1 Corinthians 15:35-49

Some in Corinth said that there was no resurrection (15:12).  Perhaps their objection related to lack of answers to the questions raised in today’s passage: How are the dead raised up? And with what body to they come? Paul’s reproof (foolish one, v36) indicates this to be the case.  The resurrection body seemed too hard to visualize so they denied it.  Paul’s answer involves three familiar illustrations: plant life (v36-38), animal life (v39) and planetary “life” (v40-41).  

·        From plant life (v36-38) we learn that death must occur to bring about the life that is desired.  In addition we are reminded that the plant that comes to be is related to but not the same as the seed which is planted.

·        From animal life (v39) we see that not all flesh is the same; humans are different than animals which are different than fish and birds.

·        From planetary comparisons (v40-41) we again see that not all look the same.  The sun, moon, stars and earth are different and one star differs from another.

Those simple thoughts prepare us for the specific answers that follow. 

·        First Paul contrasts our present body with the one to come.  This one is subject to death (corruption), dishonor (it carries the sin nature), and weakness (prone to sickness).  It is natural or animal-like.  The body to come will not die (it is immortal), bears the glory of God who made us in His image, and will suit us for eternity.  It is a spiritual body, meaning related to the spirit, though not necessarily non-material.

·        Then Paul contrasts the two representatives, the first Adam and Last Adam (Christ).  Adam was a living being (having the breath of life), being first in the sense that the seed comes before the plant.  His body was made to use on earth and was actually made from the dust.  But Christ was Himself the one who gave life to all, including Adam.  He is the source also of eternal life.  He is the celestial One, the Lord from heaven.  The body we have will be fit for heaven and will serve us in that environment.

The best answer is in v49: it will be like that of the Heavenly Man, Christ.  Our lowly body will be transformed that it may be conformed to His glorious body (Phil. 3:21).  After His resurrection Jesus’ glorified body was recognizable.  It had flesh and bones (Lk. 24:39).  He ate food and talked as before (Lk. 24:13-18, 42-43).  Yet He could appear in a room without using the door (Jn. 20:19) and with it He ascended into heaven (Ac. 1:9).  There were obvious differences.

What are we to do with the body we have now?  Is it irrelevant given its weakness and temporary nature?  Absolutely not!

·        1 Cor. 6:19-20;  Phil. 1:20: glorify God in your body.

·        Rom. 8:13: put to death the deeds of the body.

·        1 Cor. 9:27: subject your body to the Spirit.

·        Rom. 12:1: present your body to God.