What does the Bible say about the resurrection body?
Mar 23rd, 2008 / Salt and Light
So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 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. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. (1 Corinthians 15:42-44—NIV)
1 Corinthians 15 is known as "The Resurrection Chapter". Paul starts the chapter by stating the Gospel: that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. These are non-negotiable, concrete touch-points for anyone who professes to be born again. You must accept this gospel to be saved according to verse two.
Paul supports this content of faith by listing the appearances of the resurrected Christ to various groups in an incontrovertible way. He further proves that every Christian’s hope is dashed if the resurrection never happened. You would still be in your sins without the resurrection of the Savior. His resurrection deals with the sin problem. It allows God to declare the redeemed justified. But what about the presence of sin?
Paul continues to teach us that Christ’s resurrection is a forerunner of the believer’s resurrection. It is this discussion that leads to our text above. Death comes upon all as a result of sin. The resurrection body will be something far different than what we sow in the ground after a beloved believer’s death.
What we plant in the ground is described with four words: corruption, dishonor, weakness, and natural. Physical death gives a visible picture of the effect of sin on the human race. The corrupting, corrosive decay of one who was intended to be in the image of God. The shame associated with defeat because the dead have no control, ability, voice, or self-direction and are totally dependent. The weakness which succumbs to disease, depravity and general lack of strength, both morally, spiritually and physically. And finally, the one subjected to death now has natural, mortal remains which are earthbound and unfit for life.
God’s magnificent plan is to build for His saints on resurrection day a body which has a design like our Lord’s glorified body. Every resurrection Sunday reminds you that the body God has in store will be one that is vibrant with life unending. It will have no weakness; it will not be dependent upon breath like that of earth. It is free of the sin nature, is immortal, and is fit for an eternity impeccably employed in the service of the Most High God. The resurrection body is "glory-bound".
Make every Sunday a reminder of Resurrection Sunday and may this give you real hope every day. Give thanks for God’s grace.