Q2. Physical birth, suffering, and resurrection

[Mr.B]

(1 John 4:2-3) Why does Christianity insist on a physical birth, physical suffering, and a resurrection of the physical body? How would our faith be different if Christ hadn't fully entered the human condition?

In a word, relationship and identity. Jesus proved Himself to be fully man and fully God having the power over sin and death. And, “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” What so called god has done that? The Lord your God is one. 

One of the greatest themes in the Bible is knowing who God is, who we are, and knowing if God cares. Without the physical I think god is subject to Greek mythology, at least, that's how Hollywood portrays it. For example, Zeus is a god who is out of touch with his subjects. Without the physical we would all be doubting Thomas' unless He appeared to us all.

Also, John the Baptist in Jn 3:31 says, "He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. Jesus, in the same chapter says "I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?" We're earth bound and cannot even see the Kingdom of God unless we're born again (Jn 3). 

The last thought is The Risen Christ, Our Hope.

(1 Cor 15:12) Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise.  For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.