Like Eve, I have an interest in Bodies
I argue that God has and Image and Voice
and this aspect of God has a Physicality
looking at 3rd Corinthians, a letter said to be from Paul
that didn't make it in the NT canon for the most part (I think it's in some, like the Armenian)
like John's letters, it's dealing with Gnosticism
for background, taken from the book I have about
some from Corinth wrote to Paul about some teachings that had crept in
that they thought were questionable and were seeking his advice
they said some were teaching that -
"We must not study the Old Testament prophets. God is not Almighty.
There is no resurrection of the flesh, but only of the spirit. Creation is not
God's work. The Lord did not come in the flesh. The Lord was not born
of Mary. The world was created by angels, and not God. Jesus was not
crucified, by only someone who looked like Him took His place. Jesus is not
in the lineage of King David."
-
part of what in this letter Paul is said to have written back -
"...but God,..not abandon(ing) His creation
sent the Holy Spirit to Mary the Galilean, who believed with all her heart...
(from) her womb...Jesus...entered the world, (here taking on the physicality of Mankind - ed.)
and even though the evil one believed that by the destruction of Jesus' flesh
he would continue to rule, by it he (Satan) was actually conquered, and put to shame
and shown to the world once and for all that he was not God.
For by His own body Jesus Christ saved all flesh, and brought it to eternal life thru faith,
that He might present a temple of righteousness in His own body, through whom we (the Believing)
are redeemed.
...this is why...the resurrection is proclaimed to all.
(We) are (or will be) raised again by the will of God in a body and clothed (in Righteousness?)
the body is not only raised up, but abundantly blessed.
And know how Jonah,..
after three days and three nights God (raised him)...
and no part of him was corrupted, not even an eyelid.
How much more, you of so little faith, (even only a mustard seed worth! Paul had previously mentioned seeds)
will He raise up you who have believed in Christ Jesus, as He Himself rose up.
...and whoever abides by the rule which he received by the prophets and the Gospel,
(they) shall receive a reward, and when (they have) risen from the dead shall obtain eternal life.
But to (any) that turns aside from them - there is fire with Him, since they are without God,
a generation of vipers (Qumran language!)...
from these turn away in the power of the Lord.
May grace, peace, and love be with you
Amen"