The Resurrection of the Dead

Resurrection denotes the concept of God literally raising the body and soul after death to a new and eternal life, not to a previous immortal life.

Resurrection is not resuscitation

The New Testament authors make it clear that the concept of resurrection is not resuscitation. Jesus’ resurrection is not like the resuscitation of Lazarus and Jarius’ daughter. These two are resuscitated and will have to die again. They are not resurrected. The miracle of resuscitation must not be confused with the cosmic miracle of resurrection.

A few references in the Old Testament

Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:2–3)

But your dead will live, LORD; their bodies will rise-  let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy -- your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead. (Isaiah 26:19)

“The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises. (1 Samuel 2:6)

Some references in the New Testament

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Romans 6:5)

Paul recounts the appearances of the risen Lord to different people and himself in 1 Corinthians 15:3-9.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23)

The resurrection of the body and soul is the hope of every believer. The resurrection of those who, having died in the Lord will rise to glory and honour. This glorious resurrection, and perhaps peculiarly glorious in the case of martyrs, is the blessedness of the believers. Paul counted all things loss for Christ. He longs after a conformity to Christ in his death, and presses onward to the attainment eternal life.

I want to know Christ --  yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11)

Selie Visa