Part Two: "The Resurrected and Glorified Body" (1 Corinthians 15:35)

Our passage says "But someone will say, How are the dead raised? And with what kind of body do they come?" In part one we saw that the word "sleep" is used for the death of the Christ follower in order that we would not fear death. In this teaching, we'll see that the Christ follower is resurrected to be like Christ! In other words, we will live in a literal body just as real as the body we have now. Listen to the words of apostle Paul to the church at Philippi. Paul said "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself" (Philippians 3:20-21). The resurrected and glorified body is another reason for the Christ follower to "eagerly wait" for Christ to return! Notice the phrase "who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory." Our resurrected and glorified body will be just like the body that Christ has! It will be redesigned and adapted for being in God's presence! Paul answered the question "And with what kind of body do they come?" with these words; "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; 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" (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). Here we see four sets of contrasts to show how the resurrected and glorified body differs from the present ones. We see no more sickness and death (perishable body). We see no more shame due to sin (dishonor). We see no more flaws and imperfections in temptation (weakness). We see no more limits to time and space (natural). Are you excited yet? I sure am! This is what it means to have Christ "transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory." Can you say "new and improved?" Can you say "extreme make-over, resurrection edition?" Those words are worth shouting about! Your move. Be encouraged!