The Body of the Lost

Q: I understand that those of us that are saved will receive glorified bodies for flesh and blood can't enter the kingdom of GOD, what type of bodies will the lost have as they enter eternal suffering, will it be similar to, but not called a glorified body?

A: Thank you for your question. The Bible is not clear as to the exact type of body an unbeliever will have for their eternity in hell. However, we may be able to get an idea by looking at certain scriptures. In Luke 16, there is the story of The Rich Man and Lazarus. While in Hades, the Rich Man "cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame (Luke 16:24)." It is interesting to note that the Rich Man is thirsty and in agony while in Hades. This gives the indication of being in a physical state similar to, if not exactly like, that of being in a body of flesh and blood. Furthermore, he seems to also be coherent and aware of his surroundings which is another indication of the flesh and blood state we all are in before we die. Granted this story does not take place at the resurrection, so things could be quite different at that time as well, but it definitely takes place after the Rich Man dies. Another interesting fact is that the Rich Man says he is inside a "flame." It would appear that his body is able to feel the pain and torment of this "flame," but does not burn up completely. This could be another example of what type of body the lost will have in hell.

There are a couple of other verses that you should look at and compare, in relation to your question. Those two verses are Matthew 13:42 and Revelation 21:4. Matthew 13:42 reads, "They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Revelation 21:4 reads, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Focus on the similarities between "weeping" and "wipe every tear from their eyes." Weeping means tearful and given to crying. Weeping and crying are actions of a person still in the fleshly bodies we have presently. The passage from Revelation 21 is clearly a glimpse of what it will be like for the saved in heaven. Having our tears wiped away is an indication of the peace and sinlessness of a perfect heaven. Contrary to the peace of heaven is the weeping and gnashing of teeth of those awaiting the certain doom of an eternity separated from God in hell. Their fearful and emotional state is evidence of a type of flesh and blood existence. Perhaps, an idea that the bodies they have are like the bodies we have now. Remember, when Lazarus died, the Bible records that "Jesus wept (John 11:25)." It is no small fact that He cried because although He was God, He was in a human body.

Another way to find answers to your question is by focusing on what the Bible says about the bodies of believers. The verse you mentioned in your question reads, "I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:50)." It is clear what flesh and blood does not inherit and what perishable does not inherit. However, what do they inherit? Perhaps, what flesh and blood and the perishable, other names for the body, inherit is simply the eternal torment of hell. While we should be careful making assumptions about things the Bible is unclear or silent on, maybe that is the point when it comes to the body of unbelievers. Since there is no mention of any change in the body of unbelievers, like we see with the resurrected bodies of believers, it may be due to them not undergoing any change at all. We all are familiar with how our flesh and blood bodies react to the pain and suffering of this world. Therefore, since hell is an eternity of suffering, pain and torment, a perishable body of flesh and blood would suit that environment just fine.

Regardless of what the body of unbelievers will look like, it is clear that they will be suffering for eternity in that body. As believers, we should not only focus on the spiritual bodies awaiting us at the resurrection, but be motivated to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost. The love that we have received from God, through faith in Jesus Christ, should be compelling us to witness to as many people as we can. The will of God is that none should perish. We should have the same heart for the lost so they can receive that imperishable body along with all the believers. "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life (2 Corinthians 5:1-4)." Take heart in the words of the Apostle Paul as you go forward with the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because your heavenly dwelling awaits. Grace and Peace.