Gino,

As you correctly stated, the dead in Christ are presently with The Lord in spirit form. They would need to return to obtain their glorified bodies sometime during the rapture process. My guess is that they would be returning during Stage 2 of my proposed model together with the newly resurrected bodies of unbelievers, who may not have heard of the Gospel yet and will be asked to make a personal decision concerning their belief in Jesus.

According to some experts in biology, the DNA never ages beyond the age of 25, or so, and guess that our glorified bodies will display the ideal, and intended, form of our bodies at that young age. This transformation backward in time for many, or forward in time for those who died before that age, will be empowering, and perhaps unsettling for some. A few people who have reported having heavenly experiences say they were at that age. Anyway, we will find out soon. The important thing to remember is not to be frightened or disturbed by the new state of the body, but to rejoice that you have finally arrived at that glorious state!

Together with many Christian believers, I find it difficult to understand why people reject Jesus as Lord and Saviour. I also do not understand how the preeminent angel, Lucifer, could turn on God and even think he would be successful in becoming like God himself. I guess it goes to show how pride can lead to strange, and impossible, dreams of power. We need to read Ephesians to understand the nature of our enemies in the spiritual realms, and how we are powerless without the protection and guidance of our dear Heavenly Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and their trusted angels. 

My rapture proposal is only a speculation, nothing more. I hope it gets people, like yourself, to think new and insightful thoughts about God's plan for mankind as written in His Holy Word.

May He continue to bless you!

Robert