The Rebbe on the Resurrection

There is an additional theory proposed by the Lubavitcher Rebbe relating to the concept of resurrection. 

There are two views concerning the rebuilding of the Temple. 

Rashi says it will descend from Heaven fulfilling the verse, "Your hand will establish the Temple of G-d." The Rebbe emphasizes that this is necessary in order for the 3rd Temple to have the quality of being eternal in a complete and physical way. Only the works of HaShem are truly eternal. 

Rambam however says it will be built by Moshiach as required by halacha. 

The Rebbe resolves this conflict by explaining the 3rd Temple will descend from Heaven literally and then Moshiach will complete the structure by attaching the doors. The Talmud explains that hanging the doors on a new structure is considered to be completing the action. In general, the one who "strikes the final hammer blow" is regarded in halacha as the one who performed an action. 

It would seem that by fulfilling the halachic requirement of building the 3rd Temple, Moshiach would remove the eternal quality from the 3rd Temple that it has by being built directly by HaShem. 

The Rebbe explains in his Chassidic discourse "L'havin Inyan Techiyat HaMeitim" that when a person is resurrected by HaShem, they attain the state of "Sprout of My planting, Work of My Hand in which to take pride", meaning they become the work of HaShem and thus have an eternal physical body. It is only in this way that both views in the Torah can be resolved and satisfied. 

This means that the resurrection of Moshiach is a prerequisite to fulfilling the mitzvah of Moshiach's rebuilding the 3rd Temple. This also happens to be the view expressed in Sukkah 52b (see Rabbeinu Chananel there discussing the 7 shepherds and 8 anointed men). It is also understood to be the view of Rashi as seen in Yoma 5b and Tosaphot in Pesachim.