As a theologian, I developed an interest in knowing more about the afterlife in heaven. I was especially intrigued by how the Bible describes the new bodies we will have in heaven, and I was curious to know more about the topic. I then decided to do extensive research and visit different clergies from various denominations to learn what each denomination believes regarding our physical appearance in heaven. A few days ago, a student in my theology class wanted to know if we would have a body in heaven. This question stemmed from our previous discussion on what believers will look like in heaven. From the vast research and knowledge I had gathered, I had the answer to this question. So, do you have a body in heaven?
There are several scriptures in the Bible that do reveal that we will have physical bodies in heaven. 1 Corinthians 15:52 states that the dead will be raised with an imperishable state and changed at the last trumpet. One thing that we currently possess as living and dead people are our perishable bodies. However, the scripture gives us a clear message that we will be resurrected in bodies that will no longer be perishable.
So join me until the end as I discuss more about this topic. I will explain if we will have physical bodies in heaven, what we will look like in heaven, and if God has a physical body in heaven, among other interesting topics.
Will we have physical bodies in heaven?
Scholars suggest we will have physical bodies in heaven, just like Jesus did. In the Gospel books, we read about the resurrection of Jesus and how he appeared to his disciples. In John 20:19-20, Jesus appears to his disciples and shows them the marks on his hands to prove that he had resurrected. Jesus then ascended to heaven in his body to show that he maintained his resurrected body even in heaven. Philippians 3:21 also records that Jesus will transform our new bodies to be like his, meaning that we will possess physical bodies in heaven just like Him.
What will we look like in heaven?

The Bible reveals in 1 Corinthians 15:49 that our heavenly bodies will be like that of Jesus. The scripture states that since we were born in the image of Adam, the earthly man, we shall inherit the image of Jesus, the heavenly man, once we reach heaven. The Bible also states that we will look glorious. Philippians 3:21 reveals that Jesus will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body. While the scripture does not give us an exact picture or image of how we will look, we are assured that we will look good, just like Jesus.
How does the Bible describe the new bodies we will have in heaven?
The Bible describes the new bodies we will have in heaven through 1 Corinthians 15:42-53. The scriptures state that our bodies will be imperishable, meaning that we will not have bodies that will one day deteriorate or come to die again. The scripture in verse 44 also reveals that our new bodies will be spiritual. While our earthly bodies only possess a natural form, our new bodies will have spiritual powers, just like that of Jesus’ resurrected body. Jesus, in his spiritual body, appeared to his disciples while they were still talking in Luke 24:36-39. His disciples thought he was a ghost, as He had not used the door to enter the room but ‘magically’ appeared.
Does God have a physical body in heaven?
Scholars from Blue Letter Bible suggest that God does not have a physical in heaven. The Bible reveals that God is a spirit through different bible verses. John 4:24 states that God is spirit and that his worshippers must worship him in truth and spirit. Moses also reminds the Israelites in Deuteronomy 4:15 that they did not see any form of any kind when God spoke to them at Horeb, meaning God is an invisible spirit.
Does Jesus have a physical body in heaven?

The Bible reveals that Jesus has a physical body in heaven because he resurrected in a physical body while on earth, as recorded in Luke 24. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples multiple times, in which most of them did not believe him. Jesus had to ask some of his disciples to give him something to eat to prove that he had been resurrected in his physical body and that he was not a spirit. Additionally, during his ascension to heaven, Jesus did not take a spirit foam but was lifted to heaven with his physical body, as stated in Luke 24:50-53.
Do people presently in heaven have physical bodies?
People presently in heaven are believed to already have physical bodies. In one of his visions recorded in Revelations 6:9-11, John sees martyrs who had been killed because of the word of God. In the vision, these people were given white robes and told to wait a little longer. Through the scripture, we note that these people had physical bodies and were even given white robes they were to wear when the right time came. Genesis 5:24 also records that God took Enoch away because he had walked faithfully with him. Scholars believe that Enoch is in heaven with his physical body, and so is every person in heaven.

As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.