The question of what form our existence will take in heaven is an interesting one that the Bible does not provide a definitive answer to. However, through careful examination of biblical texts, we can glean some insights into what scripture reveals about the nature of our resurrection bodies.
The Resurrection Body of Jesus
Perhaps the best place to start when considering what form we will take in heaven is to look at the resurrected body of Jesus. After his crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead bodily, and the Gospels record several encounters where Jesus interacted with his disciples in his resurrected form. From these accounts, we learn several things about Jesus’ resurrection body:
- It was a physical body of flesh and bones, as Jesus himself confirmed when he appeared to the disciples and invited them to touch him (Luke 24:39). His body bore the scars of his crucifixion (John 20:27).
- Jesus ate food with his disciples, implying his body still had biological functions like digestion (Luke 24:30, 24:42-43).
- His body could suddenly appear and disappear, suggesting capabilities beyond the constraints of our current physical forms (Luke 24:31, John 20:19).
So in his resurrection, Jesus maintained a physical, biological body that still bore the marks of his earthly life. Yet it seems his new body was not limited by the same physical laws that restrict our current bodies. As Paul states, Jesus was raised with a “spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:44).
Our Future Resurrection Bodies
The New Testament writers indicate believers can look forward to a resurrected body patterned after Jesus’ own glorified body. As Paul writes:
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body (Philippians 3:20-21).
And John writes:
Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is (1 John 3:2).
Paul provides the most detailed explanation of what believers can expect with their resurrection bodies in 1 Corinthians 15. Summarizing key points, Paul says:
- Our current perishable bodies will be raised as imperishable (v. 42).
- Our current weak bodies will be raised in power (v.43).
- Our current natural bodies will be raised as spiritual bodies (v. 44).
- Just as Christ was raised with a physical body, ours will be raised as physical bodies too (v.44).
Paul emphasizes continuity between our current bodies and our future resurrected bodies, while also noting the transformation. As with Christ, believers can expect to receive real physical bodies that are no longer hindered by decay, weakness, and limitation. Yet they will also be perfectly equipped for life in eternity.
Will Our Bodies Be Physical or Spiritual?
A tension arises when we consider Paul’s description of the resurrection body as a “spiritual body” (1 Cor. 15:44). Some read this to mean the resurrection body will be non-physical or immaterial in nature. However, Paul’s use of the term “spiritual” does not necessitate a non-physical meaning, as Paul says our current bodies are “natural” in contrast to the future “spiritual.”
It seems better to understand the resurrection body as physical yet dominated by the Spirit rather than the limitations of this current natural world. As one scholar explains, “The contrast is not between what is immaterial and what is material, but between what is totally dominated by the life principle of this world and what is totally dominated by the life principle of the divine Spirit.”
In other words, our resurrection bodies will be spiritual in the sense they are completely subject to the Spirit’s life and immortal power rather than the weaknesses of our current natural bodies.
Will We Have Form and Features?
Given that Paul emphasizes physical continuity between our current bodies and resurrection bodies, it seems we will maintain form and features that identify us as unique individuals. The New Testament hints at such recognizable features in a few ways:
- Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ at the transfiguration, and the disciples recognized them (Luke 9:30-33)
- Martyrs under the altar are pictured with robes and aware of events on earth, implying personal identity (Revelation 6:9-11)
- Parable of the rich man and Lazarus indicates the dead maintain identifiable features (Luke 16:19-31)
Additionally, the resurrected Jesus was recognizable to his followers, implying continued identity. While details are limited, it seems resurrected believers will maintain personal features and form, though perfected beyond their current natural state.
Will Gender and Ethnicity Remain?
Related to the idea of maintaining identifiable features, some wonder if gender and ethnicity will continue into the resurrection life. Jesus’ masculinity seemed to persist in his resurrected state, as did the visible wounds from his crucifixion. This implies gender distinctions are not erased in resurrection. Ethnicity also seems likely to remain, as the vision of the throne room indicates people of every tribe worshipping God (Revelation 7:9).
However, any inequality or discord resulting from gender or ethnicity will be done away with. As Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Redeemed people from all nations, races, and backgrounds will worship God in perfect unity.
What Activities Might our Resurrection Bodies Enjoy?
If believers will have physical forms in the resurrected state, an interesting question is what activities might these glorified bodies enjoy? While specifics are not revealed, we can derive clues based on the capabilities of Jesus’ resurrection body and the nature of the eternal state described in scripture:
- Since Jesus ate food after his resurrection, eating seems possible (Luke 24:42-43). The heavenly feast may involve actual eating (Luke 13:29).
- Heaven is depicted as a physical place, implying activities like exploration, creativity, building (John 14:2-3).
- Heaven involves ruling, which implies meaningful work and responsibility (2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 22:5).
- Believers are called sons and daughters, which implies relationships and intimacy.
- Music, worship, dancing, feasting and other creative joys seem plausible (Psalm 150:4-6).
In other words, many of the positive creative activities we enjoy now seem consistent with the resurrected state, without the hindrances of sin and suffering. We will engage in meaningful work, relationships, stewardship, worship and creative pleasures in perfected bodies on a renewed earth.
Will There Be an Intermediate Body?
A final consideration is whether believers receive an intermediate body immediately after death, while awaiting final resurrection. Some propose believers receive a temporary spiritual body until reunited with a final physical resurrection body.
However, scripture mainly portrays the spirit as naked and unclothed immediately after death (Eccl. 12:7, Heb. 12:23, Rev. 6:9), while awaiting the resurrection for clothing. Only two passages offer possible evidence for an intermediate body.
In Revelation 6:11 and 20:4, martyrs are given white robes, possibly symbolic of intermediate bodies. And in 2 Corinthians 5, Paul expresses a desire to be “further clothed” (v. 2-4) in addition to his current body. However, this passage is difficult to interpret definitively.
While non-conclusive, the balance of scripture seems to lean towards naked disembodied spirits awaiting final resurrection, rather than temporary intermediate bodies. But the possibility cannot be fully ruled out.
Conclusion
In summary, while many details are left undefined, the pattern set by Jesus’ resurrection provides hope that believers will also receive real physical bodies in the resurrection, albeit perfected and subject to the glorious life of the Spirit rather than the current natural world. These bodies will reflect our unique identities and capabilities beyond our current imagination. As Paul declares, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). The resurrection of the dead to eternal life in physical form is a glorious promise we can eagerly anticipate.