RESURRECTION
BILL HOFKINS ©
THE Bible defines the word resurrection from the Greek word anastasa — a raising or rising; to cause to stand. Thus, a corpse reanimated and caused to stand up. Or, that which was alive, died, then brought back to life.
After crucifixion, the body of Jesus lay in the tomb for three days and three nights. It had no brain function, no heartbeat, or blood circulating. It was a corpse.
While dead, Jesus spent three days and three nights in hell suffering for the sins of mankind. “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Psalm 16:10
When Jesus lived on earth, he lived in a physical body just like you and me. He ate and drank, walked, and talked. When tired, he had to rest and sleep. His body was like ours, fashioned from regular earthly materials.
BUT…
When he rose from the dead, he re-animated his physical body. However, it was forever changed. He was still human and physical, yet his body was also spiritual. Its molecular structure changed into spiritual or heavenly material. Think of it as living electricity, full of light, power and charged with the eternal energy of God’s glory.
In the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John saw Jesus in this altered form. His eyes were not flames of fire, but ‘as’ or ‘like’ fire. Same with his hair, feet and voice. This description was to amplify his amazing transformation and appearance; from what we understand as a normal human body, to how it is in his heavenly state.
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace;
and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars:
and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword: and his countenance was as the
sun shineth in his strength. Revelation 1:14-16
Soon after resurrection, he appeared to his disciples and ministered to them off-and-on for forty days. Look in the last three chapters of each Gospel to verify and learn more. Jesus kept his natural appearance as he met with them, but we also see characteristics of his glorified body. For example:
His physical body had no blood to speak of:
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. Luke 24:39
He could translocate at will:
And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. Luke 24:30-31
He could pass through walls:
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. Luke 24:36
They could touch him:
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (No blood) And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. Luke 24:39-40
He could even eat, post resurrection:
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? Luke 24:41
Also, he ascended into heaven with the same physical body. He now inhabits the body that was dead, now quickened with life everlasting. He will also return to earth with the same body.
And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. Luke 24:51
Our Glorified Body
Who (Jesus) shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Philippians 3:21
The best part of our Salvation is that we will also receive glorified bodies when we are raised from the dead. Our bodies will be like his, full of eternal energy, vitality, and charged with unimaginable power and strength.
The following verse contrasts and compares the body which we live in now, to the body which we will inherit. It describes our present body as weak, natural, and mortal. Our new body will be powerful, supernatural, and immortal.
The corpse that’s planted is no beauty, but when it’s raised, it’s glorious. Put in the ground weak, it comes up powerful.
The seed sown is natural; the seed grown is supernatural—same seed, same body, but what a difference from when it goes down in physical mortality to when it is raised up in spiritual immortality! 1 Corinthians 15:43-44
Scientists estimate we use 10-15 percent of our brain. Imagine using 100% of your brain’s power. The most complex math equation will be child’s play. You will have the ability to play any instrument or paint like Da Vinci effortlessly, translocate, and communicate with others by simply thinking about it.
You will never need a doctor or dentist again.
You will not need a car. When you travel, you simply think where you want to go, and Voila, there you are.
You will never need money because money results from the curse of the law, and in the kingdom, there is no curse. Anything and everything you need will be available to you at your disposal, without cost.
In the millennial Kingdom, there will be no need for grocery stores, police departments, fire departments, banks, or any other thing that was a result from the fall of Adam and Eve.
From within your spirit, an inexpressible peace, love, joy and gladness will inhabit every atom of your being in a permanent, euphoric state, for all eternity. The Bible says, ” Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11.
Q. When do we Receive our Glorified Body?
A. At the last trump, on the last day.
Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. John 11:24
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44
We will not spend eternity in the place known as heaven, where the departed saints now live. We will live and reign with Jesus, in His kingdom, right here on earth.
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15
He will resurrect every person who has died in Christ on the last day. The following day will be the first day of the Millennium. The last day is not the end of the world, it is the beginning of Jesus Christ’s reign on earth.
We will rule and reign with him. Remember, the millennium is the earthly reign of the kingdom and Jesus is the King of Kings. The Millennium begins the day after his return.
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Revelation 20:5-6