What does it mean that we have borne the image of the earthy?
It refers to being born into the human race through Adam and through our human parents, so we are earthy by natural descent. This present earthly identity is not our final state; believers will also bear the image of the heavenly when transformed into bodies like Christ’s.
Les explains that bearing the image of the earthy is being born into the human race by way of Adam, by way of our human parents, so we are earthy. But he emphasizes that we are not going to stay earthy. We shall also bear the image of the heavenly, and that is our prospect. We are not for eternity going to be bound as earth beings. Instead, we are going to one day be transformed into that which is heavenly and have bodies like Christ’s. Les points to Philippians chapter 3, where we are looking for the Lord from heaven, and He will change our bodies so that we will be fashioned after His glorious Body. He also suggests that if you want a glimpse of how we will function in eternity, study Christ’s 40 days after resurrection.
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Why are we described as earthy, having borne the image of the earthy?
Believers are described as earthy because they are born into the human race by way of Adam and human parents, bearing the image of the earthy. That natural descent makes them earthy now, but they will not remain so; they shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Will we stay earthy forever, or will we be transformed to be heavenly?
Believers will not remain earthy forever. Though born into the human race through Adam and therefore earthy, they will also bear the image of the heavenly. Their prospect is transformation into heavenly beings, and they will receive bodies like Christ's, fashioned after His glorious body.