1 Corinthians 15:50

This I say. Paul re-emphasizes what he has set forth in vs. 35-49, that the resurrection bodies will differ from the present bodies. Man’s corruptible body is unfitted for enjoyment of the perfect kingdom of glory. Prior to the entrance of sin into the human race, the human body was adapted to conditions in a perfect world (see Gen. 1:31). All that God had created was perfect; therefore the bodies of Adam and Eve were likewise perfect — free from corruption — and suited to their perfect surroundings. When man sinned, his nature was changed. Therefore before he enters the bliss of Eden restored his body will be changed and adapted to the perfection of heaven.

Some believe that this text teaches that the resurrected bodies will not be composed of flesh and blood, but such a conclusion is unwarranted. “Flesh and blood” is a figure of speech designating a man of this earth (see Matt. 16:17; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 6:12) and hence should not be reduced to bald literalness. Paul is simply affirming that man’s present body is unfit for entrance into the kingdom of God. That resurrected bodies will have flesh and blood may reasonably be deduced from the fact that our new bodies will be fashioned like unto the glorious resurrection body of Christ (Phil. 3:20, 21), which consisted of “flesh and bones” (Luke 24:39; cf. DA 803). It is further reasonable to conclude that the bodies of the resurrected saints will not differ too greatly from the kind of body that Adam possessed when he was first created (Gen. 2:7). If man had not sinned, he doubtless would have retained that body forever.