Topical Encyclopedia
The doctrine of the resurrection of the saints is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, affirming that believers in Christ will be raised from the dead and granted incorruptible bodies. This belief is rooted in the teachings of the New Testament and is a source of hope and encouragement for Christians, as it promises victory over death and eternal life with God.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of the resurrection is extensively discussed in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In
1 Corinthians 15, Paul provides a detailed exposition on the resurrection, emphasizing the transformation that will occur. He writes, "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable" (
1 Corinthians 15:42). This passage highlights the transition from a perishable, mortal state to an imperishable, immortal one.
Paul further elaborates on the nature of the resurrected body, stating, "It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body" (
1 Corinthians 15:44). This indicates a fundamental change in the nature of the body, from one that is subject to decay and death to one that is spiritual and eternal.
Characteristics of the Resurrected BodyThe resurrected bodies of the saints will be characterized by incorruptibility, glory, power, and spirituality. Paul contrasts the current physical body with the future resurrected body: "The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power" (
1 Corinthians 15:42-43). These attributes underscore the transformation from a state of weakness and mortality to one of strength and immortality.
In
Philippians 3:20-21, Paul assures believers that their bodies will be conformed to the glorious body of Christ: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body" . This transformation is made possible through the power of Christ, who has authority over all creation.
The Hope of ResurrectionThe promise of resurrection and incorruptible bodies is a source of hope and comfort for Christians. It assures them of a future where death is no longer a threat, as expressed in
1 Corinthians 15:54-55: "When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.' 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?'" . This victory over death is central to the Christian faith and is made possible through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (
1 Corinthians 15:20).
ConclusionThe resurrection of the saints and the promise of incorruptible bodies is a profound aspect of Christian doctrine, offering believers assurance of eternal life and a future free from the limitations of the present physical existence. Through the power of Christ's resurrection, believers are given the hope of transformation and eternal communion with God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Corinthians 15:42So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Whether the Bodies of the Saints Will be Impassible after the ...
... vi, 1]. Now the bodies of the saints will be incorruptible after the resurrection,
according to 1:Cor.15:42, "It is sown in corruption, it shall rise in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the bodies of the.htm
The Reality of the Resurrection
... The bodies of the saints, then, shall rise again free ... of Christ is called "flesh"
even after the resurrection. ... enemies to bear with, so neither shall we have ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter xxiii the reality of.htm
What the Same Apostle Taught in the First Epistle to the ...
... rot; and what the bodies of those saints shall be if ... For that there shall be a bodily
resurrection of the ... to comprehend the manner in which it shall take place ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 20 what the same apostle.htm
Against the Opinion of those who do not Believe that the Primitive ...
... eternally with their bodies; and further, that the saints will in the resurrection
inhabit those ... toiled, but in such sort that neither shall any corruption ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 19 against the opinion of.htm
The Resurrection.
... But we shall at the day of our resurrection be so ... For the Spirit, with which we shall
in every cranny of soul ... have been known by the prophets and saints of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxv the resurrection.htm
On the Resurrection, and the Judgment, the Fire of Hell, and ...
... things are worthily compared to the saints, and earthly ... And so also to those who
shall deserve to obtain ... by the very change of the resurrection so incorruptible ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter x on the resurrection and.htm
On the Resurrection of the Dead
... of light, with which we shall be clothed at the resurrection of the ... "Then shall the
righteous ... other world, when his, and the bodies of all the saints, are made ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 137 on the resurrection.htm
Whether the Bodies of the Damned Will Rise Again with their ...
... of the elect by the glory of the resurrection. ... Divine justice demands that there
they shall suffer more ... Hence the final happiness of the saints requires that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the bodies of the 2.htm
The Saints Before Christ's Coming.
... Book I. Chapter LII."The Saints Before Christ's Coming. ... and blessed abodes, that
at the resurrection of the ... escape the pains of hell, but shall also remain ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter lii the saints before christs.htm
The Resurrection of the Dead
... be destroyed, then there must be a resurrection, for death ... until the very bones of
the saints are delivered ... trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the resurrection of the dead.htm
Resources
Why is the truth of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ so important? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is the resurrection of Jesus Christ important? | GotQuestions.orgWhen will the Resurrection take place? | GotQuestions.orgResurrection: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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