The resurrection is one of the greatest truths of our faith. Yet, there is often confusion when believers ask:
“Spiritual resurrection gives us life now; physical resurrection completes our hope.”
- “Is resurrection spiritual or physical?”
- “If I’ve already been raised with Christ, what am I still waiting for?”
Some hold to only the spiritual resurrection, saying that Christ in us is the full fulfilment. Others focus only on the future physical resurrection, neglecting the present reality of being raised with Christ.
But the truth is not either/or. It is both/and. In this post, we will explore:
- The meaning of spiritual resurrection (now).
- The promise of physical resurrection (future).
- How the Scriptures tie both together.
- Why are both essential to a full gospel?
What Is Spiritual Resurrection? #
Spiritual resurrection is the present reality of being made alive in Christ.
“Even when we were dead in [our] sins, He made us alive together with Christ… and raised us up together…”
— Ephesians 2:5–6 (AMP)
Definition: #
- To be born again, regenerated by the Spirit (John 3:3–6).
- Raised from spiritual death into the life of Christ (Romans 6:4).
- United with Christ in His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:12–13).
Greek Word: #
- Anastasis (ἀνάστασις) — literally “a standing up again” or “rising.”
- In a spiritual sense, it is inner resurrection — the dead spirit made alive.
“Christ in you is the seed; glorification is the harvest.”
Key Realities: #
- New heart and Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26).
- No longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6–11).
- Christ in you — the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).
This is the first resurrection in the believer’s life — spiritual, inward, and now.
What Is Physical Resurrection? #
Physical resurrection is the future glorification of our mortal bodies — the full manifestation of eternal life in the body.
“He will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory…”
— Philippians 3:21 (AMP)
Definition: #
- The transformation of our physical, mortal bodies into glorified, immortal ones.
- A literal, bodily resurrection — not symbolic.
Greek Word: #
- Sōma pneumatikon (σῶμα πνευματικόν) — “a spiritual body,” not meaning intangible, but spirit-governed, glorified.
“This perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:53 (AMP)
From Spirit to Body #
The two resurrections are not in conflict — they are connected stages of the same salvation process.
| Spiritual Resurrection | Physical Resurrection |
|---|---|
| We are made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:5) | We will be made like Christ (Philippians 3:21) |
| The inward man is renewed daily (2 Corinthians 4:16) | The outward man will be clothed with immortality (1 Corinthians 15:53) |
| Resurrection life now (Romans 6:4) | Resurrection body to come (1 Corinthians 15:42–44) |
| Christ lives in us (Colossians 1:27) | We will appear with Him in glory (Colossians 3:4) |
“If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you… He who raised Christ… will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit…”
— Romans 8:11 (AMP)
Why Both Resurrections Matter #
1. Without spiritual resurrection: #
- We remain dead in sin.
- We cannot enter the Kingdom (John 3:5).
2. Without physical resurrection: #
- Death still reigns in the body.
- Our hope is incomplete.
“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised… your faith is worthless… you are still in your sins.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:13–17 (AMP)
Fulfilled but Not Finished #
As disciples, we understand that:
“He raised our spirits by grace; He will raise our bodies in glory.”
- Christ’s kingdom came in power in AD70 (Matthew 24:30–34).
- The old covenant system was judged and removed (Hebrews 8:13).
- Many resurrection types and shadows were fulfilled.
Yet, we do not conclude that all is fully complete. Why?
- Believers still die physically.
- Creation still groans (Romans 8:22–23).
- Paul, after the cross and Pentecost, said:
“We ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for… the redemption of our body.”
— Romans 8:23 (AMP)
So the spiritual resurrection is fulfilled now, but the bodily resurrection is still future.
The Pattern: Christ the Firstfruits #
“Now Christ has been raised… the firstfruits of those who are asleep.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:20 (AMP)
Christ’s resurrection is the pattern:
- He was raised bodily (Luke 24:39).
- He ascended bodily (Acts 1:9–11).
- We shall be like Him (1 John 3:2).
Just as the firstfruits in Israel pointed to the full harvest, so Christ’s resurrection points to ours.
Are the Two Resurrections Mentioned Together? Yes! #
“If we have been united with Him in the likeness of His death, we will also be united in the likeness of His resurrection.”
— Romans 6:5 (AMP)
Paul sees the spiritual and physical as one journey:
- Already raised in spirit.
- Awaiting glorification in body.
Misunderstandings to Avoid #
“The resurrection is only spiritual.” #
Response:
- Then why does Paul still long for the redemption of the body after having the Spirit?
- Why speak of transformation into a glorious body (Philippians 3:21)?
“The resurrection is only physical.” #
Response:
- Then why does Jesus say, “Whoever hears My word… has passed from death to life” (John 5:24)?
- Why does Paul say we are already raised with Christ (Colossians 3:1)?
What Happens Between the Two? #
We live in the tension between the already and the not yet.
- We’ve died with Christ, but still live in a mortal body.
- We have resurrection life in our spirit, but we await the glorified body.
- We walk by faith now, but we will see Him face to face.
This is the New Covenant journey: inward transformation first, outward manifestation later.
The Two Witnesses in Us #
“Though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:16 (AMP)
The outer man represents:
- Mortality
- Weakness
- Adamic nature
The inner man represents:
- Christ’s life
- Resurrection power
- The new creation
God is not throwing away the body—He is transforming it. Redemption will be complete when both man and creation are renewed (Romans 8:21).
In Christ,
Shaliach.
