In the New Testament, one of the events connected with the second coming of Christ is the resurrection of those who died believing in Him.

Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com

In fact, as far as most believers are concerned, that is the most important part of the Second Coming, because most of Christ’s followers will be dead when He returns.

What do the following texts teach us about the resurrection of the dead at the time of Christ’s return? 1 Thess. 4:13-16

1 Cor. 15:13-25

Rom. 8:11

Phil. 3:20-21

The Bible teaches that in the resurrection the “body” is restored to life. In other words, biblical resurrection is a bodilyresurrection. This truth becomes even more clear when we keep in mind the fact that after Christ’s resurrection, His tomb was empty. The dead body no longer remained in the grave. And in the certainty of His resurrection, we have the certainty of ours.

If resurrection amounts to the breaking of the power of death, how does that explain why one can attain to it only by being “in Christ”? 2 Tim. 1:8-10.

The key to immortality is not greater scientific research. The power of death has already been broken through Christ’s own death and resurrection (Rom. 6:9); based on that accomplishment, He is able to bestow immortality upon those who identify with His death and resurrection through baptism (Rom. 6:23). Also, the Bible makes it clear that the gift of immortality is not given to believers at death but when Jesus comes the second time, at the “last trumpet” (1 Cor. 15:51-54).

“‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies’ ” (John 11:25, NASB). How can you learn to better grasp the hope that is contained in these words? Where would you be without them?

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