The reason for resurrected bodies

Proponents of soul sleep often argue that the idea of a conscious soul existing independently of the body diminishes the purpose of the resurrection. They reason that if a person remains fully conscious and aware after death, then the resurrection would seem unnecessary or redundant. After all, if one's existence continues consciously without a body, what meaningful purpose would reuniting the soul with a physical body actually serve? Answering this question involves understanding the three body types.

The Three Bodies

1Co 15:21For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.

1Co 15:40 There are also celestial (heavenly) bodies and terrestrial (earthly) bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

The Apostle Paul speaks of earthly bodies, heavenly bodies, and the resurrected body. While it can be argued that the 'heavenly bodies' of 1 Corinthians 15:40 refer specifically to astronomical bodies, Paul's broader analogy concerns distinct orders of embodied existence and may therefore carry ontological significance beyond the celestial objects themselves.

Terrestrial (earthly) Bodies

Terrestrial bodies are the default bodies of all human beings who have ever lived. They are specifically designed to operate on earth within our three spatial dimensions. Scriptures suggest they are incapable of occupying heavenly space due to their corrupted, fragile nature (1Co 15:50, Phl 3:20–21, 4. Exo 33:20).

Terrestrial bodies are mortal, temporal bodies that are subject to the Second Law of Thermodynamics (entropy) that ultimately results in aging and death. From an immortal soul perspective, once the physical body dies, our soul (consciousness) departs from the body much the same way a hermit crab discards an old shell. 

Celestial (heavenly) Bodies

Contrary to popular belief, we don't become disembodied spirits any more than angels are disembodied spirits. We will still have a body, just one made of a very different substance and likely capable of operating in higher dimensions.

Celestial bodies are not subject to the Second Law of Thermodynamics and therefore do not age or die (Luke 20:36). They are the default bodies of angelic beings and, from the immortal soul perspective, intermediate bodies of humans after their terrestrial body dies.

They are uniquely designed to operate within the higher dimensions of the heavenly realm. They appear capable of operating in our space to some degree and in some form but are usually restricted from doing so except by divine decree for specific missions.

Resurrected Bodies

Every human that has ever lived will receive a resurrected body (Dan 12:2). Jesus resurrected body is the prototype of our future final state. From Him, we can infer what our own future resurrected bodies will be like.

The substance of resurrected bodies is flesh and bone (Luk 24:39) though not necessarily limited to it. It has physicality and can be seen, touched, eat food, and interact with the world around it. It also had attributes that would suggest is was more than physical. It was capable of moving through solid objects (Jhn 20:26) and of ascending to heaven. Such supernatural phenomenon could be explained by the additional of extra dimensions. Far from being the work of fiction, certain theoretical models like string theory, require it.

But why a resurrected body? Resurrected bodies are the bridge between the terrestrial and the celestial. Just as Jesus was last seen ascending to heaven in the clouds (Acts 1:9-12), resurrected bodies are not restricted to either dimensions or realms but are capable of traversing both.

Conclusion

At the crux of the issue is that soul sleep proponents believe that humans were created for earth alone, not heaven. They believe humanity’s original design and purpose is to fill, rule, and steward the Earth. However, our ending point is not dictated by our starting point. Creation does not limit our final destiny. The late Dr. Michael S. Heiser would also agree that the original mandate was for humans to co-rule with God and spread Eden across the face of the earth, but it doesn't stop there. We would join His divine family in a unified heaven-and-earth kingdom. The two realms were never meant to be so segregated. That only happened because of sin and the fall. In actuality, angels and humans are both sons (and daughters) of God.

And that's exactly what the Scriptures say will happen. Ephesians 1:9–10 says all things will be united in heaven and on earth. Colossians 1:19–20 says all things will be reconciled on earth and in heaven. Revelation 11:15: The kingdom of the world and the kingdom of God will become one. In Revelation 21:1–3, Heaven comes down to Earth.

If Jesus is the firstfruits (1 Cor 15:20), and we will be like Him (1 John 3:2), then what is true of Him is destined for us. We are to reign on earth (Rev 5:9–10), but we will also be seated in heavenly places (Eph 2:6). Our future destination then is not restricted to earth alone, but we will have access to all of God's vast creation. Thus, a resurrected body is needed so that we can return to this earth but also for the day when both realms are fully united.

So, there is a linear progression is from the temporal terrestrial body to an intermediate celestial body and finally to a resurrected body. A terrestrial body is made for earth, a celestial body is made for heaven, and a resurrected body is made for both realms. They each serve very specific purposes. This answers the question why a resurrected body is needed if we will already have a celestial body.