In his first epistle to the Corinthians, Paul instructed his audience in the reality of the resurrection. Having done that, he follow up with insight as to the nature of the resurrected body. In doing so, he makes several inspired observations that merit sharing for our encouragement.
First, he appeals to the Corinthians’ understanding of husbandry by comparing the resurrection to sowing seed. “That which thou sowest is not quickened [made alive], except it die: and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body” (I Corinthians 15:37-38). The analogy is straightforward. The farmer plants seeds of corn or wheat or barley, but the seeds germinate and grow in a body that does not resemble the seed planted. God has given corn its own body and likewise for wheat or barley. The plant is different from the seed but it has not lost its identity. Even so, in the resurrection our bodies will be different, but we will not lose our identity. In one sense we will be different, but in another we will be the same.
Paul then uses two examples to illustrate how these variations will be. “All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differ from another star in glory” (I Corinthians 15:39-41). There are variations in flesh and variations in glory. Consequently, we can expect variations between the body sown in death and raised in the resurrection.
“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It 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” (I Corinthians 15:42-44). Incorruption speaks to the intended endurance of the resurrected body; glory speaks to its purpose, the restored image of God; power answers to the renewed capability of the resurrected body, to serve God and accomplish his will. We will have spiritual bodies suited to a new [heavenly] environment.
Jesus Christ appeared to his disciples after his resurrection in a physical, yet glorified body. While his body could be touched (Luke 24:39), it also had supernatural capacities (Luke 24:36-37). He even ate together with them (Luke 24:43). For the believer, the resurrection is a fixed hope that governs our lives here on earth. “For our conversation [manner of life] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21). Is this your hope?
From the Chaplain 