The Christian Post-Resurrection

[RICHinCHRIST]

There was a question brought up today on the show regarding the future of man's state subsequently following the resurrection and glorification of the body. Steve mentioned that the restored state of mankind could possibly be the same that man held in the garden of Eden. In other words, mankind will be transformed back to its former state pre-Fall and that this new humanity will experience the new heavens and new earth in harmony without the curse of sin ruining everything.

I'm wondering if there is a scriptural case for something different. Is it possible that the future state of man will be greater than God's original intent for humanity?

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 2 Cor. 3:18

This verse says that we are being transformed from glory to glory . The question then must arise, from which glory to which glory?

Romans 8:18 and 8:21 describe a future glory that will be revealed in all the sons of God.

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us...because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." - 2 Cor. 8:18, 21

If we go back to the original context of 2 Cor. 3:18, perhaps we can glean some more insight.

The next two times the word image and glory (from 2 Cor. 3:18) appear are in 2 Cor. 4:4, 6.

"...whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them... For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." - 2 Cor. 4:4,6

Therefore, we learn that this image were being transformed into is the image of God. Now, it sounds like it could be a transformation back to God's original good intent in creating man back in Genesis, since He created Adam and Eve in His image.

However, there's another verse that makes me wonder if there's more to it than that.

"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." 1 John 3:2-3, emphasis mine

Are we ever told that Adam saw God incarnate? I know many assume this, but I wonder if it's possible he did not. If he did not, this would then put the future state of man in a different position than the original state of man. We will be able to see God with our eyes, which will give us a different perspective on reality as a whole. Perhaps this is what Jesus was getting at when he said we'd be like the angels of God in heaven (Matt 22:30). I've also wondered if it will be possible to sin in the new heavens and new earth, and I think if we were to actually behold God like the angels, perhaps this would prevent us from sinning.

I think it would be like God to make the restoration of man more glorious than the original created intent. Although it would be amazing enough if he restores us to our pre-fallen condition, I think it would give God that much more glory for all of eternity to know that He created something greater out of something corrupted and twisted like our human race.

[benstenson]

I don't think the Bible says that Adam's body changed as a result of his sin. He was already mortal/corruptible/temporary before he sinned. Otherwise he would not have needed the tree of life.

Also, I think Adam's curse is already done, based on the following verses.

1. Cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life - Gen 3:17
2. Noah shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed. - Gen 5:29
3. The LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake - Gen 8:21

[Paidion]

But did Adam ever eat from the tree of life while He was in the garden? If so he would have "lived forever". (See Genesis 3:22)