John 5:29. After meeting Christ in the atmosphere above the earth, the Saints will descend to the earth and land east of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:4 - 5, see also Revelation 20). Lazarus was alive, and this proved that the resurrection really happened. He is the first individual resurrected with a spiritual body. One of the things we learn is that if Jesus had not risen from the dead then no one else would be able to do so. She was happy to see Jesus, but she said to him: “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Martha thought that Jesus was too late. There will come a time in the future when all the dead will experience a resurrection and awake from their sleep of death. How would you feel? (a) What can give us comfort when a family member or a friend dies? Seeing their sadness, he felt hurt and cried. 18 “The righteous” include faithful servants of  Jehovah who lived before Jesus came to earth. 7, 8. 14, 15. Reincarnation is a similar process hypothesized by other religions, which involves the same person or deity coming back to live in a different body, rather than the same one.. Nowhere in the Scriptures are we taught that the bodies of all men will be raised at the same time. Jesus’ enemies didn’t like that, so they planned to kill both Jesus and Lazarus.​—John 11:53; 12:9-11. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Why can we be sure that Jehovah will resurrect the dead? It’s in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, NKJV. . Jesus said: “Take the stone away.” But Martha didn’t want them to. Those in the first resurrection cannot die again because they have been given new spiritual bodies and have received immortality (Luke 20:34 - 36, 1Corinthians 15:52 - 55). When Jesus returns Christians will "always be with the Lord" (verse 17). 21 The Bible also tells us that some people will live in heaven. (John 11:11) While he was in the grave, Lazarus knew “nothing at all.”. What is the first resurrection of the dead? There are 66 books in the Bible (39 Old Testament, 27 New Testament). . But what will those who go to heaven do there? (Read Isaiah 25:8.) Jesus resurrected the dead using power from Jehovah. Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. God’s people have much in common with those planning to move to another country. These statement sound very similar to what Jesus said in John 5:28 - 29. Using this imagery, the Bible presents the resurrection of Jesus as the "first fruits" of the resurrection of the righteous. ^ par. People like Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Ruth, and Esther will be resurrected to life here on earth. There is a time order to God's plan for all man (1Corinthians 15:21 - 23). Last, the resurrected body will be a spiritual one. But for Jehovah to resurrect someone, he has to remember everything about that person. (John 11:39) She did not know what Jesus was about to do to help her brother. How does the Bible give us real comfort when someone dies? 7 When Jesus arrived at the grave where Lazarus’ body had been placed, the entrance had been sealed  with a large stone. According to Mark, there’s no point in working signs that would facilitate belief — signs appear when you already have faith and have no power when you don’t have faith. What opportunity will Jehovah give them? 4. 23 Just before he died, Jesus told his faithful disciples: “I am going my way to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2) This means that some of his followers would be resurrected to live with him in heaven. (b) Why are the resurrection accounts valuable to us? 19 “The unrighteous” include billions of people who did not have the opportunity to know Jehovah. He will resurrect them, and they will have the opportunity to learn about him and serve him. 2 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. No matter what we do, there is no escape. Jehovah wants to resurrect people, and he will. But just when you’ve lost all hope, you find out that someone has the power to release you and that he has promised to help you! Jesus was the first person to be resurrected to life in heaven. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. This chapter is known as the "resurrection chapter." Let us consider one example that shows how much Jehovah and Jesus want to bring our loved ones back to life. When someone is resurrected to heaven, he is not brought back to life as a human with a human body. “Little girl, I say to you, ‘Get up!’”​—Mark 5:41. Why did Martha not want the stone to be removed from Lazarus’ tomb, but what did Jesus do? The Bible gives us real comfort. ), connections between Psalm 16:10 and Psalm 22, and Isaiah 53:10–11 and Daniel 12:2–3 reveal that the Messiah, in particular, would be raised from the dead. After the Millennium, there will be a second resurrection of all those who never heard or never fully understood the gospel (Revelation 20:5). (1 Corinthians 15:23) We are living in that time right now, and most of the 144,000 have already been resurrected to heaven. The Bible tells us about a 12-year-old girl who was very sick. The resurrection of which Jesus spoke in Matthew 12 and Luke 11 is a resurrection to physical life. Jesus said that it would be a small number, a “little flock.” (Luke 12:32) The apostle John gave the exact number when he saw Jesus “standing on [heavenly] Mount Zion, and with him 144,000.”