Put On Incorruption
by Ray Prinzing

"Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. - We shall be changed.  For this corruption must put on incorruption, and this mortal put on immortality."               (1 Corinthians 15:50, 52-53)

Corruption signified a change from a state of uprightness, truth, to a perverted state or a defiled and polluted state. We realize that in our present realm, creation being made subject to vanity, and fallen into the bondage of corruption, there has been a change-over from pure spirit existence into a state of gross materialism, subject to decay.  Now we need that change back from this corruptible into that which is pureness of spirit.

To be mortal means to be in a state of dying, or one subject to death.  Paul wrote that both incorruption and immortality must be put on - the words "put on" come from the Greek word enduo, meaning to be clothed upon, to go into clothing, thus our being enveloped and completely enwrapped, in this case, with incorruption.  Since corruption cannot inherit incorruption, in order to go into this new clothing, it requires that we are CHANGED.

"We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed."  If we sleep, that is, are taken by physical death, such does not nullify our hope for incorruption, it only means that the appointed time has not yet come, and while the vision tarries, others have to continue to "fight the good fight of faith, until..." (1 Timothy 6:12).  And while we are "alive and remain" on this earth, may we be numbered among those "who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life."   (Romans 2:7).  This gives a present-tense purpose for our daily living.

Now "the wages of sin is death."  (Romans 6:23).  But if there be no sin, it becomes self-evident that neither can there be the consequence of sin.  When all is brought into a state of incorruption, it is self-evident that death is forever conquered. O, to be fully born of God, partaker of His divine nature, forever incorruptible.