Valentinian Teaching on the Resurrection

Valentinian Teaching on the Resurrection

or

Christian Gnostic Understanding of the Resurrection

Before we begin the study we will have an opening reading from the gospel of Philip

Some people are afraid that they may arise from the dead naked, and so they want to arise in flesh. They do not know that it is those who wear the [flesh] who are naked. Those who are [able] to take it off are not naked.
“Flesh [and blood will] not inherit God’s kingdom.” What is this flesh that will not [57] inherit? It is what we are wearing. And what is this flesh that will inherit? It is the flesh and blood of Jesus.
For this reason he said, “One who does not eat my flesh and drink my blood does not have life within.” What does this mean? His flesh is the word and his blood is the holy spirit. Whoever has received these has food, drink, and clothing.
And I also disagree with others who say that the flesh will not arise. Both views are wrong. You say that the flesh will not arise? Then tell me what will arise, so we may salute you. You say it is the spirit in the flesh, and also the light in the flesh? But what is in the flesh is the word, and what you are talking about is nothing other than flesh. It is necessary to arise in this sort of flesh, since everything exists in it.
In this world those who wear clothes are superior to the clothes. In heaven’s kingdom the clothes are superior to those who wear them. (The Gospel of Philip)

Another reading from the gospel of Philip 

The lord rose from the dead. He became as he was, but now his body was perfect. He possessed flesh, but this was true flesh. Our flesh isn’t true. Ours is only an image of the true. (The Gospel of Philip)

It is commonly said that the Gnostics denied the resurrection of the flesh on the ground that the flesh (being material) was evil and could have no part in the world of the spirit but the Gospel of Philip, Heracleon, Theodotus, and the Treatise on the Resurrection addressed to Rheginus show that the situation is somewhat more complex.

First Valentinians believed the soul is mortal not immortal 

By the words “it was at the point of death,” the teaching of those who claim that the soul is immortal is refuted. In agreement with this is the statement that “the body and soul are destoyed in Hell.” (Matthew 10:28) The soul is not immortal, but is possessed only of a disposition towards salvation, for it is the perishable which puts on imperishability and the mortal which puts on immortality when “its death is swallowed up in victory.” [1 Corinthians 15:54] (Heracleon: Fragments from his Commentary on the Gospel of John)

Next Valentinians understand the soul to be the natural body:

And the angels are bodies; at any rate they are seen. Why even the soul is a body, for the Apostle says, “It is sown a body of soul, it is raised a body of spirit.” And how can the souls which are being punished be sensible of it, if they are not bodies? Certainly he says, “Fear him who, after death, is able to cast soul and body into hell (Theodotus: Excerpta ex Theodoto)

50 “Taking dust from the earth”: not of the land but a portion of matter but of varied constitution and colour, he fashioned a soul, earthly and material, irrational and consubstantial with that of the beasts. This is the man “according to the image.” But the man who is “according to the likeness” of the Creator himself, is he whom he has breathed into and inseminated into the former, placing in him by angels something consubstantial with himself. Inasmuch as he is invisible and immaterial, he called his substance “the breath of life,” but that which was given form became a “living soul,” and he himself confesses that it is so in the prophetic writings. (Theodotus: Excerpta ex Theodoto)

The Pleroma is corporeal

10 But not even the world of spirit and of intellect, nor the arch angels and the First-Created, no, nor even he himself is shapeless and formless and without figure, and incorporeal; but he also has his own shape and body corresponding to his preeminence over all spiritual beings, as also those who were first created have bodies corresponding to their preeminence over the beings subordinate to them. For, in general, that which has come into being is not unsubstantial, but they have form and body, though unlike the bodies in this world. (Theodotus: Excerpta ex Theodoto)

The first passage states that neither the world of spirit and intellect, nor the archangels, nor even the First-Created (likely referring to the highest spiritual beings) are shapeless, formless, or incorporeal.
It suggests that even in the spiritual realm (the Pleroma), beings have their own shapes and bodies. These shapes and bodies are not unsubstantial but have a definite form and substance.

In the context of the resurrection, this passage contributes to the broader Gnostic understanding of the relationship between the material and the spiritual. It challenges the idea that the spiritual realm is entirely incorporeal and suggests that even within the spiritual realm, there is a level of materiality or form.

