Do I Anticipate My New Resurrection Body?

A Sermon by Jim Hammond from 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

What is your anchor?

Some people see education as the anchor of civilization. They think, if only we could educate everyone, the problems would be solved. Do you believe this? I don’t.

It was one of the best educated nations on earth that gave birth to the Nazis.

What is your anchor? Some see health as an anchor for life, but if you live long enough you know that your health is going to let you down. Growing old is not for cowards. Health is a blessing, but it’s no anchor.

What is your anchor?

Some see stability in wealth--wealth is their anchor. They may have an experience similar to that of the ship Marine Electric which sank off the coast of Virginia early in 1983, costing the lives of thirty-one sailors. Do you know how that ship sank? The reason was this: the ship's eight-ton anchor came loose and kept battering the hull of the ship until the ship went down. That ship was destroyed by its own anchor. If wealth is your anchor, it may destroy you.

What is your anchor? What keeps you going? The wrong hope can let you down. It can eventually sink you.

Our hope in Christ is the only unfailing anchor for the soul. Today we talk about that anchor. Today we talk about an anticipation, that makes a difference in how we live.

THE DUNGEON OF DESPAIR

In John Bunyan’s Classic Pilgrim’s Progress, the Pilgrim, whose name is Christian, walks along the “hard but right” path toward the celestial city. He has been warned not to leave this “narrow path”. Yet, on one occasion he does leave it and finds himself and his companion, Hopeful, captured by a giant named Despair and placed in his dungeon.

Have you ever been in the dungeon of despair. It is a terrible place. It is that place where Kathy found herself a little over a year and a half ago. Kathy took her own life. I wish she could have heard what I am about to tell you. Kathy, like the Pilgrim, found herself cast into the dungeon of despair. I think what Pilgrim experienced helps us to understand what Kathy must have experienced. But more importantly, I wished Kathy could have learned what Pilgrim learned. O, if only she could have known the real hope that could have been hers, she, too, could have escaped the Dungeon of Despair.

The story goes this way. Christian and Hopeful had wandered off the path and it began to storm. It grew darker and darker and they lost their way. The ground was flooded and the darkness so deep they could not hope to find their way back until the dawn. They huddled helplessly under an oak tree they found by the light of the lightening. There they shivered in the dark. When dawn finally came they were so weary they fell asleep. It was a mistake. If they had tried to get back to the path when dawn first showed they might have made it. Instead, they slept and did not hear the rumbling footsteps of the Giant who saw them, and crouched over them and captured them for traveling on his turf.

The Giant took them to Doubting Castle, his home. There was not a single window in his entire castle. Giant Despair took Christian and Hopeful down, down, down, into the bowels of his castle and locked them up behind iron doors in his dungeon vault. There was no light in the dungeon. Hopeful tried to get Christian to sing a hymn for encouragement but he could not. It was because of him that they had come to this, and he could not forgive himself. He did not think that he could ever be forgiven or that they would ever find their way back to the path.

“Are those two still alive in the dungeon?” asked the Giant’s wife.

“And what if they are?” asked the Giant.

“Then go back and beat them until they wish to do away with themselves,” answered the Giant’s wife.

So that is what the Giant did. He beat them mercilessly with a club until the two were beaten unconscious. Giant Despair returned each day for three days to beat them again. On the third day Christian ducked under one of the Giant’s blows and his mighty club struck the wall dislodging a stone. A tiny shaft of sunlight eked its way in, striking the Giant on the forehead. Instantly, the Giant lost his mighty strength and was reduced to crawling. He crawled out the dungeon vault and locked the cell before Christian and Hopeful could escape. Had Christian and Hopeful been stronger and not so weakened by their time in the dungeon they might have escaped.

That night, the Giant’s wife visited the dungeon for the first time. “You are stout men to be still alive,” she said. “But you must realize that you will not escape. Every morning my husband will beat you. Every evening you will fall asleep without having eaten. This kind of bitter life is not worth living. You must be hungry now,” she said. She left a burlap bag just by the door. “What is in here will relieve you.” She clanged the door shut, and they heard her slow steps ascending the stairs.

Hopeful rushed to the bag and held it up to the small shaft of light coming through the opening in the wall and opened it. “This is strange,” he said. “Here is a rope, a knife, and a bottle.”

“To kill ourselves,” replied Christian. “The rope will hang us, the knife will stab us, and whatever is in the bottle will surely poison us.” He paused for a moment, and said slowly, “Perhaps it would be for the best.”

“No”, cried Hopeful horrified. “We cannot let Despair lead us to commit self murder! Did you not see how the giant was weakened by the light? Who knows that we might have escaped had we been prepared? Let us wait for another opportunity.” And so, they waited. Yet they continued to be beaten each day. Christian kept eyeing the burlap bag.

