The Three-Body Types

 

Contrary to some views, I believe Scripture indicates we will not have one body but three: one that is temporal, one that is intermediate, and one that is permanent. Much like a metamorphosis, we move from one stage to another until we reach our final form. The goal here is to identify the body types, including their substance, function, and purpose.

1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by man also came the resurrection of the dead.

1Co 15:40 There are also celestial (heavenly) bodies and terrestrial (earthly) bodies, but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

In First Corinthians, the Apostle Paul makes mention of three bodies: earthly, heavenly, and resurrected. Together, they make up the three-body types. Some interpret this to be Paul speaking in astronomical terms, not body types. However, it could also be true that it can have a double meaning to make a broader analogy of the nature of our being.

In some ways, they are comparable to the three life stages of the dragonfly. The dragonfly is first an egg, then a nymph, and finally an adult. We start with a terrestrial body, then we move to an intermediate celestial body, and finally to a resurrected body, which is our final state. Examining the three-body types and their function will help us understand the reason for resurrected bodies.

Terrestrial (earthly) Bodies

Terrestrial bodies are the default bodies of all human beings who have ever lived. They are specifically designed to operate on earth within our three spatial dimensions. Scriptures suggest they are incapable of occupying the heavenly realm due to their corrupted and fragile nature (1 Co 15:50, Phl 3:20–21, 4. Exo 33:20). Terrestrial bodies are mortal, temporal, and subject to the Second Law of Thermodynamics (entropy). The temporal nature of these terrestrial bodies ultimately results in aging and physical death.

Celestial (heavenly) Bodies

Celestial bodies are spiritual in nature and composed of a different substance than our own. Celestial bodies are not subject to the Second Law of Thermodynamics and therefore do not age or die (Luke 20:36). They are the default bodies of angelic beings and the intermediate body of humans after their terrestrial body dies. Celestial bodies uniquely designed for heaven and likely capable of operating in higher dimensions.

Resurrected Bodies

Every human that has ever lived will receive a resurrected body (Dan 12:2). Jesus’ resurrected body is the prototype of our future final state. From Him, we can infer what our own future resurrected bodies will be like.

Resurrected bodies are described as being composed of flesh and bone (Luke 24:39), though not necessarily limited to it. It has physicality and can be seen, touched, eat food, and interact with the world around it like a terrestrial body. However, it also has capabilities that exceed territorial bodies. Jesus was capable of moving through solid objects (John 20:26) and ascending directly to heaven. Such a supernatural phenomenon could be explained in terms of higher dimensions. 

The question is, why would we even need resurrected bodies if we can have celestial bodies? The reason is, resurrected bodies are the bridge between the terrestrial and the celestial, between the physical and the spiritual. Just as Jesus was last seen ascending to heaven in the clouds (Acts 1:9-12), resurrected bodies will not be restricted to earth or heaven alone but will be capable of operating in both realms.

The late Dr. Michael S. Heiser believed God’s original mandate was for humans to co-rule with Him and spread Eden across the face of the earth, but it wouldn’t end there. We would join His divine family in a unified heaven-and-earth kingdom. The two realms were never meant to be so segregated. That only happened because of sin and the fall. In reality, humans and angels are both part of the same divine family. It is not God’s intent to keep his family separated forever.

That's exactly what the Scripture says will happen. Ephesians 1:9–10 says all things will be united in heaven and on earth. Colossians 1:19–20 says all things will be reconciled on earth and in heaven. In Revelation 11:15, the kingdom of the world and the kingdom of God will become one. In Revelation 21:1–3, Heaven comes down to Earth. They all point to the same destination.

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 we will also be seated in heavenly places (Eph 2:6). Our future destination then is not restricted to earth alone, but we will have access to all of God's vast creation. Thus, a resurrected body is needed so that we can return to earth and operate in this realm but also for the day when both realms are finally united.

So, like the dragonfly, the three-body types are a linear progression. A temporal terrestrial body that is made for earth, an intermediate celestial body that is made for heaven, and a resurrected body that is made for heaven and earth. They each serve a specific purpose to get us where we are to where we need to be.