We are continuing our meditation on 1 Corinthians 15, focusing on the topic of the incorruptible resurrection body that believers will receive at Christ's return. When that Day comes, what God has molded us to be will be revealed. Paul wrote that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50), which indicates that the bodies of believers will be transformed from perishable to imperishable (v. 53). Those believers on earth at the coming of Christ will be changed instantly without experiencing death. When Christ returns, in a flash, in the blink of an eye, God will make us like Christ. The apostle Paul writes elsewhere about this transformation of our bodies:
…the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body (Philippians 3:20-21).
The Greek word translated into English as "transform" is metaschēmatizō. It is a combination of two Greek words: "meta," which means a change of place or condition, and "schēma," which refers to shape or outward form. This term signifies transforming or altering the external form or appearance of something, refashioning, or reshape.[1]
An imperishable body means that it won’t age or get sick. Our new bodies will be glorious all the time. Believers in Christ will always possess youthful strength and radiate beauty with God's glory upon them. Just as Jesus walked through walls into the upper room where the door was locked in fear of the Jews (John 20:19), we too will be able to pass through walls and travel instantaneously, unbound by the physical realm. Our new bodies will not be limited to just one sphere of existence. We cannot comprehend this now, as we are confined to this dimension on earth, but just as a vast, sprawling oak tree cannot be compared to the acorn seed from which it grows, our spiritual bodies will transcend our wildest imaginings.
Paul wrote that our new bodies would be like Christ's glorious body (Philippians 3:21). This radiance will be both authoritative and beautiful. Jesus said, "The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43). It will also be a powerful body (1 Corinthians 15:43). I don't believe this refers only to strength, though that will certainly be part of it; there will be a power and authority to perform the miraculous just as Jesus did and continues to do. We will work alongside Him to fulfill His will. Our bodies will be raised, and we will see His face and be transformed into His image. Daniel the prophet spoke of that time in this way:
1"At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. 2Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever (Daniel 12:1-3, Emphasis added).
Daniel wrote that this would occur during a time of distress like the world has never seen before. However, during that time, everyone whose name is written in God’s book will be delivered (v. 1). This deliverance of God's people, the rapture and resurrection of the saints, happens at some point during the tribulation, or time of distress (Matthew 24:21-29). Daniel continues by saying that those who dedicate their lives to reaching others for Christ will shine like the stars forever. While I cannot grasp what it means to shine like a star, it certainly sounds like a reward that will be amazing and worth our sacrifice, effort, and devotion to Christ. What God has been doing within you and through you will be revealed, and it will be glorious; the chrysalis of this old, decaying body will be transformed into an immortal body, just like our Lord's. It will finally be time to go home! Graduation day at last! There will be a magnificent new beginning, for Christ is the Firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:23), and we shall be like Him. When that Day arrives, may you be found in Him. Keith Thomas
Taken from the series Insights into Eternity. Click on study 3 or the link: The Resurrection Body. Here are our teaching videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keiththomas7/videos
[1] Key Word Study Bible, AMG Publishers, Page 1651.