Resurrection of the body

Biblical Foundations

Christian belief in the resurrection of the body is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus and the writings of Saint Paul. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus instructs, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” This passage establishes that death is not the ultimate end, highlighting both the immortality of the soul and God’s authority over eternal life. In John 20–21, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and the disciples, including Thomas. John emphasizes that Jesus’ body was physical—he could be touched and ate food—but also transformed, suggesting a continuity of identity with a new, glorified nature. Similarly, in Philippians 1:21–24, Paul contrasts the desire to depart and be with Christ after death with the necessity of remaining in the body for the benefit of the community, reflecting the tension between immediate spiritual presence and embodied life.

Pauline Theology: Resurrection and the New Creation

Paul’s most detailed discussion occurs in 1 Corinthians 15, where he frames the resurrection as both a historical and future reality. He bases his teaching on the resurrection of Jesus, which he claims to have witnessed personally (Acts 9:1–20). Paul presents Jesus as the “new Adam,” whose resurrection reverses the consequences of the Fall described in Genesis 3. He teaches that the resurrection of the body will occur in two stages: first in Christ (Jesus’ resurrection) and later at the Parousia, when all the dead and living will be transformed. Importantly, Paul emphasizes that the resurrected body is not simply resuscitated—it is a glorified, imperishable body with new properties, akin to a seed transforming into a mature plant, ensuring continuity yet profound change.

Theological Interpretations

There are diverse theological interpretations of the resurrection. N. T. Wright (in The Resurrection of the Son of God, 2003) argues that Jesus’ resurrection initiates the restoration of creation itself, which will be completed at the end of history. The resurrection is thus both personal and cosmic: it promises renewal for individuals and the entire created order. By contrast, Rudolf Bultmann focuses on the existential significance, interpreting the resurrection as a matter of faith rather than a literal physical event. For Bultmann, the risen Jesus is encountered personally through belief, and the physical resurrection is not necessary for Christian hope.

Significance for Believers

The resurrection of the body is foundational to Christian hope. It assures believers that death is not final and that God’s plan for renewal will culminate in eternal life. It emphasizes both continuity and transformation: the body is preserved in identity but perfected and glorified. Jesus’ resurrection also validates his messianic role, confirming that humanity can share in his resurrection. For early Christians, this belief was central to understanding salvation, the defeat of death, and the ultimate restoration of God’s creation.