The Nature of the Resurrection 

For the Apostle says, “For he who ascended is the same as he who descended.” And they call the Creator, the image of the Only-Begotten. Therefore even the works of the image are the same and therefore the Lord, having made the dead whom he raised an image of the spiritual resurrection, raised them not so that their flesh was incorruptible but as if they were going to die again. (Theodotus: Excerpta ex Theodoto)

The passage from "Theodotus: Excerpta ex Theodoto" begins by referencing an apostolic statement that suggests a connection between the one who ascended (presumably Christ) and the one who descended. It also refers to the Creator as the image of the Only-Begotten, which could imply a theological connection between God and the image He created. The key point here is that the resurrection described is not about making the flesh incorruptible. Instead, it seems to emphasize that those raised are still subject to death, albeit experiencing a spiritual resurrection.

It implies that those raised from the dead by the Lord are an "image of the spiritual resurrection" but not necessarily granted incorruptible flesh. This indicates that their resurrection might not be of the same nature as Jesus' resurrection.

Hebrews 11:35: In Hebrews, there is a reference to women receiving their dead raised to life again. This verse also introduces the idea of a "better resurrection" that some may obtain. This "better resurrection" can be seen as a more significant or elevated form of resurrection.

Those who say that the master first died and then arose are wrong, for he first arose and then died. If someone is not first resurrected, would that person not die? As God lives, that one would <die>. (The Gospel of Philip)

As Christ rose from the grave and had his mortal body changed to an immortalized body, so the true believer will share his reward (Phil. 3:21). Through baptism we associate ourselves with Christ's death and resurrection, showing our belief that we, too, will share the reward which he received through his resurrection (Rom.6:3-5). Through sharing in his sufferings now, we will also share his reward: "Bearing about (now) in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body" (2 Cor. 4:10). "He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit" (Rom. 8:11). With this hope, we therefore wait for "the redemption of our body" (Rom. 8:23), through that body being immortalized.

His flesh is the word and his blood is the holy spirit

Flesh [and blood will] not inherit God’s kingdom.” What is this flesh that will not [57] inherit? It is what we are wearing. And what is this flesh that will inherit? It is the flesh and blood of Jesus.

For this reason he said, “One who does not eat my flesh and drink my blood does not have life within.” What does this mean? His flesh is the word and his blood is the holy spirit. Whoever has received these has food, drink, and clothing. (The Gospel of Philip)

the readers are warned in another saying in the Gospel of Philip "neither to fear nor to love the flesh" but at a distinction is apparently drawn between the true flesh and a flesh which is only an image of the true

Flesh and blood are allegorized as the logos and the holy spirit. while literal flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom the word and holy spirit surely can.

Ignatius identifies the flesh with faith and the blood with love (Trall 8 Ign Rom 8:3)

The exposition of john 6:53 forms the transition between the two parts of this saying and is possibly the link which connects them. The flesh and blood we now have will not inherit the kingdom but the flesh of Jesus is true flesh and will inherit.

And I also disagree with others who say that the flesh will not arise. Both views are wrong. You say that the flesh will not arise? Then tell me what will arise, so we may salute you. You say it is the spirit in the flesh, and also the light in the flesh? But what is in the flesh is the word, and what you are talking about is nothing other than flesh. It is necessary to arise in this sort of flesh, since everything exists in it.
 (Gospel of Philip)

The idea is that the true believer must rise in this mortal flesh in order to put on immortality to be clothed with the heavenly garment

And let no one of you say that this very flesh shall not be judged, nor rise again. Consider ye in what [state] ye were saved, in what ye received sight, if not while ye were in this flesh. We must therefore preserve the flesh as the temple of God. For as ye were called in the flesh, ye shall also come [to be judged] in the flesh.....so shall we also receive the reward in this flesh.

2 Clem. 9, for example, insists that we shall in this flesh receive our reward and Tertullian later deals with the question at length

Tertullian, who became a Christian about eighty-five years after the reception of the book of Revelation by the apostle John, that is, about a.d. 185, in writing upon the resurrection, says: "He who raises the dead to life will raise the body in its perfect integrity. This is part of the change which the body will undergo at the resurrection; for though the dead will be raised in the flesh, yet they who attain to the resurrection of happiness will pass into the angelic state and put on the vesture of immortality, according to the declaration of the apostle Paul, that 'this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality;' and again, that 'our vile bodies will be changed that they may be fashioned like unto the glorious body of Christ.'"

