John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 15:49

"And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." — 1 Corinthians 15:49 (ASV)

As we have borne Some have thought that this is an exhortation to a pious and holy life, into which Paul digressed; and for that reason, they have changed the verb from the future tense into the hortative mood. Moreover, in some Greek manuscripts the reading is φορέσωμεν (let us bear,) but as that does not fit as well with the connection, let us instead adopt what corresponds better with the purpose and the context.

Let us observe, first, that this is not an exhortation but pure doctrine, and that he is not discussing newness of life here, but continues, without any interruption, the thread of his discourse concerning the resurrection of the flesh. The meaning, therefore, will be this: “As the animal nature, which has precedence in us, is the image of Adam, so we shall be conformed to Christ in the heavenly nature; and this will be the completion of our restoration.”

For we now begin to bear the image of Christ and are transformed more and more into it every day; but that image consists in spiritual regeneration. But then it will be fully restored both in body and in soul, and what is now begun will be perfected; and accordingly, we will obtain in reality what we still only hope for. If, however, anyone prefers a different reading, this statement will serve to spur the Corinthians forward; and if there had been a lively meditation on sincere piety and a new life, it might have, at the same time, kindled in them the hope of heavenly glory.