Tertullian, On the Resurrection of the Flesh 27

Scripture also mentions garments so we can allegorize the hope of the flesh. The Apocalypse of John says, "These are the ones who have not defiled their garments with women," meaning virgins and those who made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven (Apocalypse of John). Therefore they will wear white robes — that is, they will share in the clarity of the undefiled flesh. In the Gospel, the wedding garment can be recognized as the sanctity of the flesh.

Isaiah, teaching what fast the Lord has chosen, adds a promise about the reward of goodness: "Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily" (Isaiah 58:8). He is not talking about silk or a cloak; by "garments" he means the flesh. He predicts the rising of the resurrection flesh from the sunset of death. So we have an allegorical defense of the bodily resurrection as well.

When we read, "My people, enter your chambers and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the wrath has passed" (Isaiah 26:20), those chambers are tombs. In them, those who survive to the end of the age under the final wrath through the power of Antichrist will rest briefly. Why does the prophet use the word "chambers" rather than some generic shelter? Because in chambers flesh is salted and stored for later use, to be taken out at its appointed time. Likewise, bodies anointed with burial spices are sealed in tombs and monuments, waiting to come forth when the Lord commands.

If this is the right reading, what storehouse-refuges could save us from God's wrath? The text itself answers: "until the wrath has passed" — the wrath that will destroy Antichrist. After that wrath, the flesh will emerge from the tomb where it was laid before the wrath fell. Nothing comes out of a storehouse except what was put in; and after Antichrist is eradicated, the resurrection will be set in motion.