Foundations of Faith

Chapter Nine: Resurrection of the Dead – Part II

The future resurrection is the resurrection of all who have fallen asleep and are in the grave. It is in two parts: resurrection of the just and and the resurrection of the unjust. The destiny of the souls of the just is different from that of the wicked souls upon death. The souls of the unjust go to hell after they die. Before the death and resurrection of Jesus the souls of the just would go to Shoel at Abraham’s Bosom but after His resurrection the souls of the just could go directly to the presence of God after they die.

The three stages of resurrection are:

First – This the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Second – This is the resurrection of the just

Third – This is the resurrection of the unjust

The resurrection of the just will happen at Christ’s coming while the resurrection of the unjust will happen at the end of Christ’s Millenial rule hence its term ‘The End’. Additionally, resurrection of the just will be complete once martyrs have resurrected just before Christ’s Kingdom is established. At resurrection, the just will be given new bodies and reunited with their souls and spirits. They will have a personality which is recognizable to others and will be able to acknowledge the current situations. They will then ascend into the air to be reunited to Christ their Lord. Their new bodies will be special i.e glorious, powerful, immortal, spiritual, according to the will of God and will be like Christ’s resurrection body.

The resurrection message is central to the gospel and without it the gospel is incomplete. It was preached by the apostles, especially by Paul. Though some did not believe it some listened. It is important to ensure the we preach the message of resurrection.