I’ll not tell you exactly how Christian and Hopeful escaped. I’ve whetted your appetite so that you will want to hear the whole story. Our library has a copy of a modern audio version that will surely encourage you.

John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress was imprisoned in 1675 for preaching the Gospel in England. He wrote Pilgrim’s Progress during this time in jail.

Have you ever felt trapped in the dungeon of despair? Hope is the answer. Just one ray of hope, if it is true hope, will totally incapacitate the Giant Despair. It will give you what you need to overpower him and escape his dungeon.

This morning, we continue in the chapter that gives us solid hope, based on the resurrection of Jesus. In the first part of 1 Corinthians 15 Paul argues that Christ’s resurrection assures Christians that they also will be raised from the dead because of Christ’s victory over sin and death. In the second half of the chapter, Paul answers the Corinthians’ Question. It was a question you have probably pondered. What will we be like in heaven? What will our resurrection bodies be like?

Let me remind you that the Corinthians had some false teaching taking place. These false teachers were denying the resurrection of the body for at least two reasons: 1) Their philosophy taught (wrongly) that the body was evil and only spirit was good. Therefore, they didn’t want a body in eternity. 2) Also, like many modern skeptics, they may have considered such a resurrection impossible. But how can we admit God’s existence and then limit His power? (Acts 26:8) If you believe God exists, then don’t limit his power. If he exists, he can raise the dead. It may be that the Corinthians were asking a mocking question, “If the resurrection were possible, what kind of body would we have?” Perhaps they were thinking that having a body for eternity was a ridiculous notion. Paul addresses these questions. While he does he addresses our question. The reality of our resurrection has up to the minute relevancy. I’m convinced that this hope makes a difference in our lives now! This hope is like the beam of light that destroys despair. There is no dungeon of despair that can hold us.

I. Christians Anticipate a New Resurrection Body

Focus: A Christian’s hope of resurrection is not wishful thinking but a solid anchor stabilizing the soul; it is an anticipation of a future reality which makes a difference in how we live right now.

Christian Hope is More than Wishful Thinking

The Smell of A Great Meal

This hope is more than wishful thinking. It is like the anticipation of a great meal. Pick one of your favorite meals. What is it? Imagine the wonderful smells of it cooking in the house, and you weren’t doing the cooking. Maybe you will have to go back to the days of childhood memories. Or maybe it was just last thanksgiving that you remember the anticipation of the smells of the feast cooking. Can you smell those wonderful smells that made your mouth water. You couldn’t wait! Think of it.

Christian hope is more than wishful thinking. Iit is the anticipation of something that is sure! What Paul is about to teach here is not proof of the resurrection. He feels Christ has already proven this. He’s already given us that proof that he was convinced of when he saw the glorified Christ! No, what he is giving here is not to prove the fact of the resurrection but rather to give some insight into the nature of the resurrection we can anticipate.

A. That is Similar (3 Illustrations—vv. 36-41)

1. We will Reap what is Sown

The seed that is planted determines the plant that will grow. You can’t plant beans and have corn grow from that seed. In like manner, you can’t plant a non-Christian and have a Christian resurrection. You cannot expect a birth of an Oriental child from two biological parents who are Caucasian.

Thee is not a Christ like Resurrection without the life of Christ.

We still reap what we sow.

What is reaped is based on what is sown. The Seed determines the plant. We don’t become part of the lostness of the eternal one (like some forms of new age thought, or Eastern mysticism). What we do now, and how we grow now, has implications for who we are later. Who we are now, is not completely lost when we are raised. I believe that sin is dealt with. Yes. The cross took care of that. But how we grow now, and what character is developed is carried over into our life on the other side of resurrection. In other words, the whole concept of resurrection has a very practical side. Belief in the resurrection makes a difference now (hope, anticipation, assurance, guidance) and Later (what kind of resurrection to expect)!

Released to Pick Up Where We Left Off

Maybe we can see this illustrated in something we do understand. Have you ever met a very sweet old person? Have you ever met a very grumpy old person? How did they get that way? Sweet people tend to become sweeter with age. Grumpy people tend to get grumpier with age. Now I know this is only by inference, but it seems to me that all our growth here, and all our faithfulness here is not lost, or in vain. It is carried forward into eternity. God meets us and says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” He says to some you have been faithful in much, much shall be given. To others he says, you have been faithful in little, here’s a little more. Then life, eternal life, continues in the new heaven and new earth. We pick up where we left off. Only this time, without the encumbrances of sin, or disabilities, or weakness. We are released to pick up where we left off and grow and live and thrive in the new order of things in the new heavens and new earth. We still have personality and self and all the goodness we have received. There are others who entered, but barely, almost by the skin of their teeth. As if escaping the flames, there is smoke on their clothes. But they are in. Saved, but not much else to show for it.

