“The Whole Becoming Spiritual”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

This may appear at first a strange use of the word spiritual. The resurrected body is physical, tangible, substantial. And yet it is spiritual, meaning immortal, not subject to death. In describing the physical body, Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “It is sown [planted in the grave] in corruption; it is raised [in the resurrection] in incorruption: it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, italics added).

Similarly, in a modern revelation the Lord stated that “the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the law-wherefore, it shall be sanctified; yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again, and shall abide the power by which it is quickened, and the righteous shall inherit it. For notwithstanding they [the righteous] die, they also shall rise again, a spiritual body.” (D&C 88:25-27, italics added.)

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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