Bible Study Our Heavenly Bodies
The goal of this study is to try to answer the question, “What will we be like in Heaven?” Will we have bodies, or will we be spirits. We will try to give the best answer possible with the scriptures we have. The scripture does not give a complete answer, but it gives us enough information to spark our imagination to what we may be like.
Group Question: What do you think you will be like in Heaven, will you have bodies, or will you be spirits?
Group Question: What are some of the common views that people believe about our heavenly bodies?
Note: Here are a few common views that people hold. Let your group guess. See how many other beliefs arise.
- We will be spirits, ghosts.
- We will be angels.
- If we have bodies, they will not be our bodies, it will be something else.
- No one knows because no one has come back to tell us.
- The scriptures are silent.
Group Question: Do you think the scriptures address these questions? Can anyone think of any verses that can help us out?
Note: Tell your group that there are many verses in the Old and New Testament that address these questions. We can find many of the answers sprinkled throughout the pages of scripture.
Scripture: Turn to Job 19:25-27,” I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes — I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”
Group Question: How did Job know all this? Why does this future event bring such great joy to job?
Group Question: How does this speak of the verse speak of the resurrection?
We can learn a lot from Job’s statement. Comment on the words below.
I know that my redeemer lives: Jobs hope is in a person, his redeemer. Jobs hope for His redeemer is finally revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. This also points to the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
In the end: Job points to a certain time in history, when everything is redeemed and made right by the Lord.
I will stand on the earth: Job points to the hope of the restoration and renewal of his destroyed body, this is a new physical body. He is not floating around on a cloud but standing on the earth. Notice also that he is upon the earth, for God is creating a New Heaven and Earth where his people will reside.
In my flesh, with my own eyes: This points to the complete restoration of the body. His body is completely restored for he is standing, he has flesh and he has his own eyes and they will see the Lord his redeemer.
I, and not another: This points to the continuity between this life and the next. Job recognizes it is himself that will see the Lord and not another.
His heart yearns within him: Job has a secure hope in his future, He has placed his hope in the Redeemer. He knows that his life and who he is, is not swallowed up in the grave. He has an eternal hope in the restoration of his current body and how it will be transformed or made new so that he is with the Lord whom he has placed His trust in.
Scripture: Have everyone turn to Daniel 12:1-4, “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”
Group Question: Where in the New Testament can we find the similar language?
Note: Let your group search the scriptures to see if they can find this verse or another. Have them read their verse and make comments on how it is very similar to the Daniel 12:1-4 verse.
Scripture: Revelation 20:12-13, “I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.”
Scripture: John 5:28, “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.
Group Question: After reading the verses above and the verses the group found, ask your group if they see continuity between the Old and New Testament?
Group Question: Ask if these verses shed more light upon the subject?
Group Question: Ask why are both Old in New Testaments important for us today?
There is continuity between both testaments. So, both testaments shine light upon each other to give us a fuller picture.
Gods had a plan and it has not changed.
Group Question: Some of these verses can be very scary. What are some of the words that stand out to you, that are a little unsettling?
- Fear of all the sin in my life.
- Fear that God knows everything I did in my life.
- Fear of judgement and condemnation.
- Is my name written in the Book of Life?
Note: Address their concerns. Remember Jesus took our sins and nailed them to the tree. We have a righteousness that is not from our selves but from God, see Romans 3:21-26.
Group Question: What are some of the words in our texts that create excitement, anticipation without fear?
- We will have new bodies, but they will be our own.
- We will see the Lord.
- We will have everlasting life and shine brightly.
Note: Here are a few other verses to consider, Read them out loud.
1 Corinthians 15:52, “In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
Group Question: Does God want us to be filled with dreaded expectations of that day?
Group Question: How does God take away our fear and replace it with joy?
Group Question: So, what can we look forward to in the resurrection of the dead?
Note: Completeness, fulfillment, the beginning of real life with a new indestructible body. We will have perfect fellowship with God, and He will lavish all his goodness upon us.
In closing: Pray that the Lord will open our eyes to see the beauty in the Resurrection and will open our eyes even more what he has prepared for all those who love him.