Body

The Shape of Who We Are

Our body defines our existence. Some religions consider the body evil or inferior to the soul, but the Bible teaches that the body is God's good gift to us (Gen. 1:31). It is a necessary ingredient for a fully human existence (Gen. 2:7). In the Old Testament the word “body” sometimes means “corpse” (Num. 6:6). Occasionally the reference is to the body as that part of a person that is involved in reproduction (Deut. 28:4).

In the New Testament these Old Testament meanings are carried forward, but new insights appear. Paul teaches that the body is often the instrument of sin (1 Cor. 6:18); that the body must die as a penalty for sin (Rom. 7:24); and that sin dishonors a person's body (Rom. 1:24). On the other hand, believers in Christ may “put to death the deeds of the body” (Rom. 8:13) and present their bodies as holy sacrifices that please God (Rom. 12:1).

Since human life requires a body, sometimes the term “body” symbolizes the whole person. Both Jesus and Paul used the word in this way (Matt. 6:22–23; Phil 1:20). The Bible reveals little about existence after the death of the body. But complete salvation and full humanity begin not at death but at the return of Christ. Then believers will receive their eternal resurrection bodies (1 Cor. 15:35–49).