Human Composition in Biblical Theology
1. Introduction
The doctrine of resurrection is central to biblical theology. Unlike philosophies that view the body as dispensable, the Bible affirms the restoration and reunification of body, soul, and spirit at the end of time. The resurrection is not merely symbolic or spiritual—it is bodily, historical, and eternal. This entry examines the nature, purpose, and consequences of the resurrection, focusing on the reuniting of the human parts into a glorified or condemned whole person.
2. The Resurrection as a Core Christian Hope
1 Corinthians 15:17–18 – “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile… Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.”
- The resurrection of Jesus is the firstfruits (1 Cor. 15:20).
- Believers share in His resurrection both spiritually now (Rom. 6:4–5) and physically at the end (Rom. 8:11).
▶ Resurrection is the vindication of human identity, not its replacement.
3. Prophetic Foundations in the Old Testament
Daniel 12:2 – “Many of those who sleep in the dust… shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame…”
Job 19:26 – “After my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.”
- Resurrection was already anticipated in the Old Testament, particularly in apocalyptic and wisdom literature.
- The belief in the physical return to life reflects the conviction that the body matters to God.
4. New Testament Witness to Bodily Resurrection
🔹 Jesus’ Resurrection as Model and Guarantee
Luke 24:39 – “Touch me and see; a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
Philippians 3:21 – “He will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body…”
- Jesus’ resurrection was physical yet transformed—continuity and glorification.
- Believers will share in this same transformation (cf. 1 Cor. 15:49).
5. Nature of the Resurrection Body
1 Corinthians 15:42–44 – “Sown in corruption… raised in incorruption…”
Paul lists key contrasts:
| Current Body | Resurrection Body |
|---|---|
| Perishable | Imperishable |
| Dishonourable | Glorious |
| Weak | Powerful |
| Natural (psychikos) | Spiritual (pneumatikos) – i.e. empowered by the Spirit |
▶ The resurrection body is not immaterial, but is animated and glorified by the Spirit.
6. Reunification of Body, Soul, and Spirit
1 Thessalonians 5:23 – “…may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless…”
- At resurrection:
- The body is raised from the grave.
- The soul and spirit, which have remained conscious, are reunited with the body.
- The whole person—fully integrated—is restored for eternity.
John 5:28–29 – “All who are in the graves will hear His voice and come out…”
▶ Resurrection is not partial. The entire person is reconstituted and judged.
7. The Two Resurrections: Life and Judgment
Acts 24:15 – “…there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.”
| Group | Destiny | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Righteous | Resurrection to eternal life (glory) | Daniel 12:2; Rev. 20:6 |
| Wicked | Resurrection to judgment (damnation) | John 5:29; Rev. 20:12–15 |
- The resurrected body of the unrighteous is fit for judgment and destruction (Matt. 10:28).
- The resurrected body of the righteous is fit for eternal communion with God.
8. Glorification – Final State of the Redeemed
Romans 8:30 – “Those He justified, He also glorified.”
2 Corinthians 5:1–4 – “…we long to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling…”
- Glorification is the final stage of salvation.
- The redeemed are made like Christ, both spiritually and physically (1 John 3:2).
▶ The body is not bypassed, but fully redeemed.
9. Implications for Christian Theology
| Theme | Resurrection Significance |
|---|---|
| Creation | Affirms the goodness of the physical world |
| Salvation | Completes the redemptive process |
| Judgment | Ensures bodily accountability |
| Hope | Offers real, physical eternal life |
| Ethics | Grounds bodily stewardship (1 Cor. 6:20) |
10. Conclusion
Resurrection is not symbolic, nor spiritual-only—it is the divine reunion of body, soul, and spirit in a transformed state. For the redeemed, it is a glorious embodiment fit for eternal life in God’s presence. For the lost, it is a resurrection unto judgment. The doctrine of resurrection confirms that God values the whole person, and that eternal destiny involves a restored and unified self—not a disembodied ghost, but a glorified being made whole in Christ.