Death is a reality all must eventually face, but the hope of all Christians and the promise of the Father is the resurrection from the dead. The Bible plainly identifies two types of resurrections: special acts of mercy by God in which He raised people back to physical life, and the spiritual resurrections to eternal life. The best known resurrection is Jesus Christ's triumph over death. When He returns, He will resurrect the saints to eternal life. After the thousand years of His reign, He will resurrect to physical life all who have not had an opportunity for salvation. Finally, the incorrigibly wicked will be physically resurrected to be consumed in the Lake of Fire.
Scripture References:
Job 14:14-15; 19:25-26; Daniel 12:2-3; Matthew 27:52-53; Mark 5:35-42; Acts 9:40-41; 20:7-12; John 5:28-29; 11:20-24; I Corinthians 15:3-8, 20-23, 51-52; I Thessalonians 4:13-17; Revelation 20:4-6; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Revelation 20:11-15; II Peter 3:10-12
From the Library: Resurrection
The Third Resurrection: What Is Its Value?
'Ready Answer' by StaffWhat purpose does the Third Resurrection serve? Is it just so God can punish the incorrigible? Does it play a part in OUR salvation?
Basic Doctrines: The First Resurrection
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe doctrine of resurrection is a chief teachings of Christianity. For those called and chosen in this age, the first resurrection is especially vital.
Resurrection AD 31
'Ready Answer' by StaffMatthew 27:52 informs us that more than one resurrection occurred during Passover week in AD 31. Here is what we can glean from the Bible about this miracle.
Basic Doctrines: The Second Resurrection
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsFor the billions of people who have never known the truth, the second resurrection offers them an opportunity for future salvation.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Resurrecting Jairus' Daughter
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe resurrection of Jairus' daughter is one of Jesus' greatest miracles. Here Christ's curious actions in raising the girl from premature death are explained.
The Resurrection: A Central Pillar
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's resurrection is of paramount importance to us, because Jesus alone has the keys to our own resurrection and eternal life as firstfruits.
The Resurrection From the Dead
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur lives revolve around the hope of a resurrection from the dead. Hope, deriving from Christ's resurrection, gives faith and love impetus and energy.
Raising Our Conception of the Resurrection
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must be careful not to be satisfied with the basic truth that Jesus was resurrected, for if we do, we miss the magnificence and significance of the event.
For more resources, please see the library topic for Resurrection