​—Revelation 14:1. Jesus told them:  “Stop weeping, for she did not die but is sleeping.” Her father and mother must have wondered what Jesus meant. ( 1 Corinthians 15:23 ) We are living in that time right now, and most of the 144,000 have already been resurrected to heaven. . Well, there are billions of stars in the universe. (Revelation 20:13-14) Here are a few Scriptures that should be considered in this regard. Who is in it? Share According to Matthew, as Jesus comes with the "clouds of heaven," He will send angels with the mighty sound of a great trumpet to gather his converted servants (most of whom will be dead) from the entire earth (Matthew 24:30 - 31). But friends, the resurrection is the purpose for which you were created by God and redeemed in Christ! We will learn more about that government in the next chapter. 14 The faithful man Job believed in the resurrection. Jehovah has the power to remove death forever. What has imprisoned all of us, and how will Jehovah release us? While in some cases it took a moment, like with the men in Luke 24 who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, eventually the resurrected Christ was recognized. Many of those who have already died will live again . After the Millennium , there will be a second resurrection of all those who never heard or never fully understood the gospel (Revelation 20:5). . All those first brought back to life, and the vast majority of those who are brought back up in the second, will receive everlasting life. Paul states, "For if there is no resurrection from the dead, neither has Christ been raised" (1Corinthians 15:13, HBFV). Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. You will long for the work of your hands.”​—Job 14:13-15. In Paradise, the dead will be resurrected and reunited with their loved ones. 17 Who will be resurrected? After the resurrection we will have a … The empty tomb isn’t proof of Jesus’ resurrection, it’s a symbol that Jesus has emptied death of its power over humanity. *. 20 Does this mean that everyone who has died will be resurrected? The change of the believer at the resurrection has to do with his body, wherein resides the sin principle, for even the Christian must admit, “I know that in me (that is in my flesh) there dwelleth no good thing” (Romans 7:18). The Bible explains that they will rule with Jesus in a Kingdom government. (1 Corinthians 15:3-6) But the Bible says that he would not be the only one. Think what that will mean for you. When does this first resurrection take place? Eight people who returned from the dead have their stories in the Bible. It will also be identified as the same body you have now, “So also is the resurrection of the dead. Even Jesus’ enemies knew that he had performed this miracle. As Jesus Christ returns to earth "with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. TERMS OF USE He promises that those “powerless in death” will live again. (Mark 5:22-24, 35-42; Luke 8:49-56) From that day on, when they saw their little girl, they would remember what Jehovah had done for them through Jesus. But Jehovah will not only remove death. 15 How does the hope of the resurrection make you feel? Share What does Ecclesiastes 9:5 teach us about Lazarus? 4 When a family member or a close friend dies, our  pain and grief can be unbearable. What kind of life will those who are resurrected to life on earth enjoy? Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." All those in Jehovah’s memory will come back to life. Our resurrection bodies will be patterned after that genuine resurrected body of Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20, 21; 1 Corinthians 15:47-49; 1 John 3:2; Luke 24:36-43). The Bible tells us that this would happen after Christ started to rule in heaven. 20 but do read the chapter to learn what is going to happen and where an awful lot of people are going to end up - NOT in Heaven. (John 3:13) Three days after Jesus was killed, Jehovah resurrected him. This is the first resurrection. While several passages in the Bible make it clear that there will be a future resurrection of both just and unjust human beings (John 5:29 John 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, to the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, to the resurrection of damnation. 11 In Hebrews chapter 11, Paul referred to a long line of pre-Christian servants of God who had manifested strong faith in Jehovah God. Lazarus died twice; Jesus rose, nevermore to die. (a) What did Jesus do when he saw Lazarus’ family and friends grieving? Those still living at the time of the second coming are "caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (1Thessalonians 4:16 - 17). Fears and questions about death are natural, but the Bible offers peace.  |  Would you like to read this article in %%? When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went outside the city to meet him. 2 We are all prisoners of death. If Jesus's resurrected body could do all these things, our resurrected bodies likely will too. 5 Jesus went to comfort Martha and Mary. But the Bible gives us real comfort. When a family member or a close friend dies, we may feel helpless. In order to be fair to all, God will give everyone a full opportunity to learn about and receive salvation that comes only through Jesus Christ. Jesus said that only a small number of his disciples would be resurrected to live in heaven. He is resurrected to life in heaven as a spirit person. (John 5:28) This means that all those whom Jehovah remembers will come back to life. Resurrection or anastasis is the concept of coming back to life after death.In a number of religions, a dying-and-rising god is a deity which dies and resurrects. According to Daniel 12:12 (quoted above), it seems like the Old Testament saints will be resurrected approximately a month or two after Jesus Christ returns. Job 19:25–27; Ps 49:15; 73:23–28; Isa 25:8; 26:19; Ezek 37:1–14; Hos 13:14; Dan 12:1–4 etc. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Jesus had resurrected Lazarus. but when the last trumpet sounds, we shall all be changed in an instant . “The man who had been dead came out with his feet and hands bound with wrappings.” (John 11:43, 44) Lazarus had been brought back to life! Jesus gently took her by the hand and said to her: “Little girl, I say to you, ‘Get up!’” Imagine the joy of her parents when she immediately got up and started walking! Jehovah has chosen a total of 144,000 to live in heaven. Because those who are brought back to life on earth will have the opportunity to live forever and never die again. No. There is no chance of your ever being released. You can read them at 1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:32-37; 13:20, 21; Matthew 28:5-7; Luke 7:11-17; 8:40-56; Acts 9:36-42; 20:7-12. 10 Those whom Jesus brought back to life died again later. What Can the Bible Teach Us? Promises about the Resurrection … Not according to the Bible because the second death occurs after the 1000 year reign. What Can the Bible Teach Us? More important, Jehovah created everything, so we know that he has the power to bring people back to life. Event: Matthew 28:1-15: Mark 16:1-20: Luke 24:1-12: John 20:1-18: First day of the week (Sunday) 1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. Jesus had resurrected their daughter. PRIVACY POLICY, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1102015147/univ/art/1102015147_univ_sqr_xl.jpg, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/a/bhs/E/wpub/bhs_E_lg.jpg. What does that mean? If he can remember the name of each star, then surely he can easily remember everything about all those he will bring back to life. Publication download options 8 Jesus said to Lazarus: “Come out!” What Martha and Mary saw next was amazing. 11 The Bible clearly says that “the dead know nothing at all.” That was true of Lazarus. - Who was declared (so Authorized Version) the Son of God with (literally, in) power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of (not as in Authorized Version, from) the dead.Supposing the intention here to be to declare the Son's essential Deity, notwithstanding his human birth, we might have expected ὄντος after the γενομένου preceding. The Bible tells us that this would happen after Christ started to rule in heaven. There will be no war, no crime, and no sickness. Thankfully, only a very few folks will be made alive to experience "shame and everlasting contempt." (Isaiah 26:19) This is what the Bible calls the resurrection. “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 15:50). When does it occur? Jehovah can remember the name of each star, so he can easily remember everything about those he will bring back to life. As they came near the house, Jesus could see and hear people crying. You will long for the work of your hands.” Yes, Job knew that Jehovah is looking forward to the time when he will resurrect the dead.​—Job 14:13-15. 16. 13 Jesus said that “all those in the memorial tombs” will be resurrected. John 5:28 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice John 5:29 and come out--those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. No way shall "all dead people go to heaven at once" (on the Day of Resurrection & Judgment). Her father, Jairus, was desperate, and he begged Jesus to heal her. 1. It was a body like His post-resurrection body when He appeared to His disciples behind shut doors (John 20:19). The gathering of the Church Age saints, living and dead, at the appearing of the Lord (the Rapture) is thus the general harvest stage of the resurrection of the righteous (John 14:1-3 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Jehovah is the final Judge, but he has also given Jesus the authority “to be judge of the living and the dead.” (Acts 10:42) Anyone who is judged as wicked and unwilling to change will not be resurrected.​—See Endnote 19. (Read Isaiah 40:26.) Jesus said that “all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” (John 5:28, 29) And Revelation 20:13 tells us: “The sea gave up the dead in it, and death and the Grave gave up the dead in them.” Yes, billions of people will live again. He will also bring those who have already died back to life. (b) Who was the first person to be resurrected to life in heaven? No impure, unclean or unholy thing is allowed into Heaven - the Bible is clear. 