With what kind of body are the dead raised? Connected to, and following the question about the resurrection of Christ is that of our own resurrection. How will this happen? What bodies will we have at the resurrection? In his response, Paul points to the natural process of growth and development. Had the Corinthians been keen observers, they would have noticed that what is sown is never what comes to life. Moreover, what comes to life is always of a higher quality (degree of life) than what was sown. While what is sown is subjected to corruption and is basically “dead,” what comes to life shows no sign of corruption and is full of life.
Resurrection is a process of moving from a corruptible body (existence) to one that is totally incorruptible. The resurrected body is not a repeat or resuscitation of the body that dies, for the resurrected body will be “spiritual,” and it will differ qualitatively from the natural one (the one that dies in order to give rise to the spiritual one). The risen, “spiritual” body is incorruptible because it is designed for eternity for it will be energized by the spirit of God. This life for eternity begins when one is reconstituted in Christ through baptism for it is Christ, the second Adam, who gives the life-giving spirit. He/she who is baptized already participates in this resurrected, spiritual life.