/span>.<\/b>“<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Having grasped the limitations of our natural state, we can now turn our attention to the remarkable process of transformation that God initiates in believers. This journey from our carnal nature to a spiritual one is both gradual and profound, involving every aspect of our being.<\/p>\n
As our last study showed the transformation from our natural state to our spiritual state is not instantaneous, but a progressive journey. Paul describes this process in 2 Corinthians 3:18:<\/p>\n
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass<\/b><\/span> the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image<\/b> from glory to glory<\/b><\/span>, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This gradual transformation is also reflected in the Old Testament. The Psalmist writes:<\/p>\n
(Psalm 84:7) “They go from <\/b>strength to strength<\/b><\/span>, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This progression suggests that our transformation is an ongoing process, where we continually grow and mature spiritually.<\/p>\n
A crucial aspect of this transformation involves putting off our old nature and putting on a new one. Paul explains this in Ephesians 4:22-24:<\/p>\n
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation <\/b>the old man<\/b><\/span>, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed<\/b><\/span> in the spirit of your mind<\/b>; And that ye put on the new man<\/b><\/span>, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This concept of exchanging an old nature for a new one is also present in the Old Testament. Isaiah prophesies:<\/p>\n
(Isaiah 61:10) “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath <\/b>clothed me with the garments of salvation<\/b><\/span>, he hath <\/b>covered me with the robe of righteousness<\/b><\/span>, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The holy spirit plays a crucial role in this transformation process. Paul writes in Titus 3:5-6:<\/p>\n
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of <\/b>regeneration, and renewing<\/b><\/span> of the Holy Ghost<\/b>; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This work of the holy spirit was prophesied in the Old Testament. Joel declared:<\/p>\n
(Joel 2:28-29) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh<\/b><\/span>; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit<\/b><\/span>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The holy spirit’s work in us is transformative, enabling us to understand spiritual truths and empowering us to live according to God’s will.<\/p>\n
It’s important to note that this transformation process often involves trials and suffering. James speaks to this in James 1:2-4:<\/p>\n
”My brethren, count it all joy <\/b>when ye fall into divers temptations<\/b><\/span>; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience<\/b><\/span>. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Similarly, Paul writes in Romans 5:3-5:<\/p>\n
”And not only so, but <\/b>we glory in tribulations<\/b><\/span> also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience<\/b>; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
These passages reveal that our trials are not meaningless, but are part of God’s transformative work in our lives, producing perseverance, character, and hope.<\/p>\n
A key aspect of this transformation is the renewal of our minds. As Paul exhorts in Romans 12:2:<\/p>\n
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind<\/b><\/span>, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Paul provides practical guidance for this mental renewal in Philippians 4:8:<\/p>\n
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things<\/b><\/span>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This New Testament instruction echoes the Old Testament wisdom found in Psalm 1:2:<\/p>\n
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night<\/span>.<\/b>“<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Both passages emphasize the importance of deliberately focusing our minds on godly things as part of our transformation process.<\/p>\n
This renewal causes us to think and perceive in alignment with God’s truth, gradually shifting us from natural to spiritual understanding.<\/p>\n
The Psalmist recognized the importance of this mental renewal:<\/p>\n
(Psalm 51:10) “Create<\/b><\/span> in me a <\/b>clean heart<\/b><\/span>, O God; and renew a right spirit<\/b><\/span> within me<\/b>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
It’s crucial to understand that this transformation is not just an individual process, but also a communal one. Paul describes this in Ephesians 4:15-16:<\/p>\n
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, <\/b>maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love<\/b><\/span>.<\/b>“<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This New Testament teaching reflects the Old Testament concept of God’s people growing together, as seen in Malachi 3:16-18:<\/p>\n
“Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another<\/b><\/span>: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, <\/b>and that thought upon his name<\/b><\/span>. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
These passages highlight how our individual transformation contributes to and is supported by the growth of the entire body of believers.<\/p>\n
As we contemplate this ongoing process of transformation, our hearts and minds naturally turn to its ultimate goal. What is the final destination of this spiritual journey? Scripture provides us with tantalizing glimpses of our future spiritual state, revealing a reality that far surpasses our current experience or imagination.<\/p>\n
This transformation process is not just about us as individuals or even as the church, but is part of God’s grand plan for all of creation. Paul hints at this in Ephesians 1:9-10:<\/p>\n