1 Corinthians 3:11-3:15 (NIV) ¹¹For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹²If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. ¹⁴If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. ¹⁵If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

Advantages we have here and now from the salvation we received need to be responded to faithfully. Everything now does make a difference then. Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can be faithful with today because it makes a difference even after our resurrection.

2. We will have a new Body fit for a new Environment.

God created everything to fit into its environment.

Each one is created with a body that fits them for their environment. Fish can breathe through gills, fitting them for water. Bats have the ability to bounce sound in such a way as to fly at night and chase insects and eat them. Dogs bark at sounds we can’t hear. Each body is given different God given abilities that are fit for its environment. Now when we are resurrected, our eyes will be fitted to see things that have been invisible to us before. Our ears will hear things which were silent to us before. We will be fitted with spiritual bodies. We will be able to participate with new senses. We have 5 senses now, and they don’t work that well for the spiritual dimension. Our resurrection bodies will come with the ability to participate in God’s will which will at that point be heaven’s will on earth. Earth and heaven are separate for now. But he asked that we pray that they will no longer be separate. Once we are resurrected we will have bodies that can participate fully in both realms, the spiritual and the earthly. God will create a new heavens and a new earth, and we will be at once citizens of both kingdoms without having to travel back and forth. These are my opinions based on inference. Our heavenly bodies will be fit for a new heaven and a new EARTH!

Isaiah 65:17 “Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.

2 Peter 3:13-3:14 ¹³But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. ¹⁴So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

3. We will retain individuality

We will be recognized as we retain our individuality. Just as there are differences from star to star, there will be differences in our glorified bodies. We will be recognizable and retain our individuality!

Changed But Recognizable

Within the last couple of weeks, my 15 year old daughter had her long hair cut short, and her braces removed. The change was dramatic. Some people take several looks to recognize her. She looks different. But she is the same. Now the change will be more dramatic than a haircut. We are getting a full spiritual makeover, even our physicality will be different, nevertheless, we will be recognizable, and the change will be exciting and attractive!

A Fit Body For Eternal Expressions

Personality extends beyond the grave. My body is that through which I, as a living soul, express myself. The organist expresses her talent and abilities through the instrument. If someone destroys the organ, it does not mean that she ceases to exist. When this body is destroyed, I continue to exist. However, God will give me a new body for expression in my eternal state.

B. But Different (5 Contrasts—vv. 42-49)

1. Imperishable (no more death)

2. Glorified (no more dishonor)

3. Powerful (no more weakness)

Our new resurrection bodies will not be weak, they will never get sick, they will never die. There will be no more aches and pains. I’m guessing there will be no wrinkles reflecting age. But these details I don’t know.

4. A Spiritual Physicality! (No more “natural” limitations)

He did not say it will be a spirit body, but a spiritual body. The term “spiritual body” refers to that very real body the Christian receives in the resurrection.

5. Just Like Jesus (No more like Adam)

Paul Witnessed the Glorified Christ

We must remember that Paul himself was one of the witnesses of the resurrected Christ. He has already told us this earlier in this chapter. When Paul saw Christ, do you remember what he saw? The glory was more glorious even than what the disciples saw. We read about it in 3 places in Acts (chapters. 9, 22, 26).

Acts 9:3-9 (NIV) ³As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. ⁴He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

⁵“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. ⁶“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

⁷The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. ⁸Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. ⁹For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

Paul saw the splendor of light. I wonder if our eyes are not even fit to see what is glorious. Paul’s weren’t? He was blinded by the glory of Christ. He heard the voice of Christ. “Saul, Saul, Why are you persecuting me?” God wanted Paul to hear, so as an exception to the normal rules, by miracle, God opened Paul’s ears to hear and his eyes to see the spiritual dimension. The interesting thing is that the others with him didn’t hear a discernable voice, only a noise. Perhaps their ears weren’t fitted to hear it. To them they heard but a loud noise. They saw the light but it was not as bright to them as it was to Paul. They weren’t blinded as Paul was.

Acts 22:9 (NIV) My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me.

II. When? (vv. 50-53).

When can we anticipate this resurrection?

When Christ returns. The Dead will be Resurrected. The Living will be changed. “We will not all sleep.” (vv. 18, 20) This can be confusing. If the dead are not raised till Christ’s return, then where is my mother now?

Sleep, a metaphor Describing Death from Earth’s Perspective

Some people misunderstand this section and teach what has been called “soul sleep”, a state of unconsciousness between the time of death and the time of the general resurrection that takes place at the Lord’s return. But the Bible does not teach this. The body may “sleep” but the soul is not unconscious. The Bible teaches that the dead are conscious even before the resurrection. They are in the presence of Christ.

