What Will a Resurrected and Glorified Body Be Like?

Summary

Grace in Focus

Episode: What Will a Resurrected and Glorified Body Be Like?

Date: December 5, 2025
Host: Bob Wilkin
Guest: Phillipe Sterling

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Overview

This episode dives into an often-overlooked topic within Christian eschatology: What will resurrected and glorified bodies be like? Host Bob Wilkin and guest Phillipe Sterling explore scriptural insights and theological theories about the nature, abilities, and purpose of glorified bodies for believers, referencing both traditional and more speculative views. The discussion also branches into how procreation, nations, and the potential expansion of humanity might look in the new creation, all while emphasizing Free Grace theological perspectives.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Scriptural Basis for Glorified Bodies (01:01–03:47)

• Bob Wilkin sets the stage: The resurrection and glorified bodies are central to biblical eschatology but rarely discussed in detail in sermons or literature.
  • “We’re told that Jesus at his resurrection, he's the first fruit of the resurrection. So that being the case, we're told that when we see him, we shall be like him.” – Bob Wilkin (01:28)
• Nature of Jesus' Resurrected Body:
  • Physicality: Jesus demonstrated his tangible, physical body post-resurrection—inviting Thomas to touch his wounds and eating fish (01:56–02:09).
    • “He ate fish … he asked them to give him some fish in John 21 and he ingested fish. But at the same time ... he is there in their midst” (02:09) – Bob Wilkin
  • Extraordinary Abilities: Appeared in locked rooms, instantaneous movement reminiscent of teleportation (02:09–02:31).
• Reference to other miraculous transport: Philip the Evangelist being moved by the Spirit as a biblical precedent (02:23–02:38).

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2. Properties of Glorified Bodies (03:03–03:47)

• Senses and Abilities:
  • Glorified bodies are physical (touch, taste, sensation) but augmented, possibly including abilities like instantaneous movement, travel across the new creation—even to other galaxies.
    • “So we'll be, there'll be touch and sensations and taste. And yet at the same time, perhaps some unusual properties like instantaneous movement throughout the new Jerusalem … into the different galaxies” (03:21) – Bob Wilkin
• Rewards and Roles: Discussion of Frank Carmichael's view (journal articles cited):
  • Special abilities (e.g., teleportation, rulership, possibly “flight”) may be reserved for “overcoming” believers (03:47).

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3. Marriage, Procreation, and the Angelic Analogy (04:13–05:10)

• No Marriage or Procreation for the Glorified:
  • “Isn't it true that Jesus says in the resurrection men won't be given into marriage, but they'll be like the angels? … There's no need of procreation for them. So there's a static number” (04:32) – Bob Wilkin
• Some minority interpretations suggest the possibility of continued procreation, but both hosts lean toward the traditional view—glorified believers will not procreate.

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4. Growth of Nations in the Millennium and New Earth (05:10–07:18)

• Static Number for the Church; Growth for Nations:
  • “The number of people in the church will not change ... but in the millennium, according to the traditional dispensational view, the number of people in Israel is going to skyrocket. And ... the nations ... they're going to skyrocket.” (05:10–05:33) – Phillipe Sterling
• Massive Expansion:
  • “By the end of the millennium there will be hundreds of billions or trillions of people.” (05:39)
• Transformation of Humanity:
  • Some suggest a transition to a “sinless nature” for those entering the new earth (07:02).

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5. The Mystery of the Nations and Healing in Revelation 21–22 (07:18–08:28)

• Who Are “the Nations” in Revelation?
  • Puzzling for interpreters: If everyone is glorified, why do "nations" need healing by the tree of life?
  • “If we're on the new earth and everybody has glorified bodies, why would the nations need any healing?” (07:34) – Phillipe Sterling
• Physicality Continues:
  • One theory is that “the nations” refers to natural-bodied, immortal people still needing the tree of life (08:28).

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6. Theological Speculation: Eternal Procreation and the Expansion of Humanity (08:28–10:38)

• Endless Children?
  • Phillipe proposes eternity with ongoing births—preserving the delight of children, puppies, kittens, and so forth.
    • “Wouldn't it be kind of boring if for all of eternity, there were no puppies? … no babies?” (08:54) – Phillipe Sterling
  • “If there was an eternity with no procreation going on, then God's original purpose in the Garden of Eden was thwarted.” (09:11)
• Infinite Expansion and "Filling the Earth":
  • “The new Earth will eventually be full ... Regardless, at some point the Earth is going to be full.” (09:39) – Phillipe Sterling

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7. Populating the Universe: A "Contrarian" View (10:10–11:51)

• Cosmic Mandate:
  • The vastness and “redundancy” of the universe may be for future human expansion across other planets, seeing Genesis’ command as an eternal, cosmic mandate.
    • “What if in eternity, God plans for us to populate those planets?” (10:38) – Phillipe Sterling
    • “It seems to me that God has given us this marvelous universe for us to explore it and develop it.” (11:05)
• Comparison to Mormonism and Mainline Thought:
  • Phillipe clarifies: while this is similar to a Mormon idea, the theological justification is different, and he maintains a Free Grace point of view (11:12).

