The Resurrection

The glorious promise that the dead in Christ will be resurrected - the true Christian hope

If the dead are unconscious, if there is no immediate life after death, then what is our hope? The answer is the most glorious doctrine in the Bible: the resurrection of the dead! This is the true Christian hope, not a disembodied existence in heaven, but the complete restoration of life when Jesus returns.

Why Resurrection Matters

What would happen if there were no resurrection of the dead?

Nothing, for the souls are already in heaven Those in Christ would be lost They would automatically go to hell They would reincarnate in other lives

Paul is emphatic: if there is no resurrection, then “those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.” This only makes sense if the dead are unconscious! If they were already in heaven, why would they be “lost” without the resurrection? The resurrection is not optional: it is essential for eternal life.

“If for four thousand years the righteous had gone directly to Heaven at death, how could Paul have said that if there is no resurrection, ‘then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost’?” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 546

Christ, the Firstfruits

Why is Jesus called the 'firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep'?

Because He was the first human being to die Because He was the first to rise to never die again Because He created the doctrine of resurrection Because He was the first to preach about eternal life

Jesus is the “firstfruits” — the first fruit of the harvest — guaranteeing that there will be a complete harvest. His resurrection is the proof and guarantee that all who believe in Him will also be resurrected. Others were raised before (like Lazarus), but they died again. Jesus rose to never die again.

In Christ, all will be made alive. But in what order?

All at the same time First the righteous, then the wicked Christ first, then those who are His at His coming Each one at the hour of their death

When Will the Resurrection Happen?

When will the dead in Christ be resurrected?

Immediately after death At the moment someone prays for them When the Lord descends from the sky with a shout Gradually, over the centuries

The resurrection of the righteous will happen at the second coming of Christ. It is not an individual event that occurs when each person dies, but a collective glorious event when Jesus returns. The dead in Christ will be resurrected first, then the living will be transformed.

What will happen to Christians alive when Jesus returns?

They will continue living normally on earth They will die to be resurrected later They will be transformed in the twinkling of an eye They will rise to heaven as spirits

Not all will sleep (die), but all will be transformed! Those alive at Jesus’s return will receive glorified bodies instantly, without passing through death.

The Resurrected Body

How will the resurrected body compare to our current body?

It will be the same body, unchanged We will not have a body, we will be pure spirits It will be a spiritual body, incorruptible, glorious and powerful It will be a different body, with no resemblance to our current one

The resurrected body will be real and physical, but transformed! It will be:

Incorruptible: Never again will it become sick or age
Glorious: It will reflect the glory of God
Powerful: Without current limitations
Spiritual: Completely obedient to the Spirit

Did the resurrected Jesus's body still bear the marks of the nails?

No, it was a completely new body Yes, Jesus showed His hands and side to Thomas Jesus did not have a physical body after resurrection The marks were only an illusion to convince Thomas

The resurrected Jesus had a real body. He ate, was touched, and still bore the marks of His crucifixion. This shows us that resurrection is not a ghostly existence, but a real physical and glorious restoration.

“Christ rose from the grave glorified, and took the stone of captivity. The Jewish leaders, and even the disciples, could not recognize the glory that surrounded Him.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 779

The Two Resurrections

How many resurrections does the Bible mention?

Only one general resurrection Two: one for life and another for condemnation Three: righteous, wicked and undecided None, for the souls are already in their final destination

The Bible teaches two distinct resurrections:

First resurrection: Of the righteous, at the second coming of Christ ()
Second resurrection: Of the wicked, a thousand years later, for final judgment ()

How much time separates the first from the second resurrection?

They happen simultaneously Seven years One hundred years One thousand years

Victory Over Death

What will happen to death in the end?

It will continue to exist for the wicked Death will be destroyed as the last enemy Death will become a friend Only the righteous will escape death

Death is an enemy — the last enemy to be destroyed! In the new earth, “death will be no more” (). The resurrection is the final and complete victory over death.

“The voice that cried from the cross, ‘It is finished’ (John 19:30), was heard among the dead. It pierced the walls of the tombs, and commanded those who slept to rise.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 787

And Now?

The doctrine of the resurrection is the source of our hope:

We do not despair: The death of loved ones is temporary; we will see them again!
We live with purpose: This life matters; our choices determine our eternal destiny.
We await Jesus’s return: Our hope is not in death, but in resurrection.
We have the assurance of victory: Death will be completely defeated!

I believe in the resurrection of the dead. My hope is not in a disembodied existence, but in Jesus’s promise to resurrect me on the last day with a glorified body. I eagerly await His return!

5) The Resurrection