[UntoHim]

Originally Posted by zeek

Hence, a candidate for the definition of spirit is a person without a body, an unembodied person. And, as a matter of fact, Oxford philosopher Richard Swinburne in his book The Coherence of God defines spirit that way.

Sorry zeek, but it looks like you're just throwing things up against the wall to see what sticks. Look, if this fellow did say such a thing I would like to know what it has to do with what we are discussing here. It's apples and oranges at best.

Sorry, but this definition of "a person without a body" is most certainly NOT a candidate here in 1 Cor 15:45. Again, the apostle painstakingly, clearly, strongly shows us that this is a SPIRITUAL BODY, which is even contrasted with our natural body to clarify his point. "The first man Adam" was made a living soul WITH A BODY, and Paul tells us that this body was actually not the "finished product", but it was merely a seed of "the body that is to be".(vrs 37) Then in verse 44: "it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body". Jesus Christ, as "the last Adam", became the forerunner by receiving this spiritual body through his resurrection. We will also receive our spiritual body at the point of our resurrection.

Now, at this time, those who have died and are awaiting the resurrection, could be considered, I suppose, "a spirit, a person without a body". I'm reminded of Hebrews 12:23 "But you have come...To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect". Not sure if this example hits the spot, but it will have to do for now. In any event though, it is clearly evident that the apostle Paul is not speaking of a person without a body in 1 Cor 15:45