The Bible compares the
physical body to a `jar of clay" or an "earthen vessel, " (2 Corinthians
4: 7). Because of this the Bible says that the outward person in
progressively "perishing" with the passing of time (2 Corinthians 4:16).
Bodily exercise, the Bible says, has only a minimal effect on slowing
this process (1 Timothy 4:8).
The Bible also says,
however, that the body is the temple of God the Holy Spirit, it belongs
to God and not to us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16). The
only time this "ownership" of the body is amended is in regard to
marriage and the sexual union between husband and wife (1 Corinthians
7.4).
Because of what the
Bible says about the body we are to take care of and not willingly harm
it in any way nor destroy it for any reason (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
Also, the Bible says that the christian cannot allow the physical body
to be dominated by sin, particularly sin that is against the body
(Romans 6:12; 1 Corinthians 6:13-20). To the contrary, Paul states in
the Bible that, "according to my earnest expectation and hope that in
nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now
also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death, "
(Philippians 1:20).
Even though our bodies
are for the glorification of God, the Bible says that because they are
flesh they will not be suitable for an eternal existence in heaven
(Philippians 3:21). Therefore, at the resurrection the Bible says that
our physical, earthly bodies will be changed (1 Corinthians 15:35-54).
As a result the Bible says of our heavenly existence, "They shall
neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike
them, nor any heat; " {I 7} "for the Lamb who is in the midst of the
throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, " (Revelation
7..16-17). The "new" bodies given to christians at the resurrection will
be suitable in every way for the glorification of God in heaven
throughout eternity.