Brad Alles

Continuing the series on eschatology, or the study of the last things, takes us to the concept of the resurrection.  What will our resurrected body be like? Although every specific detail is not given, six main descriptors of our new body are found in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 49, and 53:

“So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 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…And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven… For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.”

First, Paul states that the resurrected body will be imperishable—it will not experience disease or decay. Second, it will be glorified—there will be nothing shameful about it. Third, it will be powerful—it will not tire or be unable to continue. Fourth, it will be spiritual—it will not be like this natural one. Fifth, it will be Christ-like—it will not be like this sinful one. Sixth, it will be immortal—it will not die. Death’s curse has been broken by Jesus’ resurrection.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus spoke of the final resurrection, when the soul is rejoined with the body on last day. In John 6:40, He said, “‘For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.’” 

Our greatest fear is death.  Jesus conquered sin, the devil, and death.  He rose from the grave.  You can also–by faith in Jesus, who is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).