Will all believers be resurrected? (Daniel 12:2 vs. John 5:28-29)

Definition and Scope

The topic revolves around whether there is a comprehensive bodily resurrection for believers, as indicated by two key passages: Daniel 12:2 and John 5:28–29. These verses form a basis for understanding the universal and individual nature of resurrection, as well as the promise of eternal life.

Key Biblical Passages

Daniel 12:2 states, “And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake...” and continues, “...some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.” John 5:28–29 similarly teaches that “all who are in the tombs will hear His voice...” and “...come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.”

Both passages affirm a future event in which individuals are raised from the dead. The Daniel text emphasizes the distinct outcomes of life or contempt. The John passage echoes this dual resurrection, highlighting judgment and reward.

Consistency Between Daniel and John

1. Scope of Resurrection

• Daniel 12:2 notes “many who sleep in the dust” and John 5:28–29 references “all who are in the tombs.” These expressions convey a universal reach that includes the righteous and the unrighteous.

• Some interpret “many” in Daniel to mean “the multitudes” rather than an exclusive number. The context of the chapter expands this vision of a final resurrection event, consistent with the teaching in John that “all” will be raised.

2. Timing and Outcome

• Daniel situates this resurrection around the time of great distress and the ultimate consummation of God’s plan.

• John places the future resurrection at the voice of the Son of Man, bridging the Old Testament expectation with Jesus’ own authority.

• In both passages, the emphasis is that everyone raised will experience one of two destinies: everlasting life or final judgment.

Will All Believers Be Resurrected?

1. Biblical Teaching on Believers’ Resurrection

• 1 Corinthians 15 emphasizes the resurrection of the faithful, wherein Christ’s own resurrection is the “firstfruits” (1 Corinthians 15:20) of those who have fallen asleep.

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 speaks of believers being caught up with the Lord, promising, “the dead in Christ will rise first.”

• These passages, read alongside Daniel and John, affirm that all who have placed their trust in the promises of God—specifically those “in Christ”—will be bodily resurrected.

2. Nature and Purpose of Believers’ Resurrection

• Scripture describes a transformed, glorified body (1 Corinthians 15:42–44).

• This new life is everlasting and free from sorrow or corruption (Revelation 21:4), underscoring that the chief purpose of existence after resurrection is eternal fellowship with God.

3. Universal Resurrection and Final Judgment

• John 5:29 contends that unbelievers, too, will be raised, but to judgment.

• Revelation 20:12–13 speaks of a universal judgement: “the dead were judged according to their deeds.” Though believers are saved by grace, the resurrection of all—both faithful and faithless—remains biblically consistent.

Addressing Apparent Tensions Between Daniel 12:2 and John 5:28–29

1. “Many” vs. “All”

• The Hebrew phrase in Daniel is contextually expansive, so “many” can convey a multitude that spans all people eventually.

• John’s phrasing, “all who are in the tombs,” makes explicit that no individual is excluded from hearing the Son’s call.

• Taken together, both passages point to one universal resurrection, with two distinct outcomes.

2. Sequential vs. Single Event

• Some propose a single comprehensive event where everyone is raised at once, citing John 5:28–29 as a broad, unifying statement.

• Others see a sequence: righteous first, then unrighteous after a certain period (Revelation 20:4–6). Regardless of timing details, both Daniel and John affirm that no one remains unraised; believers and unbelievers alike face resurrection.

Historical and Archaeological Corroborations

1. Empty Tomb of Christ

• Early historical records—such as those used by scholars to discuss Jesus’ bodily resurrection—show that the empty tomb was proclaimed in Jerusalem shortly after the crucifixion (see 1 Corinthians 15:3–8).

• This resurrection of Christ is seen as both a promise and illustration of the believer’s future resurrection.

2. Christian Confessions in the Early Church

• Archaeological discoveries and ancient writings reveal the early Christian creed emphasizing “the resurrection of the dead” (e.g., within the Apostles’ Creed and early church fathers’ documents).

• This unanimous early witness supports the concept that all believers are assured a resurrection.

Practical Implications for Believers

1. Hope and Endurance

• Knowing that “the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16) offers comfort amid trials.

• Believers anticipate a future renewal, reinforcing perseverance in faith and moral integrity.

2. Motivation for Evangelism

• Since all will be resurrected and face either eternal life or judgment, sharing the message of salvation becomes urgent.

• As John 3:16 affirms, God’s plan is that whoever believes “shall not perish but have eternal life.” This hope extends globally.

Conclusion

According to Daniel 12:2 and John 5:28–29, a universal resurrection awaits every human being, including all believers. Scripture consistently teaches that believers will be resurrected to eternal life, while unbelievers face judgment. Across both Old and New Testaments, the theme remains the same: God has ordained a definitive, future event in which every person is raised, with eternal destinies hinging on the response to God’s revealed truth.

From the earliest biblical manuscripts to modern archaeological and historical evidence supporting Jesus’ resurrection, the conclusion stands: yes, all believers will be resurrected to enjoy everlasting life with God. This promise fuels Christian hope, moral conduct, and evangelistic passion, all while confirming the reliability and consistency of Scripture’s teachings.