He is not here
“He is not here, but has risen.” These may be the most unexpected words ever spoken in human history. Who said it? Two “men”, likely angels, who were present at the tomb of Jesus. To whom were they speaking? Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and others who had gone out immediately after the sabbath to anoint Jesus’ dead body at the tomb.
C.S. Lewis postulated in his discussion on What to Make of Jesus, that in rising from the dead Jesus actually created a new form of being. In Mr. Lewis’ opinion, the difference between what might be perceived naturally and what actually was, in the context of the resurrection, was a significant point that should not be glossed over.
The authors of the gospels, those who either transcribed the words of the eye witness accounts or were themselves eye witnesses to the event, describe Jesus as having expressed both spiritual or ghostly attributes and physical or bodily attributes. You have on one hand a being who walks through walls (John 20:19). While at the same time allowing touch, feel and even digestion (John 20:26-29 and 21:9-15). Our resurrected Savior was indeed a living form unlike anything the universe had ever seen. Physical time and space could apply no restriction on our resurrected Savior. Yet, He could enjoy all that the physical realm provided.
Is this a form of heaven? Was it a foreshadowing of the being that we believers will enjoy in our future existence for eternity? Possibly. However, I think it is more important for us to understand that Jesus took his body with Him! No human being has ever done this, with the two possible exceptions of Enoch who simply walked with God, and Elijah who was taken to heaven in a fiery chariot. However, Jesus' experience is unique because the body of Jesus died and remained dead for 3 days here on earth.
After His resurrection Jesus is seen multiple times by the disciples and would leave them for long periods of time as well. Where was He going? We know based on His comment to Mary Magdalene that He had to go to heaven to complete the atonement (John 20:15-17). So Jesus did have to ascend to Heaven to complete His task but was still able to return, effortlessly, to be with His disciples afterwards. In all this moving between heaven and earth there is no indication that Jesus' body remained here. It certainly was not in the tomb. His body, if that is what you would call it at this point, was part of His form.
Could Jesus’ new form be similar to angels? The form that allows angels to be both heavenly creatures and still take on earthly physical traits seems to be a plausible comparison. However, there must be a monumental difference established by the fact that Jesus was a human and a dead one at that. Angels never exist as humans and they do not experience death of the body. So Jesus’ post resurrection form must have been unique. I believe that this uniqueness is pointed to later in the scriptures written by the Apostle Paul.
In the book of Romans chapter 8 Paul talks about all creation waiting in “eager” anticipation. The event awaited is referred to as “the revealing of the children of God.” (vs 19) Paul further discusses this event as a time when creation itself will be released from a bondage placed on it. Why was creation bound? According to Paul, it was “in hope” that creation was bound. It was a hope that through this revelation of the children of God, creation would also “obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” (vs 21) That word freedom is an interesting word. It implies a change of state. Creation is bound and will be freed according to the glory displayed in the children of God. There will be a change in the state of creation. I believe that change of state is reflected in Jesus’ post resurrection form. Free from the bonds of this physical world and allowed to Freely enjoy the spiritual and physical realms. That is freedom!
There is further reference to this state in Paul's epistle. Verse 23 talks about how we, believers in the Way, also yearn for this time of freeing. Paul says that we “groan inwardly as we wait for the adoption of the children of God” and “the redemption of our bodies.” Fascinating! We groan in ultimate desire for the adoption to happen as God receives His children AND for the redemption of the earthly forms that carry us around. The word redemption is defined as “gaining or regaining possession of something in exchange for payment or clearing of debt.” Now we understand that the payment for our redemption is made by Jesus Christ. For He alone was able to make the necessary payment. Our debt has been paid and the door is opened for us to be adopted by our Heavenly Father, the Creator. But, based on Paul’s writing it appears that more than just our soul and spirit are redeemed. There is a redemption of the body of a believer that creates a freedom and glory that has been unseen in this universe.
Think about it. There has never been and will never be a creature that will exist after the death of its body - except for the children of God. The child of God is unique in all creation because the sentence of sin is death. But, PRAISE BE TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, the result of our Savior’s sacrifice is Life eternal - even for those who have died in body. Jesus’ triumphant action over sin and death has created a new form. We are indeed a new creation and will be a wholly unique kind of creature when the glory of the children of God is revealed! We will be like Him. Perfect - in spirit and body. Able to enjoy all that God’s creation provides - freely, without limitation and to the Glory of His Name!