TRANSFORMED BODIES

In the days following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, he appeared to his followers, sometimes literally just appearing seemingly out of nowhere.  Indeed there was something quite different about his post-resurrection body, and yet he walked, talked, and ate like a mortal man.  Clearly, his body had been greatly restored following the ravages of physical torture and crucifixion, yet it still bore the marks of what he had endured on the cross. Jesus' bodily resurrection is the guarantee of our own future resurrection. He rose literally, physically, historically, and in a body that was no less visible and tangible than those of his very earthy disciples, though remarkably transformed nonetheless. * 

Our post-resurrection bodies will bear similarities and great differences as well.  Our heavenly bodies will be characterized by strength, rather than by the weakness that ensues, particularly as we age. Our bodies will be spiritual, from the Greek term, pneumatikos. This word does not mean nonphysical, but rather bodies "transformed by and adopted to the new world of God's Spirit". They also will be recognizable, but, like Jesus' risen body, so utterly transformed that we shall be aware of the differences as well as the sameness. We will no longer have the limits of our physical bodies. Think of it, that is what God had intended for us from the beginning . . . but then, sin.  Death, disease, and the deterioration of age are products of sin.

More from 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul says, "And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, [Adam], so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.[Jesus] . . . flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. . . we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.' Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?'"

"It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will be transformed." NLT, vs. 52

I was thinking about Jesus’ encounters with those who had known him so well, who didn’t readily recognize him.  When did they realize it was the Lord?  It was when he spoke their names.  There was something in the familiarity of relationship that caused them to know Jesus.

“But will we know our loved ones in Heaven?  Will we recognize them?” The questions loom large, don’t they?  Oh, I think so, but it will be on a far greater, deeper level than just physical trappings.  After all, our senses in Heaven will not be limited either.  Scripture is not specific on the matter, but check this out: It has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him.  1 John 3:2 

We will be like Jesus, and what’s more,

       we will see him face-to-face. 

An old tune plays in my head, and I sing, "O that will be glory for me!"  Yes, that will be a good day. 

Go ahead—ponder your perfected being . . . dwell a moment on seeing Jesus face-to-face.  Incredible.

Grace to you,

Christine

*Timothy George, Christianity Today