Resurrection of the body
The resurrection of the body is the future raising of the dead by God. Scripture teaches a real bodily resurrection for all people, with believers raised to everlasting life through Christ.
At a Glance
The resurrection of the body is the future raising of the dead by God. Scripture teaches a real bodily resurrection for all people, with believers raised to everlasting life through Christ.
Description
The resurrection of the body is the Christian doctrine that human beings will not remain forever in the state of death, but will be raised by God's power in a real bodily existence. This hope rests especially on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is the firstfruits and guarantee of the resurrection of his people. Scripture teaches that believers will be raised imperishable and glorified, fit for life in the renewed creation, while also affirming that all people will be raised and held accountable before God. Christians have differed on some details of timing and the exact relation between the present body and the resurrection body, but orthodox teaching clearly affirms a true bodily resurrection rather than mere spiritual survival or symbolism.