Why the Journey from Natural to Spiritual Matters in the Christian Life
Have you ever heard the phrase, “the natural comes first”? If you’ve read 1 Corinthians 15:46, you’ve seen this idea in the Bible: “The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual.” But what does this mean for us today? Let’s explore this principle in simple terms and see how it shapes our understanding of spiritual growth, resurrection, and God’s perfect order.
What Does “The Natural Comes First” Mean?
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he’s talking about the resurrection and the new bodies believers will have. Some people in the early church were confused about how the dead would be raised and what kind of bodies they would have. Paul responds by explaining that God’s design is for things to start with the natural, then move to the spiritual. In other words, we experience life in a physical, earthly way first, and only then do we receive the spiritual transformation God promises.
The Seed and Plant Analogy: Nature Teaches Us God’s Order
Paul uses a simple picture from everyday life—a seed and a plant. Think about it: before you see a beautiful flower or a strong tree, there’s just a plain seed. You plant the seed in the ground, and only after it “dies” in the soil does it sprout into something new and wonderful. The natural seed comes before the spiritual beauty of the plant. The seed and the plant are connected, but the result is greater than the beginning.
Adam and Christ: The First and Second Man
Paul goes further and contrasts Adam and Christ. Adam, the first man, represents the start of humanity. He was made from the dust—natural, physical, and imperfect. Christ, often called the “second man” or “last Adam,” is from heaven—spiritual, perfect, and life-giving. Just as we are born like Adam, with natural bodies, we are promised that, through Christ, we will one day have spiritual, transformed bodies. The journey starts with Adam (natural) and ends with Christ (spiritual).
How This Applies to Spiritual Growth
Let’s bring this principle closer to home. Sometimes we wish we could skip the hard work and instantly become spiritually mature. But Paul’s teaching reminds us that spiritual growth is a process. It often starts with natural steps—discipline, daily choices, and sometimes struggle. Just as a seed has to be planted and grow over time, our spiritual lives develop as we faithfully walk with God in the everyday moments. Eventually, the spiritual fruit begins to show.
Resurrection and the Transformation of the Body
One big question the Corinthians (and many of us) have is: “How are the dead raised? What kind of body will they have?” Paul’s answer is that the resurrection isn’t just resuscitating our old physical bodies. Instead, just as a seed transforms into something much greater, our natural bodies will be changed into spiritual bodies. We start with what is perishable and weak, and God raises us with something imperishable and glorious. It’s all part of God’s wise order—natural first, then spiritual.
God’s Order and Perfection: Trusting the Process
It’s easy to get impatient with the process of growth or to worry about what comes next. But Paul assures us that God’s way is perfect. There is a reason for the sequence: we move from imperfect to perfect, from the earthly to the heavenly, from the natural to the spiritual. God doesn’t skip steps, and we can trust that His plan is for our good and His glory.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
If you’re in a season where things feel slow or ordinary, remember: the natural comes first. God uses the natural, everyday parts of our lives to prepare us for spiritual transformation. Whether you’re hoping for growth, wondering about resurrection, or just feeling stuck, know that God’s order is wise, and His promise is sure. Keep trusting the process—because after the natural, the spiritual always comes.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
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