The Resurrection of This Very Flesh

So much in proof of the confession we make in the creed when we say, “the resurrection of this flesh.” As for the added word “this,” see how well it agrees with everything we have quoted from the divine books. What else does Job mean in the passage we explained above, “He will raise up again my skin, which is now draining this cup of suffering,” that is, which is undergoing these torments? Does he not plainly say that there will be a resurrection of this flesh, this one, I mean, which is now undergoing the extremes of trial and distress? Again, when the apostle says, “This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality,” are these not the words of someone who in a way touches his own body and puts his finger on it? [a]

This body, then, which is now corruptible, will by the grace of the resurrection be incorruptible, and this body, which is now mortal, will be clothed with the powers of immortality. Just as “Christ, rising from the dead, dies no more; death has no more dominion over him,” so those who rise in Christ will never again feel corruption or death. This is not because the nature of flesh will have been thrown off, but because its condition and quality will have been changed. There will therefore be a body which rises from the dead incorruptible and immortal, not only of the righteous but also of sinners: of the righteous, so that they may be able to remain with Christ forever; of sinners, so that they may undergo without end the punishment due to them.