In many ways, our Lord’s promise of the future transformation of believers brings hope and speaks to our purpose in Christ. For instance, in Philippians 3:20-21, Paul reminds believers of a profound truth. “Our citizenship is in heaven.” Yet, we live here on Earth awaiting the return of Jesus Christ, “who will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.” This hope is further illuminated in 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, where Paul describes the resurrection as a moment when our perishable, mortal bodies will be raised imperishable and immortal. Together, these passages provide a vision of our future transformation in Christ, offering hope and purpose for our lives today as we await eternity.
When Krista and I first married, we needed a kitchen table. A gracious family lent us a simple card table to use in the interim. When they later reclaimed it, they surprised us by gifting us their old kitchen table, which my wife decided to restore. That well-worn table was transformed into something beautiful and renewed through her efforts. This act of restoration reminds me of God’s promise to His people. When we come to Christ for salvation, He begins the work of making us new. However, our full restoration, which will occur at the resurrection of our bodies, has yet to happen. This future renewal is central to Christian hope.
God genuinely values our physical existence. So much so that those in Christ will experience a bodily resurrection. In his book For the Body, Timothy Tennent observes, “God created the material world and declared it good. The resurrection affirms His commitment to redeeming and restoring all creation, including our bodies.”
Philippians 3:20 declares, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Christians are citizens of heaven and, as such, are called to live as ambassadors of heaven, reflecting kingdom values in loving others and caring for creation. It also points to the glorious hope of Christ’s return, when He will transform us into His likeness. This physical and spiritual transformation will complete God’s redemptive work.
Philippians 3:21 describes how Christ will “transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body.” Similarly, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 reveals that “the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” Our resurrected bodies will no longer be subject to decay, pain, or sin. This transformation can be compared to the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. While retaining its essence, the caterpillar is entirely changed, emerging as something more beautiful and free. Likewise, our resurrection will preserve our God-given identity while glorifying our bodies beyond imagination.
Jesus’ own resurrected body, as seen in the Gospels, was tangible yet glorified. He ate with His disciples and allowed Thomas to touch Him, yet He also walked through walls. This gives us a glimpse of our future bodies that will be physical yet perfected beyond our imagination.
In 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, Paul proclaims, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The resurrection guarantees Christ’s victory over death, a triumph we share with Him as believers. This life we now live will be far surpassed in breadth and depth by the one to come. In The Last Battle, C.S. Lewis describes the new creation as “the beginning of the real story,” illustrating that life in this world is merely the preface to an eternal, glorious adventure with God. This eternal hope inspires us to confidently face life’s challenges, including physical suffering.
Today, we are to live in light of the resurrection. Paul concludes in 1 Corinthians 15:58, urging us to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” This promise transforms how we view our bodies, work, and relationships. We are to honor our bodies since it is the temple of the Holy Spirit, destined for future glory. We are to serve Christ with joy and purpose, knowing our efforts for Christ have eternal significance. In all our relationships, we are to live as an ambassador of heaven, reflecting God’s love and grace. As N.T. Wright says: “What you do with your body in the present matters because God has a great future in store for it.” Let this promise of resurrection infuse your life with hope, purpose, and anticipation as you await the glorious transformation Christ has secured for you. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!