”Having made known unto us the mystery of his will<\/b><\/span>, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might <\/b>gather together in one all things in Christ<\/b><\/span>, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him<\/b>:”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
And again in Colossians 1:19-20:<\/p>\n
”For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to <\/b>reconcile all things<\/b><\/span> unto himself<\/b>; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
These passages state that our transformation is part of a reconciliation and renewal of all men that God is working out through Christ. As we are transformed into Christ’s image, we participate in and contribute to this grand divine plan.<\/p>\n
As we progress in our study, we will explore the ultimate outcome of this transformation – our future spiritual state.<\/p>\n
As we have seen, Scripture provides glimpses of our future spiritual state, though much remains a mystery. Let’s explore what God’s Word reveals about what we shall be when we fully transition from the natural to the spiritual.<\/p>\n
The ultimate goal of our transformation is to be conformed to the image of Christ. This conformity encompasses not just our appearance, but our entire nature, including perfect holiness and the fullness of knowledge. Paul writes in Romans 8:29:<\/p>\n
“For whom he did foreknow<\/b><\/span>, he also did predestinate to <\/span><\/b>be conformed to the image of his Son<\/b><\/span>, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This aligns with John’s statement in 1 John 3:2 and the Psalmist’s anticipation in Psalm 17:15. Part of this conformity includes attaining perfect knowledge and wisdom, as Paul elaborates in 1 Corinthians 13:9-12:<\/p>\n
(1 John 3:2) “Beloved, now are we the sons of God<\/b><\/span>, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, <\/b>we shall be like him<\/b><\/span>; for we shall see him as he is.<\/b>”<\/p>\n
(Psalms 17:15) “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness<\/b><\/span>: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness<\/b><\/span>.”<\/p>\n
(1 Corinthians 13:9-12) “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then <\/b>that which is in part shall be done away<\/b><\/span>. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but <\/b>then face to face<\/b><\/span>: now I know in part; but <\/b>then shall I know even as also I am known<\/span><\/b>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy and Jeremiah’s promise of universal knowledge of the Lord.<\/p>\n
(Isaiah 11:9) “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD<\/b><\/span>, as the waters cover the sea.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
(Jeremiah 31:34) “And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD<\/b>: for they shall all know me<\/b><\/span>, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD<\/b>: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Peter reveals another aspect of our future state in 2 Peter 1:4:<\/p>\n
“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might <\/b>be partakers of the divine nature<\/span><\/b>, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This concept of sharing in God’s nature echoes the original purpose of man’s creation as stated in Genesis 1:26-27:<\/p>\n
“And God said, Let us make man in our image<\/b><\/span>, after our likeness<\/b><\/span>: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him<\/b>; male and female created he them.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Paul provides insight into the nature of our future bodies in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44:<\/p>\n
“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption<\/b><\/span>: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory<\/b><\/span>: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power<\/b><\/span>: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body<\/b><\/span>. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body<\/b><\/span>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This transformation of our bodies is further elaborated in Philippians 3:20-21:<\/p>\n
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall <\/b>change<\/b><\/span> our vile body, <\/b>that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body<\/b><\/span>, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The prophet Daniel also spoke of this glorified state in Daniel 12:3:<\/p>\n
“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament<\/b><\/span>; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
While we’ve focused largely on individual transformation, it’s crucial to understand that our future spiritual state has both individual and corporate dimensions. Paul often uses the metaphor of a body to describe the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), suggesting that our individual glorification is part of a larger, corporate glorification of the entire body of Christ. Our perfect unity with Christ will also mean perfect unity with each other, experiencing a level of community and harmony that far surpasses our current experience.<\/p>\n
—–<\/p>\n
Part II (October 8)<\/p>\n
While these glimpses of our future state are awe-inspiring, they naturally lead us to consider the specific attributes that will characterize our glorified existence. Scripture provides us with further insights into the qualities and capacities we will possess in our spiritual state.<\/p>\n
As we explore the attributes of our future spiritual state, we find several key characteristics revealed in Scripture. While we “see through a glass darkly” as (1 Corinthians 13:12) states regarding many aspects of our future state, God’s Word provides clear insights into certain attributes we will possess.<\/p>\n
One of the most significant attributes of our spiritual state will be immortality and incorruption. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:53-54:<\/p>\n
“For this corruptible must put on <\/b>incorruption<\/b><\/span>, and this mortal must put on <\/b>immortality<\/b><\/span>. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality,