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 StaffThe God for His plan of salvation, which includes the order of resurrections as described in Scripture. There is an appointed sequence: Christ the firstfruits, followed by those who are Christ's at His coming. The third resurrection, however, stands as a solemn event for those who have rejected God across all time periods and …
Basic Doctrines: The First Resurrection
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsDeath is a reality all must face, yet the hope of the Christian lies in the resurrection of the dead. The same God who resurrected Jesus Christ from the grave will also raise all the dead to life again. The New Testament consistently teaches hope in the resurrection, grounded in Christ's resurrection as the firstborn from the …
Resurrection AD 31
'Ready Answer' by StaffThe Bible describes two main types of resurrection. The first type is resurrection to immortal, spiritual life, exemplified by Jesus Christ's own resurrection, which is often referred to as the First Resurrection. The second type is resurrection to mortal, physical, temporary life, similar to the life humans currently …
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 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.
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.
Raising Our Conception of the Resurrection
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we are satisfied with the fact that Jesus was resurrected, we miss its full glory and significance, as it has eternal consequences for God's elect.
For more resources, please see the library topic for Resurrection