Resurrection of the Dead
The dead will be raised.
This doctrine defines Christian orthodoxy. Denial places one outside the historic faith.
What the traditions say
Dogma. At the last day, all the dead will rise in their bodies. Purgatory purifies those who die in grace but are not yet fully sanctified.
Pascha (Easter) is the central feast: Christ's resurrection is the firstfruits and guarantee of the general resurrection. "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death."
Bodily resurrection was a core distinguishing belief from paganism and Gnosticism. The Apostles' Creed: "I believe in the resurrection of the body."
Westminster Confession XXXII: "All the dead shall be raised up with the self-same bodies, and none other." Bodily resurrection, not merely spiritual survival.
Maimonides' 13th principle: "I believe with perfect faith that there will be a resurrection of the dead." But the nature and timing are debated.
Key scriptures
- 1Cor 15:42 — So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
- 1Cor 15:52 — In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
- Dan 12:2 — And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
- John 5:28 — Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
- John 5:29 — And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
- Rev 20:12 — And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.