Since we are fast approaching Jesus’s 1000 year kingdom reign, I thought I might pique your curiosity about the nature of the resurrected saints. Personally, I often think about these things even though there is not a wealth of clear teaching in scripture.
The apostle Paul stated that those who are alive at the resurrection when Jesus returns will be changed. “For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:52). What did he mean “changed”? We know from the associated verses that it means to change from corruptible to incorruptible, mortal to immortal. Immortal, of course, implies we will live forever. The Greek word for changed is ” allasso ” which means simply, to make different. What are the implications?
We also know that we will be like Jesus in His glorified body. (Philippians 3:21). Jesus was not constrained by natural physical law after His resurrection. He appeared to His apostles in a room with a locked door. He vanished before the eyes of two followers on the road to Emmaus. He traveled to remote locations instantly. He ascended into heaven while the apostles looked on, defying gravity. And, immediately after we are changed, we will also defy gravity and rise to meet Him in the air. We will then proceed with Him to the new capital of the world, Jerusalem, setting down on the Mount of Olives. Our new bodies will allow us to travel in low-earth orbit unassisted! Even our clothes will travel supernaturally with us.
Physical limitations will seemingly be nonexistent and we will be without pain or disease. Yet, we will enjoy eating physical food as Jesus did. Will we need sleep? What about housing? Jesus didn’t seem to need any.
Our knowledge level will soar to high degrees of understanding. Paul said: “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I am also known.” (1Corinthians 13:12). Paul is saying that just as Jesus knows our intimate thoughts, we will have that ability with those around us.
Suffice it to say, we will have the ability to effectively carry out our duties as “kings and priests ” in the kingdom. That is, to govern the mortals of this world and to be a go-between for them and King Jesus. Mortals will look to us for wisdom in dealing with their problems in all areas, including healing. All the miraculous demonstrated by Jesus during His ministry will be available to us. These jobs are only for 1000 years. After that, all will be judged at the great white throne, and mortals will cease to exist.
No question we will be supernatural beings with the ability to move in and out of the spiritual and natural realms much like certain angels can. We will finally have clear understanding of the Father’s plans for this vast universe and our role in it.
I hope I’ve piqued your curiosity as I muse about these things. We have an awesome future with our soon-coming King.
Maranatha, Jim