The concept of the resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, promising believers a future transformation and eternal life. Within this framework, the notion that resurrected saints shall be "as the angels" is a profound and intriguing aspect of biblical teaching.

Biblical Foundation

The idea that resurrected saints will be like angels is primarily derived from the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses the Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, by explaining the nature of life after resurrection. He states, "At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; instead, they will be like the angels in heaven" (Matthew 22:30). This passage suggests a transformation in the state of being for the resurrected, indicating a likeness to angels in certain respects.

Nature of the Resurrected Body

The apostle Paul further elaborates on the nature of the resurrected body in his first letter to the Corinthians. He contrasts the perishable, dishonorable, and weak natural body with the imperishable, glorious, and powerful spiritual body that believers will receive (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). While Paul does not explicitly compare the resurrected body to angels, the emphasis on transformation and glorification aligns with the angelic likeness described by Jesus.

Angelic Attributes

Angels, as depicted in Scripture, are spiritual beings who serve God and execute His will. They are often portrayed as possessing immortality, holiness, and a close proximity to God. The likeness to angels in the resurrection implies that saints will share in these attributes. They will be immortal, no longer subject to death or decay, and will exist in a state of holiness, fully sanctified and free from sin.

Eternal Fellowship with God

The likeness to angels also suggests a new level of fellowship with God. Angels are depicted as worshippers who stand in the presence of God, and the resurrected saints will similarly enjoy eternal communion with their Creator. Revelation 22:3-4 describes this intimate relationship: "The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads."

Implications for Believers

The promise of being like the angels offers hope and assurance to believers. It signifies a future existence free from earthly limitations and sufferings, characterized by eternal life, purity, and divine fellowship. This transformation is not merely a return to life but an elevation to a glorified state, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

In summary, the resurrection promises a profound transformation for the saints, who will be like the angels in their immortality, holiness, and closeness to God. This teaching underscores the hope of eternal life and the ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ.Matthew 22:30
For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

That the Bodies of the Saints Shall after the Resurrection be ...
... 22."That the Bodies of the Saints Shall After the ... as they shall be in the resurrection,
shall need neither ... inviolable an immortality, that they shall not eat ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 22 that the bodies of.htm

The Resurrection
... We shall be as the angels. Matthew 22:20. And how nimble are they? ... The bodies
of the saints, at the resurrection, shall be firm and strong. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the resurrection.htm

That the Righteous Shall ever Abide with Christ Our Lord we have ...
... in the heavenly places." Whence, since God's saints have these ... number like them
respecting the resurrection of the ... namely, that "the righteous shall shine as ...
/.../46 that the righteous shall.htm

What the Reign of the Saints with Christ for a Thousand Years Is ...
... Accordingly, even now His saints reign with Him, though ... that most peaceful kingdom
in which we shall reign without ... and it is of this first resurrection in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 9 what the reign of.htm

The Restored Part of Humanity Shall, in Accordance with the ...
... the angels. For this is the promise to the saints, that at the resurrection
they shall be equal to the angels of God. [1123] And ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 29 the restored part of.htm

The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection
... settled in our minds, beyond all controversy, the resurrection of all ... of the power
of Christ, by which he shall raise and change the bodies of the saints. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the power of christ illustrated.htm

Men Shall be Actually Raised: the World Shall not be Annihilated ...
... there shall be various mansions for the saints, according to ... too, has confessed that
the creation shall be free ... forth [from bondage] at the resurrection of the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxvi men shall be actually.htm

The Cleansing of the Earth.
... of the children of God; ie, until the redemption or resurrection of the
saints.""John Bunyan's ... the sword," (19:21); "when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the cleansing of the earth.htm

The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just.
... The children of the resurrection thus include all who attain ... the righteous dead and
the living saints are made ... according to Paul's "mystery:" "We shall not all ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the kingdom given to the.htm

The Reality of the Resurrection
... The bodies of the saints, then, shall rise again free ... of Christ is called "flesh"
even after the resurrection. ... enemies to bear with, so neither shall we have ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter xxiii the reality of.htm

Why should I believe in Christ's resurrection? | GotQuestions.org

What is the first resurrection? What is the second resurrection? | GotQuestions.org

Is the resurrection of Jesus Christ true? | GotQuestions.org

Resurrection: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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