Physical vs heavenly vs resurrected bodies

The question is often posed why do we need to be resurrected if we have a soul? Let's first define what a soul is. It is our mind (consciousness), thoughts, emotions, and will. It is the intangible inner things that makes us who we are. But a soul needs a body to interact with the world around it.

Here on earth, we have a physical body to interact in our three spatial dimensions. After our physical body dies, our soul (consciousness) departs from the body much the same way a hermit crab discards an old shell. Contrary to popular belief, we don't become disembodied spirits any more than angels are disembodied spirits. On the contrary, we will still have a body, just made of a very different substance, one capable of interacting in higher dimensions and withstanding the full glory of God. 

A physical body can't operate in the heavenly realm, and a heavenly/celestial/spiritual body, whatever you want to call it, can't operate in this physical realm. One body is made for earth; the other is made for heaven. In order to return an operate in this earthly realm, we need new physical bodies. Enter the resurrection.

At a certain point, we will have resurrected physical bodies that will be far superior to our current temporal mortal bodies. The resurrected body of Jesus is the prototype of our own future resurrected bodies. He could be seen and touched; he could eat and drink. It was a body capable of operating in this physical world but also capable of ascending to heaven. Resurrected bodies are not restricted to our current spatial limitations but are capable of traversing the heavenly and earthly realms.

If Jesus is the firstfruits (1 Cor 15:20), and we will be like Him (1 John 3:2), then what is true of Him is destined for us. We are to reign on earth (Rev 5:9–10) but also to be seated in heavenly places (Eph 2:6). Our future destination then is not restricted to earth but all of God’s creation will be accessible to us. A resurrected body is needed so that we can return to this earth but also for the day when both realms are fully united.

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