I believe in the resurrection of the body

Because Jesus rose from the dead, we also await the day of resurrection. Our hope isn't just of an eternal spiritual existence, but that we will also experience a resurrection of our bodies. Jesus himself declared of those who believe in him, “I will raise them up at the last day” (John 6:40,54).

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The Old Testament says little about life after death yet even there the idea of the resurrection of the dead is mentioned (Isaiah 26:19; Dan.12:2). This idea was clearly understood by the time of Jesus, as seen in Martha’s reply to Jesus (John 11:24). In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul explains how the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation for this hope: “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (15:20-23).

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He says that our resurrection bodies will be as different from our current bodies as a plant is from the seed from which it has sprung (15:35-38,42-44). So it does not matter that our current bodies return to dust and ashes. The point is that heaven will not be some disembodied existence, but that everything will be made new, including our bodies. “On that day we will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed” (15:52). Thanks be to God! (15:57)