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8. Humanity’s Past, Genius, and Future Purpose (11:51–12:39)

• Adam and Eve as Pinnacle:
  • Adam and Eve were created with full capacity—“geniuses minute one” (11:51).
    • “I think Adam and Eve get a bad rap because in my view they were probably the pinnacle of creation. They were geniuses minute one. Adam has a complete vocabulary, fully developed.” – Phillipe Sterling (11:51)
• Human Innovation Before the Flood:
  • Society may have been highly developed, reflected in ancient achievements (12:04).
• Eternal Service:
  • Whatever the details, “his servants shall serve him. Revelation 22:forever.” (12:34) – Bob Wilkin

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He ate fish … but at the same time ... he is there in their midst.” – Bob Wilkin (02:09)
• “So we'll be, there'll be touch and sensations and taste. And yet at the same time, perhaps some unusual properties like instantaneous movement throughout the new Jerusalem … into the different galaxies.” – Bob Wilkin (03:21)
• “I love children. I have two grandchildren.” – Bob Wilkin (08:54)
• “Wouldn't it be kind of boring if for all of eternity, there were no puppies? … no babies? Remember, Jesus said, permit the little children to come to me, for such is the kingdom of heaven.” – Phillipe Sterling (08:54)
• “If there was an eternity with no procreation going on, then God's original purpose in the Garden of Eden was thwarted.” – Phillipe Sterling (09:11)
• “It seems to me that God has given us this marvelous universe for us to explore it and develop it.” – Phillipe Sterling (11:05)
• “His servants shall serve him. Revelation 22: forever.” – Bob Wilkin (12:34)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:01 – What will glorified bodies be like?
• 02:09 – Evidence for physicality and supernatural abilities in Jesus' resurrection
• 03:47 – Special abilities for “overcomers”; speculation on roles and rewards
• 04:32 – No marriage or procreation among the glorified
• 05:10 – Church vs Nations: static church, explosive growth of nations in the millennium
• 07:34 – The puzzle of “healing of the nations” in Revelation
• 08:54 – The case for ongoing procreation and delight in children in eternity
• 10:38 – A theory: populating the universe in eternity
• 11:51 – Adam and Eve’s intelligence; human innovation before the Flood
• 12:34 – The eternal service of the redeemed

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Conclusion

Bob Wilkin and Phillipe Sterling offer an in-depth, lively exploration of the biblical and theological possibilities surrounding glorified bodies, the destiny of humanity, and the nature of eternity. Their discussion is grounded in Free Grace theology but ventures into stimulating questions about the ultimate purpose of creation, the continuation of human culture, and the joy of discovery and service in God’s eternal plan. In their words:

• “I hope we've given you something to think about. And in the meantime, let's keep grace in focus.” – Phillipe Sterling (12:39)

Transcript

[Bob Wilkin]

The following is a listener supported ministry.

[Host/Announcer]

From the Grace Evangelical Society. Today on Grace in Focus, we're going to be talking about believers and what it's going to be like to be with the Lord after this current life is over. Resurrected bodies, glorified bodies. We know that according to one John, we will be like him. But what does all this mean? A great discussion just ahead. Grace in Focus is a ministry of the Grace Evangelical Society and our website is Faith Alone.

There you can find out more about our free online seminary, our free magazine also called Grace in Focus, and our national annual convention coming up next May 2026. May 18th through the 21st. Get all the information about us from faithalone.org and now with the continuation of our series on eschatology, here is today's discussion with Bob Wilkin and Phillipe Sterling.

[Phillipe Sterling]

Well, Philippe, one of the you're going to be discussing in your course on eschatology in the GES Seminary next semester deals with the issue of what our glorified resurrected bodies will be like. So this is something that is not commonly discussed in sermons or even in books, right?

