The Nature of Resurrection (15:35-58)

v. 35 may be a 'foolish' question because of its tone. Some were denying the very possibility of any future resurrection (15:12) and these very people may have asked the 'how' and 'what kind' questions mockingly (expecting there to be no good answer). Nevertheless, after calling them 'fools,' Paul does indeed answer their question.

Paul compares our current bodies to seeds. Seeds don't become what they were intended to be until they are buried. Likewise, people cannot become what they are intended to be until they die. Burial, then, is not the sign of the end of the seed/body, but a necessary step before transformation. The seed is transformed into something different while maintaining some core-level characteristics. The body will be transformed into something different while maintaining some continuity as well. It is God who determines the nature of the transformation for both seeds and men.

Some of the Corinthians had trouble imagining eternal flesh, so Paul discusses the fact that there are obviously different kinds of flesh. They could already see the difference between the flesh of humans, animals, birds, and fish. Paul submits that there is also a distinction between pre and post resurrection flesh, allowing the latter to be eternal. The former is perishable, dishonorable, and powerless for the very reason that it is of the earth. But those same bodies can become immortal, glorious, and powerful via resurrection.

Paul has thus indicated that just because human flesh is obviously mortal and weak, that doesn't mean that it has no capacity to be transformed into something immortal and strong. We all participate in Adam (dominated by the fallen flesh), but we may also participate in Christ (dominated by the Spirit). For those who do participate in Christ's death and resurrection, this transformation of the flesh awaits. This is the point of redemption, victory over death itself. And because of this hope in the resurrection, our present lives on earth are of great significance.

IS RESURRECTION PHYSICAL?
"8 Reasons to Say Yes"

1. The word resurrection means bodily
2. What is sown is the same thing that is raised (continuity)
3. It's called a spiritual BODY
4. Paul's backdrop is Genesis 1-2, creation
5. We will be CLOTHED (with a body)
6. The dead will be raised (graves opened)
7. It's a VICTORY (victory over The Fall which ruined creation)
8. Life is significant (this is most true if the created world will always exist)

Why this is sometimes denied...
1. Because we don't see examples of it yet
2. It's hard to imagine flesh that isn't broken
3. Because the translation 'spiritual' makes us think of non-physical
4. Because v. 50 says flesh and blood can't inherit the kingdom of God