There is great significance in Jesus’ bodily resurrection, leading believers to have hope for the future and live presently for God’s glory. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian hope. His bodily resurrection assures us of victory over sin, death, and our future bodily resurrection. This profound truth shapes how we live today, calling us to live with hope and to glorify God with our present bodies in light of that future reality.
The Bible clearly teaches that followers of Christ are promised redeemed bodies. We will experience the fullness of transformation. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, “What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.” Our current bodies are perishable, weak, and subject to decay, but in the resurrection, they will be transformed into glorious, imperishable, and powerful bodies suited for eternity. This transformation is like a seed buried in the ground: though it appears lifeless, it grows into something far greater and more beautiful. Similarly, our present physical limitations will give way to a future state of glory.
This hope sustains us in the face of suffering, illness, and aging. As Timothy Tennent writes, “The bodily resurrection is the promise that our identity and purpose in God will one day be fully realized, body and soul.” Consider the caterpillar and butterfly: though bound to the ground, the caterpillar serves a purpose before undergoing a dramatic metamorphosis into a soaring butterfly. Likewise, our current bodies serve God’s purposes now, even as we anticipate their glorious transformation.
We are united with Christ in resurrected power. In Romans 6:5-11, Paul explains that believers are united with Christ in both His death and resurrection, “If we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His.” Through Christ’s death, the power of sin has been broken. His resurrection ensures that death no longer has dominion over Him or us. This union with Christ enables us to live in the power of His resurrection now, overcoming sin and living for God’s glory. Like an athlete training for a future race, we use our present bodies as instruments for righteousness, preparing for the eternal life that awaits. Every act of faithfulness, purity, and service is an offering to God, reflecting our anticipation of resurrection. Tennent states, “To live in light of the resurrection means to live now in a way that anticipates and participates in God’s final victory over death.”
We live in hope and glorify God today. Finally, Paul concludes in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” This call to steadfastness flows directly from the promise of resurrection. Our bodies and actions are not insignificant but have eternal significance. Like tending a plant destined to blossom, caring for our bodies honors the Creator and anticipates their future glorification. Consider coal transforming into a diamond: though dark and ordinary, coal serves an essential purpose before undergoing immense pressure to become radiant and unbreakable. Similarly, our present bodies, though imperfect, are valuable and purposeful, destined for a glorious future.
In light of all this, we are to live for Christ. Jesus’s bodily resurrection assures us of our future resurrection, calling us to live in hope and glorify God with our present bodies. This hope shapes how we face challenges, steward our physical lives, and anticipate our ultimate transformation. Let us resist the temptation to see our bodies as insignificant and instead treat them as gifts to be stewarded for God’s glory. Whether through worship, service, or sharing Christ’s love, every faithful action declares our hope in the resurrection. As Timothy Tennent reminds us, “Every act of faithful stewardship over our bodies is an act of worship, a declaration of hope in the resurrection.” May we live each day for God’s glory, looking forward to the day when our bodies are fully redeemed and glorified in Christ. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!