Greetings,

What is the language Paul and the Gospels’ utilize for those who are physically dead? They are asleep. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul does not call it the resurrection of those asleep, but the resurrection of the dead. Paul makes that distinction because they differ. Jesus returns to physical life from physical death individuals who are asleep or sleeping. He even gets laughed at or has his disciples confused because of that specific description. The gospel writers were making a point about the word. Therefore, what does it mean to be dead?

What is the phrase “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God?” I believe Dr. Ehrman ties this to a physical body, but also mentions that a fleshly or carnal mind is an enmity from the letter to Romans. I would only add that it could also be referring to one’s lineage. In this case, being Jewish or the chosen people. But laying aside the “flesh and blood” part of the phrase, what of the word “inherit?” Doesn’t one have to be alive in order to inherit  something? 

In reading the Old Testament the metaphor is repeated; God gives his people a (kingdom) vineyard as an inheritance and eventually the (kingdom) vineyard is removed because the caretakers were abusive. In Matthew  21:43, Jesus echoes this idea. “Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be TAKEN from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” Bart points out the phrase “the kingdom of God is among you” not inside you. Therefore Jesus is critical of those that were in charge of taking care of the vineyard.

An interesting subtlety in the Jeremiah chapter 52’s description of the fall of Babylon. While everyone was being dragged into captivity, the Babylonian kings’ commander “Nebuzaradan left behind the rest of the poorest people of the land to work the vineyards and fields.” The meek shall inherit the vineyard.

Matthew 24:40 “Therefore two men shall be in the field, one TAKEN the other left.” 

I Thessalonians 5:2-3 “For yourselves know perfectly (look among you) that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”  

Revelation 2:5  “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will REMOVE thy candlestick out of HIS place, except thou repent.”

Paul riffs on the same theme in Romans 11 when he states that the Gentiles were now part of the olive tree and that Israel’s fall was like branches that are broken off (removed). Although he reminds us that they can be grafted back in again! 

“For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but LIFE from the DEAD?”

I would argue that much of the gospel uttered from the mouth of Jesus and Paul did not believe in a physical resurrection of people who died (asleep). They preached the resurrection of the dead.