The Transformation of our Lowly Bodies.

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We are continuing to meditate on 1 Corinthians 15, the topic of the Resurrection Body (scroll down for other meditations), what it will be like to have a glorious, incorruptible body. When that Day comes, that which God has been shaping us to be on the inside by His Spirit will be revealed. It won’t be the same as our old nature; Paul says that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50). It will no longer be perishable but imperishable (v. 53). We won’t all sleep; (not all Christians will die and be separated from their bodies). Those who are still alive at the coming of Christ will be transformed instantly without going through the experience of death. When Christ comes, in a flash, in the wink of an eye’s time, we will be changed from having a perishable body to being clothed with an imperishable body (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). Paul, the apostle, writes in a different place about this transformation of our bodies:

…the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, 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).

This word that is translated transform is the Greek word Metaschēmatizō. It is a construction of two Greek words. Meta means a change of place or condition, and schēmais is the word for shape or outward form. To transform, change the outward form or appearance of something, refashion, reshape.[1]

An imperishable body means that it won’t age or get sick. Our new bodies will be glorious all of the time. You will always have youthful strength and be radiantly beautiful with God's glory radiating from you. Just as Jesus walked through walls into the upper room where the door was locked for fear of the Jews (John 20:19), we will also be able to pass through walls and travel instantaneously, not bound by the physical realm. Our new bodies will not be limited to only one sphere of existence. We cannot comprehend this now, as we are limited to this dimension on earth, but just as a vast, sprawling oak tree could not be compared to the acorn seed from which it grows, our spiritual bodies will transcend what we can imagine. We do not have anything to compare with it. 

Paul says that our new body will be like Christ's glorious body (Philippians 3:20). This radiance that accompanies us will be both authoritative and beautiful. Jesus said that “the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their father” (Matthew 13:43. Emphasis mine). Those who belong to Christ will command respect, respect that is born of wisdom that is from above. There will be kindness and joy that will be ours. It will also be a powerful body (1 Corinthians 15:43). I don't think this speaks only of strength, although that certainly will be part of it; there will be a power and authority to work the miraculous just as Jesus did and still does. We will participate with Him to do His will. Our bodies will be raised, and we will see His face and be transformed into His image. Daniel the prophet also speaks 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).

Daniel says that this will happen at a time when there will be a time of distress such as never before. But at that time everyone whose name is written in God’s book–will be delivered. The prophet Daniel is talking about the rapture of the saints at some time during the tribulation or time of distress (v. 1). Daniel says that those who invest their lives to touch others for Christ will be like the stars forever and ever. I cannot comprehend what it will mean to shine like a star, but it sure sounds like a reward that will be wonderful, worth my sacrifice, effort, and devotion to Christ in this life! That which God has been doing on the inside of you and through you will be made known, and it will be glorious, the chrysalis of this old decaying body will put on an immortal body, just like our Lord's. It will be time to go home! Graduation day at last! Far from being the end we see when we look at the death of an earthly body, there will be a glorious new beginning which one day will manifest physically in a body like His own glorious resurrection body, for He is the First Fruit, and we shall be like Him. May you be found in Him in that day and worship with us.

Taken from the series Insights into Eternity found in All Studies on the Home Page. Click on the study The Resurrection Body. Keith Thomas

[1]Key Word Study Bible, AMG Publishers, Page 1651.

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