[Bob Wilkin]

Not to any depth other than just mentioning about resurrection taking place. Of course we're talking about a rapture. And when the Lord comes, you know, the those of us who are alive will be caught up, you know, to meet those who are resurrected who had died, you know, previously. They're believers and will be with the Lord. And of course, we're told that Jesus at his resurrection, he's the first fruit of the resurrection. So that being the case, we're told that when we see him, we shall be like him. As John talks about, I think, the rapture in his letter in first John.

[Phillipe Sterling]

And we know his glorified body was physical, right? He said to Thomas, come here and touch my hands and see the marks and my side and see that it's me. And he ate fish.

[Bob Wilkin]

Yeah, he asked him to give him some fish in John 21 and he ingested fish. But at the same time the disciples were there in a closed room, locked room possibly. And all of a sudden he is there in their midst.

[Phillipe Sterling]

Star Trek, the Lord teleported him in. But we even see that with Philip the evangel.

[Bob Wilkin]

Oh yeah, he's taken up by the Holy Spirit and taken to Azotus.

[Phillipe Sterling]

I think it was, it was like 25 miles away.

[Bob Wilkin]

And then at the end, after talking to the Ethiopian eunuch there, he's taken up again and put back. So if we said that our bodies would be like that of Jesus, resurrected Body, glorified body. Then what are some of the different components? We're told also concerning the overcomers, that they will have access to the tree of life that produces 12 different kinds of fruit and each in its season they'll be ingesting.

[Phillipe Sterling]

And by the way, the 12 fruits in its seasons, doesn't that suggest there will be 12 months in a year?

[Bob Wilkin]

Yes, and that suggests some kind of perhaps a solar system, you know, and seasons and seasons and all.

[Phillipe Sterling]

So these glorified bodies, then they will be physical, right?

[Bob Wilkin]

Yeah. Jesus says, you know, touch me. So we'll be, there'll be touch and sensations and taste. And yet at the same time, perhaps some unusual properties like instantaneous movement throughout the new Jerusalem eventually and throughout the new Earth and perhaps to the different solar systems into the different galaxies and everything for those who are glorified and resurrected.

[Phillipe Sterling]

Well now, Frank Carmichael in his book the Omega Reunion, and we did two articles in our journal you can check out, just look up Frank Carmichael, he did two articles on this. He suggests that only overcoming believers from the church age, or maybe overcoming believers of all time, are going to have these special abilities to carry out perhaps.

[Bob Wilkin]

Their functions as rulers.

[Phillipe Sterling]

So like the ability to fly, let's say, or to teleport, that that would only be for the overcoming believers, but not for the non overcoming. Let me throw out another thing. Isn't it true that Jesus says in the resurrection men won't be given into marriage, but they'll be like the angels. What does that mean?

[Bob Wilkin]

Yeah, again, those will be for the glorified resurrected believers. There's no need of procreation for them. So there's a static number and there's no procreation occurring among the glorified and the resurrected, even though there's a small group that believe otherwise. That procreation may continue for the glorified and resurrected in some ways. But I don't hold to that view. But then, then there is the idea of a different mode of humanity. You know, those who go from the millennial period as natural bodied people who may be transformed to continue on into the new heaven and the new earth.

[Phillipe Sterling]

Okay, before we get there, let's go through the traditional dispensational understanding, which is that during the millennium the number of people in the church will not change. In fact, it won't change forever.

[Bob Wilkin]

Right, right, right. The believers of the church Israel resurrected, they're glorified, they're static in terms of number.

[Phillipe Sterling]

But in the millennium, according to the traditional dispensational view, the Number of people in Israel is going to skyrocket. And the number of gentiles, the number of the people in what Revelation 21:24 calls the nations, they're going to skyrocket. So that by the end of the millennium there will be hundreds of billions or trillions of people. Hundreds of millions or hundreds of billions or trillions of Jews. Right. Israel will be huge. And all the nations.

[Bob Wilkin]

The millennial period is a present earth transformed partly so billions, certainly perhaps tens, you know, of billions. You know, of course, we're told there'll be distinct nations, Assyria and Egypt, there'll be a great world, you know, where they'll both come to for the feast of Tabernacles.

[Phillipe Sterling]

That's all mentioned in Scripture in the Old Testament.

[Bob Wilkin]

Yes.

[Phillipe Sterling]

And so we have individual nations mentioned. The church won't be growing, but the nations and Israel will be growing. Now you raised another issue. There was a guy named Patterson, wrote a book called what the Greater Life.

[Bob Wilkin]

And Works of Christ.

[Phillipe Sterling]

Works of Christ in like 1898, I think.