In this testimony, Tertullian teaches, first, the resurrection of the same kind of flesh as that deposited in the grave; and, second, that those of them thus restored to life, who may be appointed to happiness do not remain in the same state, and of the same nature; but pass out of it in passing into the angelic state, and so putting on the vesture of immortality; in which, as Jesus expresses it, "they can die no more; for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of the Deity, being the children of the resurrection" (Luke xx. 36). [This is for the consideration of those who style "mortal resurrection," as they term it, a new doctrine

So, never doubt concerning the resurrection, my son Rheginos! For if you were not existing in flesh, you received flesh when you entered this world. Why will you not receive flesh when you ascend into the Aeon? That which is better than the flesh is that which is for (the) cause of life (From The Treatise on the Resurrection)

The text argues that just as humans received flesh when entering the physical world, they will receive flesh in the Aeon after the Resurrection of the dead.

But the resurrection does not have this aforesaid character, for it is the truth which stands firm. It is the revelation of what is, and the transformation of things, and a transition into newness. For imperishability descends upon the perishable; the light flows down upon the darkness, swallowing it up; and the Pleroma fills up the deficiency. These are the symbols and the images of the resurrection. He it is who makes the good. (From The Treatise on the Resurrection)

Resurrection as Truth and Transformation: Resurrection is described as a revelation of truth, a transformation of the perishable into imperishable, and a transition into newness.

For if you remember reading in the Gospel that Elijah appeared and Moses with him, do not think the resurrection is an illusion, but it is truth! Indeed it is more fitting to say that the world is an illusion, rather than the resurrection which came into being through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (From The Treatise on the Resurrection)

It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the author here is defending the doctrine of the resurrection.

Some are afraid lest they rise naked [this is the false (carnal) reasoning that Adam and Eve conceived after the fall]. Because of this they wish to rise in the flesh [they labor to accrue their own power and glory by making their own fruitless garments], and they do not know that it is those who wear the flesh who are naked [these are ignorant of the Truth and continue to covet the things of the world, these have not even the capacity to reject the truth as they have not yet found it]. It is those who [...] to unclothe themselves who are not naked [likely “it is those who [are not afraid] to unclothe themselves” – not afraid to look in the mirror and see their own nakedness (their own reckless behavior] and take steps to correct it]. What is this which will not inherit? This which is on us ["Flesh and blood (the carnal nature) shall not inherit the kingdom of God" –]. But what is this, too, which will inherit [the same body only it is now recognized as a holy temple conceiving a Christ within it]? It is that which belongs to Yahushua and his blood [the body comprised of those whom He “redeemed from among men” by His seed, the promise]. Because of this he said "He who shall not eat my flesh [receive the Word and digest it believing it to be true] and drink my blood [receive the spirit of Christ, i.e. the will of the Father and the anointing that comes with it] has not life in him". What is it? His flesh is the word [as opposed to our flesh which is falsehood and desires emanating from the 5 physical senses giving rise to our carnal nature)], and his blood is the Holy Spirit [the unction of spirit which makes us One in Him so that we might receive that perfect Law in our hearts guiding us in Agape Love and selfless giving]. He who has received these [both the “Word” “Christ in you” and “holy spirit” anointing] has food [accurate knowledge of the truth] and he has drink [the fountain of life – the Spirit of Truth which he becomes himself – “no one shall ask his brother for all will know Me”] and clothing [that white robe which is symbolic of immortality earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven]. I find fault with the others who say that it [the “fleshly body”] will not rise. Then both of them are at fault. You say that the flesh will not rise. But tell me what will rise, that we may honor you [the “body” of Christ, that “new creation”!]. You say the Spirit in the flesh [wrong – “in the body” the flesh (sarx) is not the body (soma) the ways of the flesh must be sacrificed that the newly formed son within the body might grow], and it is also this light [spiritual enlightenment] in the flesh [again wrong, for the same reason above]. (But) this too is a matter which is in the flesh [i.e. it is carnal thinking and those saying it do not apprehend the truth], for whatever you [the “natural man”] shall say, you say nothing outside the flesh. It is necessary to rise in this flesh [again, we must all enter the “water below” i.e. become individual living souls, “sown first in a physical body”], since everything exists in it [everything exists in the flesh it is necessary to rise in mortal flesh so that this mortal flesh can put on immortality.] In this world, those who put on garments are better than the garments [that which is visible by outward acts of love and compassion]. In the Kingdom of Heaven, the garments are better than those that put them on [the individual spirit receives the Father’s robe which is far greater than the “body” as those that put it on are glorified by it for it is the Fathers own character] (Philip 17).