DOCTRINE OF RESURRECTION
A.
This doctrine is foundational to the gospel. 1Cor.15:3-4
B.
One cannot effectively separate this doctrine from the gospel without
ultimately denying the person and work of Christ.
C.
Jesus Himself teaches that resurrection is the external and ultimate
evidence that indeed He is equal with God as Messiah (Joh.5:18 cp. vss.25-29):
1.
Jesus’ words must be understood and evaluated based on the purpose and
context behind the discourse.
2.
The purpose of the discourse is in defense of His previous claim of
equality with God (5:17), which the Jewish leaders react with hostility and
further plans to kill Him. Joh.5:18
3.
While John the author does not record explicitly that the Jews are
demanding proof of His Messiahship, it is understood as Jesus response as noted
in 5:19a “Jesus therefore answered/responded and was saying to them”, immediately
follows and looks back at the context of John’s commentary in vs.18. (The
aorist tense of “answered/responded” denotes that the complete discourse was
delivered at one point in time while the imperfect tense of “was saying”
denotes that it is the compilation of all He says that details the argument
presented in His discourse.)
4.
The discourse is divided into two primary parts:
a.
Evidence of Messiahship as it externally is revealed through His Person
and its resultant affect upon mankind who in turn will also externally reveal
who and what He is. Joh.5:19-29
b.
Evidence of His Messiahship as it is revealed through other external
sources. Joh.5:30-47
5.
The first part of His discourse is divided into three main categories
of evidence as highlighted by the words “Truly,
truly” in vss.19, 24 and 25.
6.
He declares that the first order of evidence is found in His Person as
it relates to His relationship to the Father and as revealed in His works
(vss.19-20), and the prerogatives bestowed upon Him emphasizing imparting of
life and judgment (vss.21-23).
7.
He secondly declares that it is through a faith system regarding His
claim as Messiah that will determine which of His prerogatives that He will
exercise towards mankind (vs.24).
8.
It is His third and final assertion that glues together the first two
categories into a consummating and conclusive piece of evidence, under the
Doctrine of resurrection, that will be externally revealed through all men as
to His existence as the God-man (vss.25-29).
9.
It is resurrection that is the external proof of the internal spiritual
state of mankind, which in turn validates His claim of existence as the Christ.
10.
This evidence is in light of the evidence that Judaism of the time was
looking for in Messiah i.e., a king, but not
one who exercises authority over men in the spiritual realm, rather one who
would only exercise a
physical and political authority over mankind.
Joh.6:15
11.
In other words, they were only looking for a political savior, not a
spiritual Savior.
12.
This is why Jesus listeners “marveled” at His teaching in this regard
(vs.28a).
D.
Like any fact that we might accept, bonafide testimony and witnesses
must validate this fact. Deu.19:15; Mat.18:16
II.
Vocabulary.
A.
Hebrew vocabulary.
1.
There is no specific term in the Hebrew language for resurrection;
however the principle was understood among the Jews. Mat.22:23 cp 28, 31; Joh.11:21 cp. 23-24
2.
One simple explanation for the fact that little concerning resurrection
is recorded in the Old Testament (OT) is to be found in the principle of
progressive revelation. (Another example of progressive revelation
is found in the “Mystery Doctrine” of the Church.)
B.
Greek vocabulary.
1.
avvvvvna,stasij – Noun. Used
42x and is a compound from avna, (again) and i[sthmi (to stand); hence, to stand
again, to stand up, to rise.
2.
avni,sthmi – Verb. Used
112x. Means to rise up, to cause to rise
up and is used of resurrection in certain contexts. Mar.8:31; 9:9,10, 31; 10:34 cp. 12:23 where
this verb is used in connection with the noun, vs.25; 16:9; Joh.6:39,40,44,54;
et al.
3.
evxana,stasij – Noun. A
hapax. Coupled with the prefix ek means to stand again out
from and is followed by an ablative of source.
Phil.3:11
4.
evgei,rw – Verb. Used
141x. Means to arouse, to cause to
arise, to wake from sleep and is used in many passages to refer to the act of
arousing from the sleep of death. Ex.
Math.27:52, 63, 64 et al.
5.
e;gersij – Noun. A
hapax. Derived from the verb evgei,rw and denotes a raising. Mat.27:53
III.
Definition and description.
A.
Resurrection in its broadest sense is simply the action of raising
someone from the dead.
B.
However, scripture differentiates resurrection from a raising
temporally versus an eternal raising.
C.
For the purpose of semantics, theologically the raising of the dead is
headed under the term’s resuscitation and resurrection.
D.
Resuscitation is nothing more than raising a corpse from the dead with
no attendant action of reanimation/rebirth.
E.
