The Resurrection of the Dead, Part 3

The fact of the resurrection is even more clearly attested in the New Testament. Jesus spoke of it in such familiar passages as John 5:26-29; John 6:39-40; John 11:23-26; Matthew 22:29-32 and Luke 20:27-38. The book of Acts contains a number of references to the resurrection, indicating it was taken for granted in the early church (Acts 4:2; Acts 17:18; Acts 23:6; Acts 24:15; Acts 26:8). The epistles of Paul explain in even greater detail the nature and significance of this mysterious event that will occur at the close of the age (Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, 42-44; 2 Corinthians 4:14; Philippians 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). The creeds and confessions of the Christian church confess belief in the resurrection of the dead.

The resurrection of the dead is a fundamental doctrine of Scripture. It stands in direct relationship to both the identity and the work of Christ, for if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised (1 Corinthians 15:13). If that were the case, it would destroy the Christian faith. Jesus would have turned out to be a liar, being neither the Christ nor the Son of God. There would be no atonement and nor forgiveness of sins, and those who died trusting in Christ would be lost ( 1 Corinthians 15:14-19). On the other hand, with Christ risen, the Christian faith is guaranteed, and the resurrection of all the dead has been assured (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

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