NOT only were some people questioning the resurrection of believers, but they were also questioning the resurrection of the body. From verse 35 it seems that this doubt was raised because people could not see how a body which had rotted in the grave could be resurrected. If we begin to rely on human wisdom to understand something like the resurrection and the resurrection of the body, we shall soon find ourselves in a mental tangle which is impossible to unravel. This is the problem which always presents itself when we deny faith, and say we will not believe unless we can explain things by human wisdom. By very definition, the things of the heavenly realm can't be explained or understood simply in human terms.

VERSES 35-41.

In these verses Paul explains how different the heavenly and spiritual realm is. He first uses the illustration of the seed and the plant (v.36-38). The seed which is planted illustrates our earthly body. The plant which grows from it illustrates our heavenly resurrected body. For the plant, (resurrected body) to grow, the seed must die and rot. Also the plant (resurrected body) is so very different to the seed. However there is a distinct connection between the seed and the plant. A potato must produce a potato plant.

Then Paul explains that our resurrected body (v.38) is given by God, and so what seems impossible to us is not impossible to God.

In v.39-41 Paul points out that the different bodies that God creates are different, and so we must not expect our resurrected body to be exactly like our earthly body, though there will be an essential connection. We retain our personal identity.

VERSES 42-44.

Here the apostle points out that our earthly body is fitted and adapted for this earthly life. Our resurrected body must be fitted for the heavenly environment. This earthly body is perishable, fallen and sinful, and weak. Our resurrected body will be imperishable, gloriously perfect and holy, and powerful. There is a natural body, and a spiritual body, and although we retain our identity we will be changed in our new body.

VERSES 45-49

In these verses Paul illustrates the difference between our present earthly body and our resurrected spiritual body by speaking of the first Adam, and the second Adam, Christ.

Adam was made a living being and this is the life he handed down to all his posterity. Christ is a life-giving spirit. Christ is a life-giving spirit. He hands down to his spiritual posterity, who are born by the Spirit through faith, eternal and heavenly life. Adam was from this earth, Christ is from heaven. The argument is as follows - as human beings we have borne the image of Adam. In the same way, as new born beings in Christ we bear the likeness of Christ, and this will be complete in the heavenly glory.

VERSES 50-58.

Paul finishes his explanation and teaching concerning our resurrection by describing the miraculous work of God which God will do to every person joined to Christ by faith.

It is impossible for this earthly person to inherit the kingdom of God. The idea that all go to heaven when we die just as we are is foolish and impossible. This body and this life is created for and adapted to this temporal earthly existence. We must be recreated by God if we are to dwell in the heavenly realm of the kingdom of God.

Then the teaching Paul gives is that this tremendous change will take place at the return of Christ to judge the living and the dead. Those of us who are believers before this will sleep. Then at Christ's return we will be resurrected with our new body, and those still alive will be changed instantly. Our perishable will be clothed with the imperishable. Death will be swallowed up in victory.

Paul seems to suggest here that the believer will sleep until Christ's return, and as sleep is timeless this will in experience be going to sleep at the evening of this life to wake up immediately and see Jesus at his return, being given our resurrection body. This seems to conflict with Jesus' words to the dying thief - today you will be with me in paradise - suggesting there is a conscious existence of the soul, before the return of Christ when our bodies will be resurrected. This illustrates the difficulty of comprehending the life hereafter with only our human earthly understanding of life to evaluate it.