It is recorded in scripture and in our modern world of certain people
who have died physically and have been brought back to life, such as Lazarus in
Joh.11.
F.
However, their resuscitation is only temporal as their continued state
of life does not involve any transformation of the physical body and they will
die again.
G.
Resurrection is the action of Deity, whereby those who have died
physically have their body reassembled from whatever state of decay it may have
endured.
H.
Based on this new body that will be provided under resurrection, their
new state of life is permanent and
eternal.
I.
The exact nature of the resurrection body will be explained later,
however it must be recognized that the original fleshly body is the basis for
the resurrection body. 1Cor.15:42, 46
J.
Upon the completion of the reassembly process, which is practically
instantaneous (1Cor.15:52), the original soul that inhabited that particular
body and had departed at the point of physical death, is reunited with a new
resurrection body.
K.
While the general phrase “resurrection of the dead” is often found, it
is readily observed that there are two distinct classes of people in the
resurrection.
1.
Believers. Luk.14:14; Joh.5:29;
Act.24:15
2.
Unbelievers. Joh.5:29; Act.24:15
IV.
Resurrection and the OT.
A.
We have noted that there was no specific vocabulary for the doctrine of
resurrection in the OT, however that does not mean that the concept and idea
was unknown to students of the OT.
B.
Abraham, who lived some 20 centuries before Christ, employed his faith
in this doctrine to pass the test of Gen.22 cp. Heb.11:17-19.
C.
Many interpreters recognize that Job understood and made reference to
this doctrine. Job.19:25-27
D.
Daniel clearly and undeniably taught that there existed a resurrection
of the unrighteous and the righteous.
Dan.12:2-3,13
E.
Others in the OT expressed the principle that God controlled the power
of life and death. Deu.32:39; 1Sam.2:6
F.
The actions of raising back to life those who had died undoubtedly
strengthened the faith of believers in the almighty power of God over death. 1Kgs.17:17-24; 2Kgs.4:18-37; 13:21
G.
The instantaneous ascension of Enoch and Elijah, God taking them to
heaven apart from death, clearly indicated that God’s purpose for believers did
not end in this life. Gen.5:22-24;
2Kgs.2:11-12
V.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ.
A.
The literal, physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is the
subject of OT prophecy.
1.
Explicit prophecy:
a)
Psa.16:10 quoted by Peter in Act.2:24-36.
b)
Psa.2:7 quoted by Paul in Act.13:33 cp. Heb.1:5
2.
Implicit prophecy:
a)
The scenario of sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham. Gen.22
b)
The ascensions of Enoch and Elijah.
Gen.5:22-24; 2Kgs.2:11-12
c)
The miracle at the tomb of Elisha foreshadowed the resurrection. 2Kgs.13:21,21
3.
Jesus Christ Himself referenced the miracle of Jonah and the whale to
picture His death, resurrection and ascension as the conclusive sign to Israel
of His claim as Messiah. Mat.12:39;
16:4; Luk.11:29, 30
B.
Christ taught that He would not be conquered by the power of
death. Mat.16:21; 17:9, 22-23; 20:18-19;
26:29,32; Joh.2:18-22
C.
The historical and incontrovertible/indisputable facts surrounding
Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection place this event beyond legitimate
question.
1.
His death as documented by friendly and hostile eyewitnesses:
a)
The apostle John. Joh.19:30, 35
b)
His disciples. Luk.23:49;
24:18-20
c)
His friends and family.
Mar.15:40-41; Joh.19:26, 27
d)
The centurion. Mar.15:39
e)
A great crowd. Luk.23:48
f)
The Jewish leadership.
Mat.27:62-66
g)
The soldiers sent to expedite death.
Joh.19:33-34
2.
His burial.
a)
Also the subject of OT prophecy.
Isa.53:9
b)
Joseph of Arimathea provided the tomb.
Mat.27:57-60
c)
The actual burial. Mat.27:59-60
d)
Joseph and others knew the place.
Mat.27:60-61
e)
Joseph himself sealed the tomb with a large stone. Mat.27:60
f)
The Jews posted a roman detail at the entrance of the tomb to prevent
the disciples stealing the body.
Mat.26:65-66
3.
His resurrection.
a)
None of the disciples or the women who followed Jesus believed in His
bodily resurrection.
1)
The disciples were hiding in fear.
Mat.26:56
2)
The women went to the tomb expecting to find a dead body. Mar.16:1-8
3)
Peter was alone with his shame.
Mar.14:72 cp. 16:7
b)
The tomb was empty according to the women, Peter and John and the
authorities. Joh.20:2-10; Mat.28:11-15
c)
The grave clothes are tangible evidence against human tampering. Joh.20:2-10
1)
A vandal would not be so neat.
