1 Cor. 15:46-47 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the Spirit

[Gambit]

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Ah, I see that you misunderstood Minimalist. What he actually asked for was evidence!

Glad to be of service

As 'he' did not specify to what evidence he was looking for, and as 'we' are speaking to the understanding or specific exegesis of a particular passage, then the request for said evidence would default to support the translation. Hence my comment to read the passage, for the evidence of the interpertation of the two verses in question were contained in the greater context of Paul's message.

Now to directly answer your query; Paul used the physical resurrection of Christ, and His promise to resurect the dead upon his second comming as proof.

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Thanks for your response, Drich. I understand that the line specifically refers to the resurrection, however, does the same apply in general? To elaborate, do we exist before God creates our body; and if so, in what state?

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There is nothing in the bible that says we exist before this life. However their are some church traditions that say there is a well of souls in heaven, and when the well runs dry this will usher in the final days as per Revelation.

Okay, so assuming that we do not exist before this life; given that the bible does not discuss it, aren't we being created just to be condemned, all so we can prove our worthiness? A rough analogy would be inventing a product, putting it through all kinds of stress tests, before deciding if it makes the grade. If it does, it goes on the shop shelves. However, if it doesn't, it is simply cast off to the side.

So then, free will is thrust upon us after we have already been condemned for something that we never asked for. Don't you think that's a trifle unfair, considering we had no choice in the matter to begin with? What is the Christian view on this?