John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 15:44

"it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual [body]." — 1 Corinthians 15:44 (ASV)

It is sown an animal body. As he could not express each particular by enumerating one by one, he sums up all comprehensively in one word, by saying that the body is now animal, but it will then be spiritual. Now, that is called animal which is quickened by (anima) the soul: that is spiritual which is quickened by the Spirit. Now it is the soul that quickens the body, so as to keep it from being a dead carcass.

Therefore, it very properly takes its name from the soul. After the resurrection, on the other hand, that quickening influence, which it will receive from the Spirit, will be more excellent. Let us, however, always bear in mind what we have previously observed — that the substance of the body is the same, and that it is only the quality that is discussed here.

Let the present quality of the body be called, for the sake of greater clarity, animation; let the future receive the name of inspiration. For as to the soul’s now quickening the body, that is accomplished through the support of many things; for we need drink, food, clothing, sleep, and other things of a similar nature.

Therefore, the weakness of animation is clearly evident. The energy of the Spirit, on the other hand, for quickening, will be much more complete and, consequently, free from such needs. This is the simple and genuine meaning of the Apostle, so that no one may, by philosophizing further, indulge in airy speculations, as those do, who suppose that the substance of the body will be spiritual, since substance is not mentioned here, and no change will be made to it.