Foundations of Faith

Chapter Eight: Resurrection of the Dead- Part I

Resurrection has been defined as: to raise or rise up someone from the dead. The three resurrections in the scriptures in are:

1. Past – Resurrection of Jesus Christ

2. Present – Resurrection of Believers

3. Future – Resurrection of those who’ve fallen asleep/ are in the grave

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is of uttermost importance as it shows that He was the Son of God; He has conquered death; He is supreme over all creation; and that believers will also be resurrected in new bodies. Resurrection of Christ is a vital part of the gospel and believing in this resurrection is necessary for one to become a true believer. It also confirms that believers are justified.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was foretold in the Old Testament by David, confirmed by the angels when the disciples -women visited His empty tomb, and confirmed by Jesus Himself with His glorious body when he made several appearances to His disciples over the forty days after resurrection. Pauls He appeared to Cephas, Disciples, over 500, to James and finally to him also.

Resurrection of believers means that the believer has died to sins and is resurrected in Christ through his faith in Jesus his Savior, as the resurrected Son of God. It’s signified outwardly through Water Baptism in which the believer is buried in the grave with Jesus through being immersed in the water and is resurrected with Jesus when he’s raised from the water, a new creation. It is evidenced in:

1. A believer having a New Life

2. A believer having a New Master

3. A believer having a New Life Purpose