Theology of the Body: The Undoing of the Fall

The story of Adam and Eve is foundational to much of Christian understanding. It provides us with a picture of the original, ideal state of human perfection as well as our subsequent, current fall into sin. This act of disobedience resulted in physical death and suffering in the world.

But equally significant is the belief that in Jesus Christ, humanity has hope for redemption and restoration. Certainly, there are profound implications for us in eternity. But there are also dramatic implications in relation to the earthly and physical consequences of Adam and Eve’s fall.

But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:15 (NLT)

In recounting Jesus' miracles, it is clear that he did more than just provide temporary relief to individuals. When Jesus healed a man of leprosy, gave sight to the blind, or raised Lazarus from the dead, these acts were not merely acts of compassion. They symbolized a broader restoration – a hint of God’s ultimate plan for humanity. These miracles illustrated God’s intention to restore not just our spiritual being but our physical bodies, which had been marred by the fall.

Jesus’ incarnation, his taking on a human body, had more than one purpose. Certainly, he came to reverse the effects of the fall, both spiritual and physical. However, he also came to provide us with a tangible example of how to live in these bodies, despite their fallen state. The book of Ephesians accentuates this idea when it talks about “taking off the old self” and “putting on the new self” (Eph. 4:22). This transformation isn’t purely spiritual. It has significant physical implications. Our changed heart leads to changed actions. Our renewed spirit shows itself in tangible, bodily actions.

Reflecting on Paul’s writings, we see that the journey of “sanctification,” being made holy, isn’t just about something that happens in the inside. The sanctified life is lived out in our daily, physical lives. The biblical concept of sanctification is, first, about being set apart to God. This is not a sterile concept, as if we were a pile of stuff set apart on a certain table. That which is set apart to God is “electrified” by God. Even more, it is guarded by God. Be careful about treating it lightly, as Uzzah did the Ark of the Covenant (2 Sam. 6:7).

That which is set apart to God must also be appropriate to God’s nature. It must, therefore, be pure. That which is not pure will be burned away in the presence of God’s holiness. The heart that is “sanctified,” according to Hebrews, is a purified heart (cf. Heb. 10:26-31).

This transformation within us, brought about by Jesus’ sacrificial act on the cross and his triumphant resurrection, begins in our hearts. Yet, its effects ripple outwards, influencing our physical actions and interactions. In essence, our bodies become “holy vessels” (2 Tim. 2:21), sanctified spaces where God’s presence can dwell, shine, and impact the world (1 Cor. 6:19).

Jesus’ earthly ministry was the consummate example of how we should live in the body. When Jesus washed his disciples' feet in the Gospel of John (John 13:1-17), it was more than a demonstration of humility. In a culture where foot-washing was reserved for the lowest servants, Jesus’ actions radically redefined servant leadership and set a precedent for how believers should serve one another.

Jesus’ life, especially the way he dealt with suffering, offers us a profound example of how to live in the body. Jesus endures crucifixion without seeking revenge or uttering curses. It is a testament to a unique kind of endurance to which we are called, one that is anchored in love and forgiveness.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Philippians 2:6-8 (NLT)

The world changed, not because Jesus retaliated, but because he chose a different path — one of grace, mercy, and unyielding love. This love of Christ isn’t just about our souls. It encapsulates our entire being, body included. God’s desire for us isn’t limited to our spiritual redemption. He aims for a holistic salvation, one that encompasses both body and soul. Jesus’ resurrection isn’t just a victory over spiritual death. It is a promise of our bodily resurrection and restoration in the future.

Christ has already defeated the power of Sin on the cross. Here on earth, we can already be healed spiritually from the consequences of the Fall. However, God, in his mercy, has also allowed us to alleviate some of the physical consequences of the Fall. We have machines that help us work the land. We have medications that make childbirth far less painful than it might otherwise be.

God has also blessed many modern societies, at least with a formal abolition of slavery and the increasing empowerment of women. This is an anticipation of the kingdom of God, where “there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female” (Gal. 3:28, NLT). The age of the Spirit, begun at Pentecost, has reset the button on humanity (e.g., Acts 2:17), although it will take Christ’s return to finalize it. In the kingdom, women will not be “given” to men (Mark 12:25). To the degree that society – and especially the Church – plays out these principles, it is becoming more like the kingdom of God.