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The Second Man
We are born of the Earth and in an earthly manner. Different from Adam but in a manner set forth by God. Still though, we are of the earth. This is our first state of life and of knowing. It is not until we embrace the truth of the Resurrection that we enter into a new spiritual life. I know you have heard that as Jesus died for our sins we also die when we give our lives to Him and take up our cross. This “death” then is the separation of our old self with our new self. This is our second man. Our new being, saved from sin by the power of a risen Christ.
This transformation is so profound. It gives us the ability to be so much much more than just a creature bound by the earth, tethered to the ground for all eternity. Being the second man, casting away our old life, frees us to understand the mystery and to live life dedicated to the glory of the Lord. We also find that we do not belong to the world. We are no longer Earthlings. No longer is the purpose of our lives set out by earthly society. We have the higher purpose of glorifying God. Through that purpose and with the gifts he gives us we are able to serve our fellow human beings. Then we can really see the transformational power of becoming the second man.
The first man is physical and the second man is spiritual. Someday we will all leave our first man behind and become only our second man. Verse 46 is special because of what it does not say. Normally we think of our life journey as birth – life – death. Or, to put it another way, earth – spirit – earth. But verse 46 does not include a return to an earthly state. Once we have accepted Jesus we are permanently spiritual beings. We are given eternal life, so while our lives on earth will end after a time we are eternal. This gives us freedom to live life fully. We can take big risks because we know how it will end and it will be glorious!
This also reminds me of Paul’s earlier words in chapters 2 and 3, where he is describing Natural Man (2:14), Spiritual Man (2:15-16), and Carnal man (3:1-4).
Eric, I love your thought on taking big risks. I tend to play it safe in Christ. Thanks for the challenge. The last verse in that chapter…
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
I don’t think that “standing firm… (unmoved)” contradicts the risk taking you suggest. Do you?
Thanks, Eric, old man…I mean, new man.
I like what C.S. Lewis said, “You do not have a soul, you are a soul; you have a body”.
Jon,
I like how the Message opens up that last verse.
“With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.”
Also the Amplified says it this way: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].”
Looking at these two other translations, I believe we can clearly see that “standing firm” does not contradict the risk Eric is suggesting.
I don’t want to speak for Eric or his intentions. However I believe we should take those risks that without our faith and security in God our flesh would hold us back from.
Faye –
I like and eagerly desire what you wrote… “we should take those risks that without our faith and security in God our flesh would hold us back from.”