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How Can Christians Live as “Those Who Are of Heaven”?

Understanding the Context of 1 Corinthians 15:48

The verse, “As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:48, UASV), is part of Paul’s profound teaching on the resurrection. In this chapter, Paul contrasts Adam, the first man, with Jesus Christ, the “last Adam.” Adam, created from the dust of the earth, brought sin and death into the world (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 5:12). In contrast, Jesus, described as “the man of heaven,” overcame sin and death, bringing eternal life to all who follow him (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).

This verse addresses two identities: the natural, earthly identity inherited from Adam and the spiritual, heavenly identity granted to those in Christ. For Christians, this presents both a calling and a challenge—to reject the ways of the man of dust and to live in alignment with the man of heaven.

The Man of Dust: Adam’s Legacy

Adam’s legacy to humanity is one of mortality and sinfulness. In Genesis 2:7, Jehovah formed Adam from the dust of the ground, breathing life into him. Yet, Adam’s disobedience led to a fallen state for all humanity. Genesis 3:19 reminds us of our physical origins and end: “For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This physical mortality is emblematic of a deeper spiritual condition—alienation from God.

Paul emphasizes this in Romans 5:12: “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” All who remain in Adam share in this legacy of sin and death. The natural man, living according to the flesh, is characterized by self-interest, rebellion, and separation from God (Galatians 5:19-21).

The Man of Heaven: Christ’s Victory

In contrast to Adam, Jesus Christ is described as the “man of heaven.” Unlike Adam, Jesus was without sin, though he came in the likeness of human flesh (Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 4:15). His resurrection from the dead inaugurated a new kind of life—immortal, incorruptible, and in perfect harmony with Jehovah’s will.

Paul declares, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Through his perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Jesus provided the way for humanity to escape the curse of Adam. Those who are “in Christ” are no longer bound by sin and death but are granted the hope of eternal life (Romans 6:4).

The Earthly and Heavenly Natures

Paul contrasts the earthly and heavenly natures to highlight the transformation required of believers. He writes, “Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:49). This transformation is not merely external but begins with a renewal of the heart and mind.

Romans 12:2 exhorts believers: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Those in Christ must reject the behaviors and desires associated with the man of dust and embrace the characteristics of the man of heaven.

Living as Those of Heaven

To live as “those who are of heaven” requires daily commitment to imitate Christ. This involves putting off the old self, with its earthly desires, and putting on the new self, created after the likeness of God (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Paul outlines this process in Colossians 3:1-3: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

This heavenly mindset manifests in practical ways:

Walking in love, as Christ loved us (Ephesians 5:2).
Bearing the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

The Resurrection Hope

The ultimate fulfillment of living as those of heaven will occur at the resurrection. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, “So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.”

At Christ’s return, those who are in him will fully bear the image of the man of heaven. This transformation is described in 1 John 3:2: “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”

Conclusion

Christians are called to live as “those who are of heaven,” rejecting the sinful nature inherited from Adam and embracing the new life found in Christ. This transformation begins now, through the renewing power of the Spirit-inspired Word of God, and will be completed at the resurrection. Paul’s words in Philippians 3:20-21 serve as a reminder: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.”

The hope and calling to live as those of heaven is not a mere ideal but a practical and eternal reality for those who remain faithful in Christ.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).