Our life here on earth is a rehearsal for eternity.
We as believers know that when we die, our bodies go to the grave (or wherever else) but our spirit or soul is with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8We also know that our bodies will not stay in the grave (or wherever they may be) forever. One day they'll be resurrected and reunited with our spirit.
The Corinthians were talking about their bodies too, but their concerns dealt with how they would be resurrected. The questions the Corinthians had are found in 1 Corinthians 15:35.
Their questions imply that they had problems believing in the bodily resurrection of the dead. They could not understand how this could happen. As a result, they were denying it. C.f 1 Corinthians 15:12. They also had come to believe that the body was not important but a hindrance for reaching a higher spirituality. They believed they were already spiritual.
Paul responds in a very direct way (they are fools for thinking this way). He corrects them and goes on to show them that the body of all believers (dead and alive) will one day be transformed and glorified to be suited for eternity with God.
In the passage we will study today, we will learn what the resurrected bodies will be like and when this will take place. Paul uses four analogies to teach these truths. We will also learn how these truths apply to our lives in several ways.
The basis of the bodily resurrection of believers is the resurrection of Christ as explained in1 Corinthians 15:1-34. Because Jesus Christ has resurrected, we will also be resurrected by Him. Paul now goes on to explain our what our resurrected bodies will be like using four analogies.
An analogy is used to compare two things using something known to explain something unknown. It explains general truths using their likeness but doesn't answer every question. Paul will not answer every question, especially scientific that we my have.
Note: A mistake due to my overlooking the notes is found when discussing what our resurrected will be like in comparison to our old ones (verses 42-44). I said, "earthly bodies" as my notes were written but it should be "new bodies." It was my oversight.
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