Topical Bible: Glory: The Bodies of Saints Shall be Raised In

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of glory, particularly in the context of the resurrection of the saints, is a profound theme in Christian eschatology. The resurrection of the body is a cornerstone of Christian hope, promising that believers will be raised in a glorified state, reflecting the glory of God.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul provides a detailed exposition of the resurrection body in 1 Corinthians 15. He contrasts the natural body with the spiritual body, emphasizing the transformation that will occur. In 1 Corinthians 15:42-43 , Paul writes, "So also is the resurrection of the dead: It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power." Here, the term "glory" signifies a state of honor and splendor that the resurrected bodies of the saints will possess.

Transformation and Likeness to Christ

The transformation into a glorified state is further elucidated in Philippians 3:20-21 , where Paul states, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body." This passage underscores the belief that the resurrected bodies of the saints will be conformed to the glorified body of Christ, free from the limitations and frailties of earthly existence.

The Nature of the Glorified Body

The glorified body is described as imperishable and powerful, a stark contrast to the mortal and perishable nature of the current human body. In 1 Corinthians 15:49 , Paul writes, "And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so also shall we bear the image of the heavenly man." This transformation is not merely a return to life but an elevation to a new, exalted state of being.

The Hope of Glory

The hope of resurrection in glory is a source of encouragement and motivation for believers. Romans 8:18 declares, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." This future glory is a promise that sustains Christians through trials and tribulations, assuring them of a future where they will share in the divine glory.

Participation in Divine Nature

The glorification of the saints is also seen as participation in the divine nature. 2 Peter 1:4 speaks of believers becoming "partakers of the divine nature," which implies a sharing in the attributes of God, including immortality and incorruptibility. This participation is made possible through the resurrection, where the saints are fully conformed to the image of Christ.

Conclusion

The resurrection of the saints in glory is a testament to the transformative power of God, who will raise believers to a state of eternal honor and splendor. This doctrine not only affirms the continuity of personal identity beyond death but also promises a future existence that is both physical and glorified, reflecting the ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 15:43
It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 3:21
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like to his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things to himself.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Resurrection
... But the bodies of the saints shall be raised with honour. It is sown in
dishonour, it is raised in glory.' 1 Corinthians 15:53. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the resurrection.htm

That the Righteous Shall ever Abide with Christ Our Lord we have ...
... to associate every one of the righteous and of the saints in companionship ... angels,
it is certain that He will change their bodies also into the glory of a ...
/.../46 that the righteous shall.htm

The Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead. The Glory of Christ's ...
... witness, when it says, "The graves were opened, and many bodies of saints which
slept ... by Whom are all things, Who had brought many sons into glory, to make ...
/.../29 the third day he.htm

Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death ...
... than the brightness of the sun, the body of Christ in glory surpassing all! ... Matthew
24:28.) To this agility of the glorious bodies of the saints the prophet ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/3 meditations of the blessed.htm

The Great Preparatives for the Saints' Rest.
... cast off!" and shall not the saints, with inconceivable ... Contentedly commit these
bodies to a prison that shall ... great dishonor, thou shalt receive it in glory. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ii the great preparatives.htm

The Resurrection.
... it was so glorious and so overweighing a glory that he ... not count us thoroughly saved,
until our bodies be as ... Though God's saints have felt the power of much of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxv the resurrection.htm

Christ's Transfiguration
... God, I shall soon have a body strong, full of vigor and of glory. ... It is the opinion
of Archbishop Usher, that as the bodies of the saints shall be glorified ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/christs transfiguration.htm

Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs
... raised to its own condition of holiness and glory. ... and their brightest sphere, for
glorified saints believe in ... perfect;" that is, until our bodies are raised ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/creations groans and the saints.htm

Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ.
... again on this earth; that he will come in the glory of God ... that he will raise the
dead bodies of all his saints who have slept, change the bodies of all ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/millers views on the second.htm

On the Resurrection of the Dead
... majesty of Stephen's face seemed to be an earnest of his glory. ... will it shine in
the other world, when his, and the bodies of all the saints, are made like ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 137 on the resurrection.htm