2)
They were lying as though the body had removed itself and had taken off
the head wrapping last.
d)
The angelic manifestation is the only reasonable explanation for the
behavior of the guards. Mat.28:2-4, 11ff
e)
The broken seal on the grave and the removal of the massive and guarded
stone indicates Divine agency.
Mar.16:3-4
f)
Post resurrection appearances are further proof of the bodily
resurrection of Jesus.
1)
To Mary Magdalene. Joh.20:14
2)
To other women coming from the tomb.
Mat.28:9
3)
To Peter. Luk.24:34
4)
To the disciples on Emmaus road.
Luk.24:13ff
5)
To the 11 minus Thomas.
Joh.20:29-24
6)
To the 11 plus Thomas.
Joh.20:26-29
7)
To the disciples by
8)
To the 500. 1Cor.15:6
9)
At the ascension. Act.1:3ff
10)
To Paul. Act.9:3-6; 1Cor.15:8
D.
Apart from the resurrection, what was it that transformed the disciples
from a group of cowardly men who were in hiding for fear of death into men who
were willing to take on the Jewish leadership and ultimately the
E.
These proofs are advanced and have never been effectively discredited
and are of such a nature as to be called “many
convincing proofs” in Act.1:3.
F.
These things are matters that are surely and plainly known and are
indubitable/undeniable/too evident for doubt proofs that would stand up in any
court of law.
G.
False theories advance to explain away Christ’s resurrection.
1.
The swoon theory that supposes that Christ did not die physically, but
merely passed out from fatigue and exposure.
a)
Refuted by direct eyewitness testimony of His death.
b)
Refuted by the condition of the burial wrapping.
c)
Refuted by the size and weight of the stone.
d)
Refuted by the fact that there is no evidence of any kind to document
His later death.
e)
This makes Christ a liar.
2.
The theft theory originally concocted by the Jewish leadership. Mat.28:11-15
a)
Was spread widely among the Jews.
b)
Refuted by the fear and cowardice of the disciples.
c)
Refuted by the inability of the women to get into the grave.
d)
Refuted by the grave clothes in the tomb.
e)
Refuted by the centurion guards established to protect from this
occurring.
3.
The hallucination theory states that all resurrection appearances were
individual or mass hallucinations.
a)
Hallucinations are illusory or imaginary perceptions generally caused
by drugs or a disorder of the nervous system.
b)
The disciples were not imaginative and consistently evidenced a pattern
of taking things on a literal, physical basis.
c)
They were hiding in fear with no suspicion that Jesus would appear
again.
d)
Hallucinations are subjective and very individual and do not explain
the variety of circumstances, locations and number of people whom eyewitnessed
the same thing.
e)
Even after people said they had seen Jesus, no one was convinced and
all remained incredulous and believed only after personal proof.
4.
The wrong tomb theory speculates that the women went to the wrong tomb
and this accounts for the fact that it was empty.
a)
The women had been with Joseph when the body was buried. Mat.26:61
b)
This was not a public cemetery, but a private burial plot that was
somewhat secluded.
c)
If they went to the wrong tomb, why did the Jews not go to the correct
tomb and produce the body?
d)
Are we to believe that the soldiers were guarding the wrong tomb and
that the Jews had sealed the wrong stone?
Mat.27:65-66
5.
Conclusions:
a)
All of these theories arise from unbelief in an attempt to discredit
what is obviously stated in the Word of God.
b)
They do not explain away established, eyewitnessed and verifiable
historical facts.
c)
No one has ever produced the body.
d)
They do not explain the sudden transformation of the disciples from
cowards hiding in fear, to men who were willing to risk their lives for His
name’s sake.
e)
Would you risk your life to perpetuate a hoax?
VI.
The order and purpose of resurrection.
A.
Jesus Christ was the first man to ever be resurrected and this fact has
both theological and practical implications.
1Cor.15:20 (Rights of
primogeniture/first born)
1.
His resurrection is God’s stamp of approval on His Divine Sonship. Rom.1:4
2.
Jesus Christ is the first person to enjoy resurrection and as such,
this gives Him preeminence in all things.
Rev.1:5; Col.1:18
3.
His resurrection is central to the gospel. 1Cor.15:4, 17-19
4.
His resurrection is the basis for His immortality. Mat.28:18, 20b
5.
His resurrection is necessary for His future:
a)
Position in the Church. Col.1:18
b)
Activity in regard to the Holy Spirit.
Joh.16:7
c)
With regard to
d)
With regard to the nations.
Psa.2:8-9; Rev.12:5
6.
Practically, His resurrection as evidence of His Claim as Messiah, is
the basis for our confidence that we too will bear evidence of His claim in our
own resurrection. 1Cor.15:12-19
B.