9 In other accounts, the Bible tells us about the resurrections of young and old, male and female, and Israelite and foreigner. The resurrection of Jesus is different from the Bible’s other resurrections in a very notable way: Jesus’ resurrection is the first “permanent” resurrection; all the other resurrections in the Bible were “temporary” in that those raised to life died again. Jesus is the first person resurrected, followed by the dead in Christ at the second coming (1Thessalonians 4:13 - 18, 1Corinthians 15:51 - 56, Matthew 24:29 - 31, Mark 13:24 - 27). At a later time he performs the Bible's fifth resurrection when he causes life to enter again the young daughter of Jarius (he was a ruler in the synagogue, see Mark 5:35 - 38, Luke 8:49 - 52, Matthew 9:23 - 26). 16 In the past, those who were resurrected were reunited with their family and friends here on earth. 3 Imagine the relief you will feel when you don’t have to worry about dying! However, the majority of people will be resurrected in the future to life in Paradise here on earth. When Jesus was on earth, he often visited Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary. 12. 9, 10. IMAGINE that you have been sentenced to life in prison for a crime you didn’t commit. (a) Who gave Jesus the power to resurrect people? Jesus is the first person resurrected, followed by the dead in Christ at the second coming (1Thessalonians 4:13 - 18, 1Corinthians 15:51 - 56, Matthew 24:29 - 31, Mark 13:24 - 27). Then God will bring back to life those who knowingly reject his way of life and refuse to repent in order that they mercifully be put out of their misery forever (Revelation 20:14 - 15). How do we know that the resurrection of Lazarus really happened? The apostle Peter resurrected the Christian woman Dorcas.​—Acts 9:36-42, Elijah resurrected a widow’s son.​—1 Kings 17:17-24. It occurs when the "last trumpet" sounds. The apostle Paul also said that both “the righteous and the unrighteous” will be resurrected. What do Job’s words teach us about the resurrection? (John 11:21, 33, 35) He felt the deep pain that comes when we lose someone we love. And Jesus is just like his Father. These too had faith in a resurrection. (a) What does it mean to be resurrected to heaven? But what we read about these people is valuable because it gives us real hope. . Many witnesses saw Jesus resurrect the dead. 1-3. 24 When would the 144,000 Christians be resurrected? Let us see what the Bible says about where they will live and who will be resurrected. The Resurrection of Christ - Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. However, he was brought back to life and is called the "first fruit" of the grave. Copyright © 2021 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. His resurrection was foretold by the prophets of the Bible. He asked: “If a man dies, can he live again?” Then he said to Jehovah: “You will call, and I will answer you. Your future seems hopeless, and there is nothing you can do about it. 22 Jesus was the first person to receive this type of resurrection. She was his only child. 23, 24. Who are the “little flock” that Jesus spoke about, and how many will there be? “You will call, and I will answer you. . ." Here’s what you have to look forward to in the new heaven and the new earth: A body that is adapted to life forever and will never decline, a body that is glorious and powerful, a … 21, 22. the dead will be raised" (1Corinthians 15:51 - 52, see also 1Thessalonians 4:16 - 17). “I am going my way to prepare a place for you.”​—John 14:2. In Luke 14, Jesus teaches us that at the time of his return He will repay or reward resurrected Christians for their works in this life (Luke 14:12 - 14, Matthew 16:27, Revelation 22:12). Many people, among them some Christians, have been taught to believe that there is only one “general” resurrection of all the dead at the end of the world. (John 11:47) Also, many people went to visit Lazarus, and as a result, they started to believe that Jesus had been sent by God. The Bible says the following about this glorified body that the righteous will receive. Where the throne of judgment will be is not clearly stated in Revelation ch. "The dead in Christ" or "those who sleep in Jesus," deceased Christians, are brought back to life at his return (1Thessalonians 4:16). Lazarus wasn’t the only person who was resurrected. . How many? Paul discusses this trumpet when he states, " . 12 When Jesus resurrected Lazarus, many people  saw it. What did they say about the afterlife? This trumpet is the last of seven to be prophetically blown (see Revelation 8:1 - 9:21; 11:15 - 18). Verse 13 leads me to conclude that they will be resurrected at the very end of those days listed, and that would be the 75-day mark, or 1335 days after the Antichrist defiled the temple. After that, Jesus saw her sister, Mary, crying. RESURRECTION – According to the Apostle Paul. In this study we will examine what happens to those who die faithful to God and end up in the first resurrection of the dead. They are also “righteous,” so they will be resurrected. Our natural bodies are suited for living in this world, but this is the only realm in which we can live. Lazarus’ body had already been in the tomb for four days. 6 Knowing that Jesus feels the way we do about death is a comfort to us. 19. Who are “the unrighteous”? . By studying it we will learn several very important facts. No. Why bother the Teacher any longer?” But Jesus said to Jairus: “Have no fear, only have faith, and she will be saved.” He then walked to Jairus’ home with him. Below are the Bible verses and Scriptures that both prophecize of the resurrection and testify of it’s reality after Christ’s death.