Yes, the order 'first the natural, then the spiritual' is a consistent biblical pattern that reveals God's working through history.
Les Feldick teaches that throughout Scripture, God consistently presents the natural or human first, followed by the spiritual counterpart. This pattern appears in pairs like Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, Esau and Jacob, and Saul and David. It culminates in the contrast between the first Adam (natural) and Christ (spiritual), and even extends to the future Antichrist and Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:46 — This verse directly states the principle Paul refers to: 'Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.'
The Bible presents a repeated pattern where the natural comes first, then the spiritual. In 1 Corinthians 15:45-47, Paul contrasts the first Adam, who was 'made a living soul' and was 'of the earth, earthy,' with the last Adam, Christ, who is a 'quickening spirit' and 'the Lord from heaven.' Paul explicitly states in verse 46, 'Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.' This verse establishes the principle that the natural order precedes the spiritual fulfillment.
Les Feldick emphasizes that this is a 'law of Scripture' that runs from Genesis to Revelation. He points to the pairs of Cain (natural) and Abel (spiritual), Ishmael (natural) and Isaac (spiritual), Esau (natural) and Jacob (spiritual), and King Saul (natural) and King David (spiritual). He applies the same pattern to the end times, where the Antichrist appears first as the natural, then Christ as the spiritual. He also applies it personally: we are born natural (in the flesh) and become spiritual through salvation. Les consistently teaches that this order is God's design, showing the contrast between the human and the divine.
Les Feldick explains that Adam was the 'first man' and was 'of the earth, earthy,' made a living soul and in perfect fellowship with God. Christ is the 'last Adam' and is a 'life-giving spirit.' The contrast is not just physical; it moves from the natural realm to the spiritual. This is directly tied to 1 Corinthians 15:45-47, which Les quotes to support this teaching.
Les gives multiple examples: Cain (natural, no faith) followed by Abel (spiritual); Ishmael (natural) followed by Isaac (spiritual); Esau (natural, unbeliever) followed by Jacob (spiritual); King Saul (natural, not a godly man) followed by King David (spiritual). These examples show the pattern repeated throughout the Old Testament.
Yes, Les teaches that in the end times, the Antichrist (the man of sin, natural) will appear first, and then Christ (the spiritual) will come. This was partially quoted in the clips: 'First comes the natural, the Antichrist, and then comes the spiritual, the Christ.'
Les applies this to individual believers: we are born natural, in the flesh, with no spiritual life. But through salvation, we are 'born from above' and become spiritual. This is the same pattern of first natural, then spiritual.
Adam and Christ Contrast
Les contrasts the first Adam as a living soul in perfect fellowship with God, and the second Adam as Christ, a life-giving spirit.
The Law of Scripture
Les explicitly calls this a 'law of Scripture' and lists examples: Cain/Abel, Ishmael/Isaac, Esau/Jacob, Saul/David, and Antichrist/Christ.
Pattern Repeated
Les repeats the examples and applies it to personal experience: we are born natural, then become spiritual as believers.
Law of Scripture and Application
Les again lists examples and says this is the Law of Scripture, applying it to our lives and the coming of Christ.
From Genesis to Revelation
Les shows the pattern carries all the way through, from Adam to Christ, and includes the examples of Cain, Esau, and Saul.
Rule of Thumb
Les calls this a 'rule of thumb' in Scripture, explaining that the natural appears first and the spiritual follows.
Natural vs. Spiritual Throughout
Les connects the pattern to the end times and the Antichrist, and notes that Cain was the beginning of the natural aspect.
Paul's Teaching Explained
Les quotes 1 Corinthians 15:46 and explains that Paul is referring to this same pattern of first natural, then spiritual.
1 Corinthians 15:45: And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
Shows the contrast between Adam and Christ as the natural vs. spiritual.
1 Corinthians 15:46: Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
Directly states the order of natural first, then spiritual.
1 Corinthians 15:47: The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
Reinforces the earthly nature of the first man and the heavenly nature of the second.
It means that in God's order, the natural or human aspect comes first, and then the spiritual fulfillment follows. For example, Adam came before Christ, and Cain was born before Abel.
Yes, we are born natural (in the flesh) and become spiritual through salvation. This mirrors the scriptural order.
Les teaches that the Antichrist will come first as the natural figure, and then Christ will come as the spiritual, following the same pattern.
Watch the Teaching: Why Adam's Sin Condemned You — Romans 5 Explained