In our study of the scriptures it is imperative that we all cultivate the attitude of a humble learner at the feet of Christ, being willing to be taught of The Lord, and never forcing our own ideas and opinions into the declarations of scripture. This means that the Bible must be studied objectively, and not subjectively, without the common impediments of personal bias, preferences, and even traditional injections of commonly accepted modes of thought. Thus it is, that in our study of the glorified body, great truths will be revealed in the Bible, and from the pen of inspiration, which will shed much light on issues and topics that heretofore were covered in mystery.
To begin with, there are certain specifics that are clearly established in the word of God, pertaining to the brand new glorified body which God will give to those who are saved eternally in His kingdom. There are very marked differences in this new body, when compared with the
mortal body we now have, and it is these differences which account for the permission of certain previously unexplained activities.
Fact [1] The glorified body can withstand extreme heat, friction, and the gravitational pull of earth. Let’s read:
2nd Kings 2:1 And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.
Matthew 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
In order for Moses and Elijah to make that trip from heaven to earth, and back, they would have to travel at billions of miles per second, or more, hence the reason why Elijah could not take his man-made clothes on his first trip, for they would be consumed by the friction and excessive heat generated by the great speed. This is also the reason why on the first day of the week, when Christ came forth from the tomb, His grave clothes were found neatly folded, for as He was about to ascend to God The Father, the earthly material would be incinerated by the tremendous friction and heat generated by the speed of travel. In addition to this, it is obvious that the glorified body is not subject to gravity as we know it, or else they all would still be down here on this planet. Let’s read:
John 21:3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
[The great controversy pp. 677>678] All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God's redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar, worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe, and rang with songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul. With unutterable delight the children of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. They share the treasures of knowledge and understanding gained through ages upon ages in contemplation of God's handiwork. With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creation, suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity.
The space shuttle, of which we so often boast pales in comparison with the speed that the new, glorified body can withstand, for there are no inhibitions, according to the previous passages of scripture. Let’s read:
The three Space Shuttle Main Engines, in conjunction with the Solid Rocket Boosters, provide the thrust to lift the Orbiter off the ground for the initial ascent. After the solid rockets are jettisoned, the main engines provide thrust which accelerates the Shuttle from 3,000 mph to over 17,000 mph in just six minutes to reach orbit. As they push the Shuttle toward orbit, the engines consume liquid fuel at a rate that would drain an average family swimming pool in under 25 seconds generating over 37 million horsepower. This must be one of the biggest jokes in heaven!
Fact [2] The glorified body can adapt to other forms, depending on the needs of the particular situation, and as such, it has the ability to pass through solid matter, with no adverse consequences whatsoever. Let’s read:
Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
1st John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
John 20: 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Mark 12:24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.
1st Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers,
bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
[The Great Controversy pp. 631>632] In all ages, God has wrought through holy angels for the succor and deliverance of his people. Celestial beings have taken an active part in the affairs of men. They have appeared clothed in garments that shone as the lightning; they have come as men, in the garb of wayfarers. Angels have appeared in human form to men of God. They have rested, as if weary, under the oaks at noon. They have accepted the hospitalities of human homes. They have acted as guides to benighted travelers.
They have, with their own hands, kindled the fires of the altar. They have opened prison doors, and set free the servants of the Lord. Clothed with the panoply of Heaven, they came to roll away the stone from the Saviour's tomb. In the form of men, angels are often in the assemblies of the righteous, and they visit the assemblies of the wicked, as they went to Sodom, to make a record of their deeds, to determine whether they have passed the boundary of God's forbearance.
Thus it is, that after we have done detailed research of a few specifics regarding the glorified body, we should now be prepared to do the Bible study for this afternoon, for there are some sticking points in certain declarations of scripture which we should now be able to address. One
of these issues is the undeniable fact that Christ ate clean meat, fish, milk, and butter, all of which are well known animal products, and which do not represent God’s ideal for our dietary needs. And it is a fact that this was done in His pre-incarnate, incarnate, and post-incarnate form. This issue has for several years caused a certain amount of disturbance in the minds of many Christians who have tried in vain to reconcile what seems to be an apparent disconnect between what God clearly states in His word, and what Jesus Christ did on several occasions.
In the beginning, God gave man fruits, nuts, and grain as his ideal diet, and after sin vegetables were added. After the flood however, God permitted man to eat flesh foods which were already being consumed by most, so in fact, what actually took place is that God finally permitted us to do what man was already doing, but He then added stipulations against the eating of blood, and later on He designated some meats, and fish as clean or unclean.
But the problem which we must now confront is the fact that on several different occasions, when the Hebrews had murmured in the wilderness for both flesh and fish, Christ, who led them through the journeying, obviously became upset, whereas He Himself ate the very things which the Jews had then murmured for. Therefore, the question is, why on the one hand Christ would be upset with His people for their requests, and then on the other hand, He would eat the very things they had murmured for? Let’s read:
Genesis 18:1 And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.
