Why Spiritual Resurrection Doesn’t Cancel the Bodily One
Introduction
Full preterists often argue that because believers are “raised with Christ” in a spiritual sense (Rom. 6, Col. 2:12, Eph. 2:6), there is no future bodily resurrection. They say all such language refers to exile, covenant transfer, or spiritual rebirth. But this distorts the gospel and denies the clear teaching of Scripture.
Yes — We Are Spiritually Raised
Verses like these are glorious truths:
- “You were also raised with Him through faith…” (Col. 2:12)
- “Raised us up with Him and seated us with Him…” (Eph. 2:6)
- “If you have been raised up with Christ…” (Col. 3:1)
But notice: each one ties resurrection to faith, not bodily transformation.
This is our spiritual union with Christ — not the future resurrection Paul elsewhere describes.
But No — That’s Not the End of the Story
The same Paul who says we are raised spiritually also says:
“He shall also quicken your mortal bodies…” (Rom. 8:11)
“We wait for… the redemption of our body.” (Rom. 8:23)
“We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.” (1 Cor. 15:51)
This is not metaphor or symbolism. It’s a literal transformation of mortal bodies into glorified bodies, just like Christ’s:
“Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body…” (Phil. 3:21)
Romans 6 and Colossians 2 Don’t Deny a Future Hope
To be “crucified with Christ” and “raised with Him” is a now reality — a positional and spiritual truth.
But if that’s all there is, then death still has the final word over the body.
Paul refutes this directly:
“If the dead rise not… then is Christ not raised… and ye are yet in your sins.” (1 Cor. 15:16–17)
He’s not talking about exile or national death — he’s talking about our bodies, sown in weakness, raised in power (1 Cor. 15:42–44).
Conclusion: One Resurrection, Two Stages
There is no contradiction here:
- Now: We are spiritually united with Christ — seated in heaven, walking in newness of life.
- Later: We will be physically raised like Christ — in glorified bodies, never to die again.
To deny this second part is to gut the gospel of its victory:
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Cor. 15:55)