Biblical Doctrine Center
The Resurrection
The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ and the future resurrection promised to those who belong to him.
Overview
Historical and Literary Context
All four Gospels record the empty tomb and Jesus's bodily appearances; Paul, writing within decades of the event, cites over five hundred eyewitnesses still living (1 Corinthians 15:6), presenting the resurrection as verifiable history, not legend.
Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (KJV)
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1 Corinthians 15:20 (KJV)
What Scripture Explicitly Says
Scripture explicitly presents Jesus's resurrection as bodily, not merely spiritual (Luke 24:39, John 20:27), as the guarantee of believers' future bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23), and as central, without which 'your faith is vain' (1 Corinthians 15:17).
Questions Christians Discuss
Christians discuss the precise nature and timing of some end-times events surrounding the final resurrection, but there is broad historic agreement that all believers will be raised bodily, transformed and imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:42-44), following the pattern of Christ himself.
Gospel Connection
The resurrection is the vindication of everything Jesus claimed and accomplished; because he lives, believers also will live (John 14:19), and death has lost its final sting (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
Practical Application
Because the resurrection is certain, believers can face suffering, aging, and even death itself with hope rather than despair, and can labor for Christ knowing their work is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Cross References
Matthew 28:1-10 (KJV) - The resurrection accounts. Romans 8:11 (KJV) - The same Spirit who raised Christ will give life to mortal bodies. John 11:25 (KJV) - Jesus as the resurrection and the life.
Reflection Questions
- 1
How central is the resurrection to your own understanding and confidence in the Christian faith?
- 2
How does the promise of a future bodily resurrection change the way you think about aging, sickness, or death?
- 3
What would it look like to labor for Christ today knowing, per 1 Corinthians 15:58, that your work is not in vain?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that you are risen indeed, the firstfruits of those who have died.
Because you live, I will live also. Fill me with resurrection hope for whatever I face today. Amen.
Continue Your Study
The Person and Work of Christ -- studies the resurrection within the whole of Christ's saving work.
Eternal Life -- explores the unending life the resurrection secures for believers.