What is the…
resurrection of the dead in the Bible

The future resurrection of the dead will be simultaneous, both of the just and the unjust (Romans 2:6-16; 2 Thess. 1:6-10).

Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt [literally: abhorrence]. —Daniel 12:2 NASB

Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. —John 5:28-29 NASB

The qualities of the resurrection body will be different from those of the body laid in the grave (1 Corinthians 15:53-54; Philippians 3:21); but its identity will nevertheless be preserved. It will still be the same body (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) which rises again.

The nature of the resurrection body

  1. It will be spiritual (1 Corinthians 15:44), i.e., a body adapted to the use of the soul in its glorified state, and to all the conditions of the heavenly state.

  2. Glorious, incorruptible, and powerful (54)

  3. Like unto the glorified body of Christ (Philippians 3:21)

  4. Immortal (Rev. 21:4)

Christ’s resurrection

Christ’s resurrection secures and illustrates that of his people.

  1. “Because his resurrection seals and consummates his redemptive power; and the redemption of our persons involves the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23).

  2. Because of our federal and vital union with Christ (1 Corinthians 15:21-22; 1 Thess. 4:14)

  3. Because of His Spirit which dwells in us making our bodies his members (1 Corinthians 6:15; Romans 8:11)

  4. Because Christ by covenant is Lord both of the living and the dead (Romans 14:9). This same federal and vital union of the Christian with Christ likewise causes the resurrection of the believer to be similar to, as well as consequent upon, that of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:49; Philippians 3:21; 1 John 3:2).” —Charles Hodge, Princeton Sermons: Outlines of Discourses Doctrinal and Practical

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Article Version: March 17, 2020