Bible Rebel

God promises that when Jesus returns, we will receive new, changed physical bodies. What will they be like? Scripture gives us some hints and clues.

First, our new bodies will be like Jesus in some ways.

1 John 3:2
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Here are some examples of what Jesus’ new body was like after God raised him from the dead:

Jesus’ resurrected body was real, solid, and touchable—not a ghost or spirit‑form.

Luke 24:39
“Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”

Jesus could enter locked rooms, appear and disappear, and move effortlessly—yet still remain fully physical.

John 20:19
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

In his resurrected body Jesus joined some of his followers and enjoyed a meal of real food with them.

Luke 24:42-43
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
And he took it, and did eat before them.

What About Us?

Our new bodies will be like Jesus’ new body in other ways as well.

We will be raised in a glorious new condition that can never break down, die, get tired or sick again. The frailty of our present bodies will be gone forever.

Philippians 3:21
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Our new bodies will reflect, like a mirror, the brightness and radiance of Christ in His glory—“like unto his glorious body”—which is described in part in Revelation.

Revelation 1:16
…and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

Our new spiritual bodies will be powerful and strong, full of energy and able to do many, many things we can’t do in our current physical bodies. And remember, “Spiritual” does not mean non‑physical; it means fully Spirit‑powered, perfectly suited for the wonders God has in store for us in eternity because the life God promises us in the resurrection will never end.