“Of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question” (Acts 23:6). This was Paul’s hope.
The importance of the resurrection of the dead has been nullified in the theology of most Christian churches by the general acceptance of the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. Man is mortal on account of sin as the Bible clearly teaches that man is a death-stricken creature as a result of sin.
David speaks of the same hope, as Paul. Peter clearly states that “David is not ascended into the heavens”. (Acts 2:34). David’s hope was in a bodily resurrection when he would awake from the sleep of death to everlasting life.
Jesus, being of sinful nature had to die, but being sinless, by his death he conquered sin. And so on the third day God raised him from the dead “because it was not possible that he should be holden of it” (Acts 2:24).
Jesus, during his ministry spoke plainly of resurrection: … “and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:39,40).
Paul’s exposition of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15 is set out in absolute clarity.
Who will be raised?
Ecclesiasts 3: 19,20; “…all go unto one place, all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Ephesians 4:17,18; “…being alientaed from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them:
Ephesians 2:12: “…having no hope, and (being) without God in the world”
Reward and Punishment
“The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 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” (John 5:28,29)
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:1)
Hear Now These Words 