[Bob Wilkin]

Yes.

[Phillipe Sterling]

And other people like Carmichael follow him. And you and I do as well. And in this view, at the end of the millennium there will be some, either children born or at least parents who do not pass on a sin nature to their offspring.

[Bob Wilkin]

There is a transformation to a sinless nature that does occur perhaps and go on into the new earth. And the other nations that are talked about in Revelation 21 and 22, whose leaves of the tree of life are for the healing, the well being too, of the nations. Yeah.

[Phillipe Sterling]

What nations is that? Isn't that 20 around Earth? And by the way, that puzzles most interpreters, because people say, if we're on the new earth and everybody has glorified bodies, why would the nations need any healing?

[Host/Announcer]

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[Phillipe Sterling]

Do you have that verse?

[Bob Wilkin]

Well, it says, talking about a tree of life, it says in the middle of its street and on either side of the river, that's verse 2, Revelation 22 was a tree of life which bore 12 fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the three were for the healing of the nations.

[Phillipe Sterling]

And so in this view, the reason they need healing for the nations is because these are people in natural bodies. And by the way, I have a theory and kind of like my mentor, Zane Hodges, I'm kind of contrarian. So I'm going to hold views that not everybody holds. But let me throw this out. Don't you all love puppies? Don't you all love kittens? Don't you all love babies?

[Bob Wilkin]

I love children. I have two grandchildren.

[Phillipe Sterling]

Wouldn't it be kind of boring if for all of eternity, there were no puppies? For all of eternity, there were no kittens? For all of eternity, there were no babies? Remember, Jesus said, permit the little children to come to me, for such is the kingdom of heaven. It seems to me that that if there was an eternity with no procreation going on, then God's original purpose in the Garden of Eden was thwarted. Right.

[Bob Wilkin]

And that's one of the main arguments for seeing this mode of humanity in the natural mode, but yet immortal, that will continue on and propagating to continuously expand into the new heavens.

[Phillipe Sterling]

Well, in this view, ultimately the new Earth will eventually be full. We don't know how many people this Earth could accommodate. It looks like the new Earth is going to be bigger, but whatever the number is, you know, you were talking about 10 billion, 100 billion. I was talking about trillions. Regardless, at some point the Earth is going to be full. Remember, in the original creation, what is it, Genesis 1:28, be fruitful, multiply and fill the Earth. So eventually they would have done it, right?

[Bob Wilkin]

Yes.

[Phillipe Sterling]

One of the theories, by the way, why is all this redundancy in the universe? There may be trillions of planets, maybe even trillions of galaxies. Most scientists say that planets like Earth that can sustain human life. There are probably hundreds of millions, if not billions of such planets.

[Bob Wilkin]

They talk about the Goldilocks environment where they have the planets that can sustain physical life.

[Phillipe Sterling]

And part of the theory that scientists have is that the universe is exp. So that the number of planets keeps growing. What if in eternity, God plans for us to populate those planets? I heard an ETS or Evangelical Theological Society presentation where a man said the reason for the redundancy is the glory of God and the beauty of God. God loves beauty. I think the reason God put all these planets out there is God intended us to go out there and populate them. Now, look, I know that Mormonism teaches that we're eventually going to populate all the planets, and Mormonism is heresy. But that doesn't mean that they're wrong, that we're eventually going to populate planets. It seems to me that God has given us this marvelous universe for us to explore it and develop it. If Adam and Eve had not sinned, eventually they would have filled the earth. I don't believe God would have cut off procreation at that point. So eventually we would have started populating other planets and they would have developed.

[Bob Wilkin]

The technology to bring that all about. In a perfect view of this Star Trek universe, we might say absolutely.

[Phillipe Sterling]

And I think Adam and Eve get a bad rap because in my view they were probably the pinnacle of creation. They were geniuses minute one. Adam has a complete vocabulary, fully developed.

[Bob Wilkin]

Language and capability to observe. And I was a biology major like you and I know how difficult it is to understand and categorize and develop a whole taxonomy.

[Phillipe Sterling]

Adam and Eve were geniuses and we don't know how developed society was before the Flood, but it was probably highly developed. Of course what they did with the pyramids is amazing. There's all kinds of amazing things that have been done by humans and what we will do in eternity future we.

[Bob Wilkin]

Don'T know or to that his servants shall serve him. Revelation 22:forever.

[Phillipe Sterling]

Well, I hope we've given you something to think about. And in the meantime, let's keep grace in focus.

[Host/Announcer]

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[Bob Wilkin]

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