Evidence that The Dead In Christ Are Alive and Conscious

· In Revelation 6:9-10 the dead martyrs ask the question “How long” as they anticipate their vindication and the completion of all things. Consider the following:

· 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 teaches that when we die our spirit, or soul, leaves our body and is immediately ushered into the presence of Christ. This section teaches that the body is like a tent housing us. My body is my mobile earth unit fitting me for an earthly environment. At the death my spirit (because I am a Christian) leaves and enters the spiritual realm with Christ. At Christ’s return just before the creation of the new order of things, including the new heavens and new earth, my body will be raised. In other words, my spirit will be fitted with the imperishable Earth/Heaven unit fitted for the eternal environment and able to function in the physical and spiritual realms cohesively.

· Matthew 22:31-32 gives us Jesus’ explanation about the resurrection. It is obvious that the dead in Christ are alive because God is the God of the living. So when God says to Moses he is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the implication is clear that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were alive even though they physically died long before Moses.

· Mark 9 and Matthew 17 details the events at the transfiguration. This reveals to us that even before the general resurrection when Moses and Elijah will be given their imperishable bodies, they can be visible to the eyes if the eyes are made spiritually open to see things that are spiritual. The main point is that Moses and Elijah were conscious, alive, and able to hold a conversation with Jesus. Something else to note is that even before the general resurrection when they will receive their glorified bodies they were visible to eyes that can be made to see the spiritual dimension. And what did their souls look like? They looked like people with bodies.

· John 11:25-26 tells us Jesus words, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; ²⁶and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” So we do not cease to exist till the general resurrection, we simply enter into God’s presence awaiting the time of completion and ultimate vindication when we will have imperishable bodies in the new order of things.

Sleep Describes What it looks like from Earth’s Vantage Point

I used to sleep walk as a child. Now my son does. To those who are awake it doesn’t take long to see the sleep walker is not “fully there”. Their consciousness is somewhere else in dream land. In a similar way, when a Christian dies, he enters the real “dream” world of the presence of Christ. To the earthly observer, they are “no longer with us.” And they are not. We can’t talk to them. They can’t hear us. They are somewhere else.

The Instant completion of the Victory

There will be living Christians at the time of Christ’s return. “In the twinkling of an eye” This change will happen instantly. “the trumpet blast” will usher in a new heaven and earth (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 11:15). This Completes Christ’s Victory over Death (vv. 54-56).

Satan seemed victorious in the Garden of Eden when death was introduced because of sin. He also seemed victorious at the cross of Jesus, but God reversed his victory, and caused Satan’s defeat. Since that defeat on the cross, death need no longer be a threat. We don’t need to fear death or dread it. We have been shown Christ’s victory over death. As Christ overcame it, so will we, because he did!

How the “When” Works

Let me summarize the answer to the “when” question. Earlier I asked, if the dead in Christ are resurrected at the end when Christ returns, where is my mother now? My mother is alive, conscious, and in the Lord’s presence right now, awaiting the culmination of all things. Her spirit left her body and was immediately ushered into the presence of Christ in heaven, the spiritual realm. She was set free of the pain of cancer, she was set free from the groaning of a dying body, and she entered into the joy of the Lord. She still is waiting for and looking forward to the time of ultimate triumph and joy, when her body will be raised imperishable and she will be fitted with a spiritual physicality that is fully equipped for the new order of things. In the meanwhile she will enjoy the joys of reunion of each of her family members as we enter into Christ’s presence, whether that be when we die physically or when we are “changed” if Christ were to return first. For my mother, there are already great celebrations taking place, she enjoyed reunion with her mother, and other close friends. But the grandest of celebrations is yet to come in the new order of things.

III. The Practical Implications (vv. 57, 58)

No Suffering is without hope (Don’t despair)

No Sacrifice is wasted (Don’t Give Up)

No Labor for the Lord is In Vain (Keep Up The Good Work, there will be eternal consequences!)

Dear Lord,

Thank you for conquering death and taking away its sting. I receive the death conquering life you have offered to me through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thank you for giving us a sure hope that pierces through the darkness of despair. Thank you for giving us a hope that carries us through any suffering, or sacrifice, and lifts us to the place where we can offer the labor of love, a labor for you that will reap eternal harvests. Thank you for assuring us that this isn’t heaven yet, and we have so much to look forward to. Lord, help us to make this hope our anchor so that we do not shy away from our calling to affect eternity. Help us to plant your life in others so that they will have eternal life. Help us to plant seeds, and to water those seeds, and cultivate those relationships so that people can grow in you, and have the joy of the resurrection with the splendor of Christ.

In the Name of Jesus Christ we Pray, AMEN!