Second in order of resurrection comes the Church.
1.
This event is known as the rapture.
(See Doctrine of the Rapture)
2.
All Church Age (CA) believers will be ushered into their resurrection
body at one time. 1Thess.4:16-17
3.
Some believers will not undergo physical death, but will be transformed
just following those who have died.
1Thess.4:15; 2Cor.5:10
4.
The Royal family will be judged at the Bema Seat, rewards distributed
and will return to heaven with Christ.
1Thess.4:17-18; 2Cor.5:10
C.
At the end of Daniel’s 70th week (Dan.9:24-27), all OT and
tribulational believers will be resurrected at the 2nd Advent. Mat.8:11; Dan.12:13
1.
This includes all believers from the time of Adam until the Church Age
as well as those who become believers during the final seven-year period known
as the Great Tribulation. Rev.20:4-6
2.
They will enjoy the Millennial reign of Christ as promised in various
OT passages.
3.
All the saints of all previous dispensations including the CA up to the
Millennium is that which constitutes the “first resurrection” of Rev.20:5-6
4.
All of these resurrected saints will reign with Christ during the
Millennium. Rev.20:4,6
5.
There is no mention of a resurrection of Millennial saints.
D.
The final resurrection in order is that of all unbelievers.
1.
This is the correctly interpreted 2nd resurrection of the
parenthetical insert mentioned in Rev.20:5a
2.
All unbelievers are resurrected at one time. Rev.20:12-13
3.
This occurs after the Millennium and the Gog and Magog rebellion, and
immediately following the dissolution of the original creation. Rev.20:7-10 cp.vs.11; 2Pet.3:10, 13
4.
It is called the Great White Throne judgment, emphasizing the righteous
nature of God’s activity. Rev.20:11-12
5.
All who appear here are unbelievers and they will spend eternity in
their resurrection bodies while being tormented day and night in the lake of
fire. Rev.20:14-15
6.
The judge is Jesus Christ with emphasis on His humanity. Joh.5:22 cp. vs.27
VII.
The resurrection body.
A.
The resurrection body of all believers is patterned after the
resurrection body of Christ. Rom.8:29
B.
It is created out of the existing body.
1Cor.15:35-53
1.
People recognized Jesus when He wanted them too, indicating the
resurrection body has the ability to reflect an appearance not substantially
altered from the temporal body.
Joh.20:16-18; 21:12
2.
His resurrection body bore the marks that His physical body had
borne. Joh.20:20
C.
While it is a spiritual body, it is real and tangible. Luk.24:30
D.
It is a body capable of eating and drinking, but does not need
nourishment in order to survive.
Luk.24:42; Rev.22:1-2
E.
This body is capable of space travel, not needing atmosphere to breathe
in order to survive. Act.1:9; 1Thess.4:16
F.
It is capable of tremendous speed and Jesus makes the trip from heaven
to our upper atmosphere almost instantaneously.
1Thess.4:16-18
G.
It is not subject to time, space, etc., but is capable of materializing
and dematerializing at will.
Luk.24:30-31, 36
H.
It is not subject to decay, the aging process, disease, pain or
death. 1Cor.15:42-43, 53; Rev.20:6
I.
It is without an STA/OSN.
1Cor.15:43-44
J.
The individual nature of the resurrection glory that each body will
possess varies in magnitude, based on spiritual growth and application in
time. 1Cor.15:41
VIII.
Various observations and applications based on the resurrection of
Christ and the resurrection of mankind.
A.
The resurrection of Christ not only indicates God’s stamp of approval
on His person and work as portrayed through His humanity, it is the beginning
of His exaltation as Lord and Christ.
Act.2:24-36
B.
In Jesus’ resurrection we have the Divine guarantee that all believer’s
sins have been effectively removed and +R is theirs by faith. Rom.4:25; 1Cor.15:17
C.
It is the believer’s guarantee that they will receive a resurrection of
life versus a resurrection of judgment.
Joh.5:24-29
D.
Therefore, His resurrection forms the basis for the believer’s
confidence in his or her own resurrection.
1Cor.15:12-19
E.
The fact of our future resurrection should encourage us to Ph2
production of Divine good. 1Cor.15:58
F.
The reality of resurrection provides comfort in our testing, including
the most serious of testing, death.
1Thess.4:18; Rev.2:10
G.
In resurrection we have the promise of being united eternally with
those we love who too are in Christ.
1Thess.4:14, 17
H.
Resurrection in its fullest capacity of both life and judgment is the
conclusive and external evidence given and provided for all men that Jesus of
Nazareth was exactly who He claimed to be.
Joh.5:18ff
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes
in me shall live even if he dies.”
John 11:25