8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
Luke 24: 36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
Beyond the shadow of a doubt, it is evident that Christ ate a number of items that are not consistent with God’s ideal will as far as diet is concerned, because we have seen for ourselves how on different occasions He ate fish, butter, milk, and meat, without experiencing any adverse effects. Some may endeavor to reason these undeniable facts away on the grounds that He, being God, can do whatsoever pleases Him, and then use His supernatural power to reverse, or prevent any of the known side effects of such a course of action. However, the action of the angels on several occasions is another matter entirely, for they are created beings, and from the references given, they too have consumed flesh on many occasions, without suffering any adverse side effects. Why have they done so, and how is it possible? Let’s read:
Genesis 19:1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
Question: What’s really going on? Because to many minds it may seem that these contradictory actions would most likely cast a shadow on the issue of health reform, and so, before we reach any wrong conclusions prematurely, it’s necessary for us to observe the various descriptions given to Christ in the following passages. Let’s read:
Matthew 6:8 “Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
Matthew 12:46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.
47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
We are starting to get the sense that Christ is much more than Our Redeemer and King, for the previous passages also portray Him as a family Man, desiring the intimate fellowship and communion with members of the human family, of whom it was predicted, and who currently is a permanent member. Thus, in order for us to understand some of the actions of Christ and the angels on several different occasions as it pertains to their consumption of foods that are not on the ideal list given in Genesis, we will need to see Jesus in the context of a Father a Friend, a Brother, as made very plain in the foregoing verses, and thus we may put ourselves in His shoes.
Question: Is it true, that as fathers and mothers, as friends, as brothers, and as families, on social occasions, we ourselves have eaten things that we would not have usually eaten, but because of the family atmosphere we were in, we let it pass? And as friends, on social occasions, have we not also eaten when we were not really hungry, but because of the social gathering of friends and family, we made allowance for such occasions?
Let’s take for instance the Christmas holidays, when friends and family, in-laws and outlaws, including uncle Willie came by, didn’t we consume ice cream, and cake, and candy, and a host of other food items which we would not usually eat under normal circumstances? And is it true that we were even willing to pay the price in the gym, just so that we could have a jolly good time with our family and friends? Well Jesus, is not only our Savior and King, but according to the Bible, He is also our Father, our brother, and our best Friend, and therefore, on social occasions, He does what any sincere father, or brother, or friend would do, by consuming items which are not on the ideal menu given in Genesis, even when he was not hungry, for spirits do not eat food as we do.
It was the social atmosphere that drove the angels to partake heartily of Lot’s hospitality, for they were not hungry, and it was the social atmosphere with His disciples which caused Christ to partake of what was their common fare. If He were to provide at this time, a meal of fruits, vegetables, and salads, He would by so doing interfered with the social setting, very much the same way if we were to go out with some of our family to Red Lobster, and they were to order sushi or raw oysters. That meal would interfere, or “should” interfere with the social setting, for it’s not a part of our everyday diet.
God’s ideal will for us as far as diet is concerned is one that is free from the use of flesh foods, for as sated before God is taking us from Eden to Eden. However, in our sojourn here on this earth, the fellowship of the brotherhood is of much more importance, and is to be held as a sacred legacy in our interactions with each other, for by so doing, we will be able to help in very meaningful ways, the efforts to aspire to God’s great ideal. This is not merely a suggestion, but it is the explicit will of God, as the scriptures solemnly declare. Let’s read:
Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another anymore: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
God is now taking His people on a journey from Eden to Eden, and as such, it would be well if we could cooperate with Him in the restoration of body soul and spirit. Hence the reason why the first chapter of the Bible contains dietary information for us, and the very last chapter of the Bible reiterates the information given in Genesis.
Let’s read:
Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
[Letters and Manuscripts vol. 1 pp. 85] I saw two long golden rods on which hung silver wires, and on the wires most glorious grapes. One cluster was more than a man here can carry. And I saw Jesus step up and take of the manna, almonds, grapes, and pomegranates, and bear them down to the city, and place them on the supper table. Soon we heard his lovely voice again, saying: Come my people; you have come out of great tribulation, and done my will, suffered for me; come in to supper, for I will gird myself, and serve you. We shouted Hallelujah, glory, and entered into the city, and I saw a table of pure silver, it was many miles in length, yet our eyes could extend over it.
And I saw the fruit of the tree of life, the manna, almonds, figs, pomegranates, grapes, and many other kinds of fruit. We all reclined at the table. I asked Jesus to let me eat of the fruit. He said, not now. Those who eat of the fruit of this land, go back to earth no more. But in a little while if faithful, you shall both eat of the fruit of the tree of life, and drink of the water of the fountain, and he said, you must go back to the earth again, and relate to others, what I have revealed to you.
Whilst we sojourn on this earth, let us therefore follow after those things which make for peace, and although God has given us His ideals in the scriptures, as far as diet is concerned, yet the fellowship of the brotherhood is to have preeminence at all times and in all places. We thus end with a few verses of scripture which confirm this sacred truth, and let us work untiringly towards that end. Let’s read:
1st Peter 2:Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 “Not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
God bless!