THE RESURRECTION HOPE HAS POWER

Resurrected With What Body?

Paul next dealt with certain questions.  (1 Corinthians 15:35-41) Perhaps in an effort to cast doubt on the resurrection, an inquirer might ask:  "How are the dead to be raised up?  Yes, with what sort of body are they coming?"  As Paul showed, a seed planted in the soil in effect dies as it changes to become a seedling.  Similarly, a spirit-begotten human must die.  Just as a plant rises from a seed as  a new body, so the resurrected body of the anointed Christian is different from human flesh.  Though he has the same life pattern that he had before dying, he is raised   up as a new creature with a spirit body able to live in  heaven.  Naturally, those resurrected on earth will be raised in human bodies.

As Paul said, human flesh differs from that of animals.  Even animal flesh varies from one kind to another.  (Genesis 1:20-25)  The "heavenly bodies" of spirit creatures differ in glory from "earthly bodies" of flesh.  There are also differences in the glory of the sun, moon and stars.  But resurrected anointed ones have far greater glory.

Having mentioned differences, Paul added:  "So also is the resurrection of the dead."  (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)  He said:  "It is sown in corruption, free from sin.  Though dishonored by the world, it is raised to heavenly life and made manifest with Christ in glory.  (Acts 5:41; Colossians 3:4)  At death it is sown "a physical body" and raised "a spiritual body."  Since this is possible in the case of spirit-begotten Christians, we can be sure that others can  be raised to life on earth.

Paul next contrasted Christ with Adam.  n( 1 Corinthians 15:45-49) Adam, the first man "became a living soul."  (Genesis2:7) "The Last Adam"-Jesus-became a life-giving spirit."  He gave his life as a ransom sacrifice, first in behalf of  his anointed followers.   (Mark 10:45) As humans, they 'bear the image of the one made of dust,' but when resurrected they become like the last Adam.  Of course,  Jesus' sacrifice will benefit all obedient mankind,including those resurrected on earth. -1 John 2:1, 2.

When anointed Christians die, they are not raised in the flesh.  (1 Corinthians 15:50-53) A corruptible body of flesh and blood cannot inherit  incorruption and the heavenly Kingdom.  Some anointed ones would  not have to experience a long sleep in death.  Finishing their earthly course in faithfulness during Jesus' presence, they would "be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye."  They would be raised instantaneously to spirit life in incorruption and glory.  Eventually Christ's heavenly "bride" will number 144,000. -Revelation 14:1;19:7: 21:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.

Next time: Victory Over Death!

Watchtower, 2000