73. 最後的復活 The Last Resurrection
作者: 史鮑爾 (R.C. Sproul) 譯者: 姚錦榮
摘自《神學入門》《Essential Truths of the
Christian Faith》p.197 , 更新傳道會出版
每個信徒都會問的一個問題就是，我們在天堂時，究竟會是什麽樣子。我們認得自己所愛的人嗎？我們覆活的身體帶有年齡的特征嗎？
這一類問題對我們來說是奧秘的。聖經只是稍稍提供了一些線索。我們只知道，無論復活身體的狀態如何，它一定遠超過我們現在所能想象的。聖經說：“神為愛他的人所預備的，是眼睛未曾看見，耳朵未曾聽見，人心也未曾想到的。”（林前2：9）保羅說：“我們如今仿佛對著鏡子觀看，模糊不清；到那時就要面對面了。我如今所知道的有限；到那時就全知道，如同主知道我一樣。”（林前13：12）
聖經清楚教導，聖徒將會在末日身體復活，而耶穌的復活被視為所有復活之人初熟的果子。
我們在世上死去的身體和將來所得之復活的身體，中間是有連續性的。現在的身體是會朽壞的，會腐爛的，有時候甚至死時變得支離破碎。可是正如耶穌帶著改變的身體，從墳墓裏出來，照樣，我們現在身體在復活時也要改變。身體的狀況會改變，但個人的識別（Identity）卻不會失去。
每個復活的身體在質與量上都是完全的，只有增添，沒有缺欠。我們可憑著復活的身體互相辨認，我們不知道這是怎樣借著神的能力發生的，但是我們知道此事必會發生。
我們的新身體將能完全適宜過神國中永恒的生活，但目前所擁有的身體則不適宜。無論需要有什麽改變，都是神的能力使然。我們知道復活的身體仍然是人性的、是有限的，並沒有被神化；我們新的身體是不朽的――不會腐壞、不會生病、不會痛、不會死，比我們現在身體更有能力，因為這身體被提升至尊貴、能力、榮耀之中。我們的身體將會像主耶穌榮耀的身體一樣。
聖徒新的身體是屬靈的和屬天的，能適應更高層次的生活，也許那時我們的臉面會發光，正如主耶穌在變像中的臉面一樣。
思考經文
羅8：11；林前2：9；林前15：1--58；腓3：20--21；帖前4：13--18
總結：
1. 我們將來復活的身體會是什麽樣子，是個陰藏的奧秘。
2. 我們現在的身體和將來復活的身體之間是有連續性的。
3. 我們在天上可以彼此辨認。
4. 我們的新身體將能適應天上的生活。
73.
THE LAST RESURRECTION
A
question that every believer has contemplated is the question of what we will
look like in heaven. Will we be able to recognize our loved ones? Will our
resurrected bodies have the characteristics of age or of youth?
Many
of these matters remain mysterious to us. The Bible only hints at these
answers. We know that whatever our resurrected state will be like, it will far
exceed our highest present expectations. The Bible says, “Eye has not seen, nor
ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has
prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Paul tells us that at
present we “see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part,
but then I shall know just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
The
Bible clearly teaches a final resurrection of the bodies of the saints. The
resurrection of Jesus is declared to be the firstfruits of those who will also
participate in this resurrection.
There
is continuity between the earthly body that dies and the resurrected body we
will be given. Our present bodies are corruptible and will indeed decay or, in
some instances be torn asunder or fragmented in death. However, just as Jesus
returned from the grave with His body, albeit changed, so shall our present
bodies be resurrected though changed. A body may change its state without
thereby destroying its identity.
Every
resurrected body will be complete both in quantity and quality. Nothing will be
lacking though much will be gained. We will be recognizeable in our resurrected
bodies. We do not yet know how this will be accomplished by God’s power, only
that it will be so.
Our
new bodies will be especially suited for eternal life in the kingdom of God.
Our present bodies are not so adapted. Whatever changes are necessary will be
made by the power of God. We know that our resurrected bodies will still be
human and finite. We will not be deified. Our new bodies will be
incorruptible—without decay, illness, pain, or death. There will be added power
to our present bodies as they will be raised in honor, power, and glory. Our
bodies will be fashioned to be like the glorified body of Jesus.
The
new body of the saint will be a spiritual and a heavenly body. It will be
adapted to a higher order of living, perhaps glowing and radiant in countenance
not unlike Christ in His transfiguration.
Summary
1.
Our future state in the bodily resurrection is shrouded in mystery.
2.
There will be a continuity between our present bodies and our resurrected
bodies.
3. We will be able to recognize each other in
heaven.
4.
Our new bodies will be adapted and suited for life in heaven.
Biblical
passages for reflection:
Romans
8:11 1 Corinthians 2:9 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 Philippians 3:20-21 1
Thessalonians 4:13-18
