Answer
It's important for our physical bodies to be resurrected, not just our spirits, but as a physical entity, for two reasons. I mean, there are plenty, but here are two. The first is because we're made in the image of Christ. Paul says that in 1 Corinthians 15, that he fashions us after his own image. What's his image? It's a completely new it is a body that is fit for the new heavens and new earth. And if Christ's body is like that, then our body too must be like that. Must be. And secondly, in order for us to be in the new heavens and new earth, we have to have a new body. We can't be in the new heavens and new earth with our old body or with just our soul. It's not designed the new heavens and new earth are not designed to just house souls. They are designed to house people, and God dwelling with physical people.
Answer by Dr. Ben Gladd
Dr. Benjamin Gladd is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS.