Incorruption, as a theological concept, refers to the state of being free from decay, moral impurity, and the effects of sin. It is often associated with the resurrection of the dead and the eternal state of believers in Christ. The term is rooted in the Greek word "aphtharsia," which conveys the idea of imperishability and immortality.

Biblical References

1. 1 Corinthians 15:42-54: The Apostle Paul provides a detailed exposition on the resurrection of the dead, contrasting the perishable nature of the earthly body with the imperishable nature of the resurrected body. In verse 42, Paul states, "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable." This passage emphasizes the transformation from corruption to incorruption, highlighting the victory over death through Jesus Christ. Verse 53 further declares, "For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality."

2. Romans 2:7: Paul speaks of those who seek glory, honor, and immortality by persevering in doing good. He writes, "To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life." Here, incorruption is linked with the pursuit of a righteous life and the reward of eternal life.

3. 2 Timothy 1:10: Paul speaks of the manifestation of Jesus Christ, who "has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel." This verse underscores the role of Christ in bringing incorruption to light, offering believers a hope that transcends the temporal decay of the world.

4. 1 Peter 1:4: Peter describes the inheritance reserved for believers as "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." This inheritance is characterized by incorruption, signifying the eternal and unblemished nature of the believer's future hope.

Theological Significance

Incorruption is a key aspect of Christian eschatology, reflecting the ultimate redemption and restoration of creation. It signifies the believer's future state, free from the corruption of sin and death. The doctrine of incorruption is closely tied to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is described as the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20). His resurrection is the guarantee of the believer's future incorruptible state.

The concept also has ethical implications, as believers are called to live lives that reflect the incorruptible nature of their future inheritance. This is seen in the exhortation to pursue holiness and righteousness, as these qualities align with the imperishable nature of the kingdom of God.

Historical Context

Incorruption was a significant theme in the early church, as believers faced persecution and martyrdom. The hope of an incorruptible resurrection provided comfort and strength to endure suffering. Early church fathers, such as Ignatius of Antioch and Irenaeus, emphasized the incorruptible nature of the resurrection body as a core tenet of the faith.

Conclusion

Incorruption remains a vital aspect of Christian hope, offering assurance of a future free from the decay and corruption of the present world. It is a promise of transformation and renewal, grounded in the resurrection of Christ and the eternal purposes of God.(n.) The condition or quality of being incorrupt or incorruptible; absence of, or exemption from, corruption.INCORRUPTION

in-ko-rup'-shun (aphtharsia): Occurs in 1 Corinthians 15:42, 50, 53, 54, of the resurrection body, and is twice used in the Revised Version (British and American) for the King James Version "immortality" (Romans 2:7 2 Timothy 1:10 margin).

See IMMORTALITY.

862b. aphthoria -- incorruption
... aphthoria. 863 . incorruption. Transliteration: aphthoria Short Definition: purity. ...
prefix) and phtheiro Definition incorruption NASB Word Usage purity (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/862b.htm - 5k

861. aphtharsia -- incorruptibility
... From aphthartos; incorruptibility; genitive, unending existence; (figuratively)
genuineness -- immortality, incorruption, sincerity. see GREEK aphthartos. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/861.htm - 7k

But Suffer it to be So, I Beg You, as You are Lovers of Christ ...
... 8. But suffer it to be so, I beg you, as you are lovers of Christ, that the body
is to be in incorruption and without these conditions when it rises from the ...
/.../8 but suffer it to.htm

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit which we Receive Prepare us for ...
... Against Heresies: Book V Chapter VIII."The gifts of the Holy Spirit which we receive
prepare us for incorruption, render us spiritual, and separate us from ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter viii the gifts of the.htm

On the Beginning of the World, and Its Causes.
... the words of the apostle in those passages, in which, discussing the resurrection
of the dead, he says, "This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter iii on the beginning of.htm

The Works of Christ, Proper to God and to Man, the Works of Him ...
... and evil. For life and death, corruption and incorruption, are two things
in the highest degree opposed to each other. For life ...
/.../chapter vii the works of christ.htm

Whether virginity Consists in Integrity of the Flesh?
... xiii] that "virginity is the continual meditation on incorruption in a
corruptible flesh." But meditation does not concern the flesh. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether virginity consists in integrity.htm

The Session of Jesus in his Incarnate Nature at the Right Hand of ...
... Likewise "neither shall corruption," says he, "inherit incorruption." [7667] This
he says, not that you may take flesh and blood to be corruption, for they are ...
/.../tertullian/on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter li the session of jesus.htm

1 Cor. xv. 47
... resurrection he straightway introduced also the doctrine of the kingdom also; wherefore
also he adds, "neither doth corruption inherit incorruption, [328] " ie ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xlii 1 cor xv.htm

God, Then, Gives to Each Thing Its Own Body as He Pleases...
... which is, as it were, "sown," and that which is, as it were, "raised" from it in
these words: "It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption; it is ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xix god then gives.htm

Of the Simple and Unchangeable Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy ...
... The incorruptible body which is promised to the saints in the resurrection cannot,
indeed, lose its quality of incorruption, but the bodily substance and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 10 of the simple and.htm

Whether an Aureole is Due to the Angels?
... Objection 2: Further, incorruption of the spirit is more excellent than
incorruption of the flesh. Now there is incorruption of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether an aureole is due 5.htm

Incorruption (6 Occurrences)
... corruption. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. INCORRUPTION. in ... margin). See IMMORTALITY.
Multi-Version Concordance Incorruption (6 Occurrences). Romans ...
/i/incorruption.htm - 8k

Mortality (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mortality (3 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 15:53 For this
corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. ...
/m/mortality.htm - 8k

Mortal (35 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Corinthians 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this
mortal must put on immortality. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/m/mortal.htm - 17k

Corruptible (7 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). 1 Corinthians 15:53 For this corruptible must put on
incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT) ...
/c/corruptible.htm - 8k

Corruption (37 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in
corruption; it is raised in incorruption. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/c/corruption.htm - 21k

Clothed (153 Occurrences)
... 4. In 5:4 in contrast with unclothed, compare 1 Corinthians 15:53, in which the
idea of putting on, as a garment, is expressed of incorruption and immortality. ...
/c/clothed.htm - 37k

Immortality (6 Occurrences)
... i-mor'-tal, im-or-tal'-i-ti (athanasia, 1 Corinthians 15:53 1 Timothy 6:16, aphtharsia,
literally, "incorruption," Romans 2:7 1 Corinthians 15; 2 Timothy 1:10 ...
/i/immortality.htm - 35k

Immortal (3 Occurrences)
... i-mor'-tal, im-or-tal'-i-ti (athanasia, 1 Corinthians 15:53 1 Timothy 6:16, aphtharsia,
literally, "incorruption," Romans 2:7 1 Corinthians 15; 2 Timothy 1:10 ...
/i/immortal.htm - 33k

Incorruptible (8 Occurrences)

/i/incorruptible.htm - 9k

Victory (71 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 15:54 But when this corruptible will have put on incorruption, and
this mortal will have put on immortality, then what is written will happen ...
/v/victory.htm - 27k

Is it true that the bodies of some saints are incorruptible? | GotQuestions.org

Will we have physical bodies in Heaven? | GotQuestions.org

What are unclean spirits? Are unclean spirits demons? | GotQuestions.org

Incorruption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus