What Does the Bible Say About the Resurrection of the Dead?
What Does the Bible Say About the Resurrection of the Dead? The bodily resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian faith — Christ rose first, and all believers will be raised with glorified bodies.
Key verse: 1 Corinthians 15:20 (KJV)
The bodily resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian faith — Christ rose first, and all believers will be raised with glorified bodies.
The bodily resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian faith — Christ rose first, and all believers will be raised with glorified bodies.
"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept." — 1 Corinthians 15:20 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
1 Corinthians 15 is the Bible's great resurrection chapter. Paul declares, 'If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain' (15:14). But Christ has risen — 'the firstfruits of them that slept' (15:20). At Christ's return, 'the dead in Christ shall rise first' (1 Thessalonians 4:16). The resurrection body is described as imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). Jesus' own resurrection body could eat, be touched, and pass through walls — physical yet glorified. Daniel 12:2 prophesied that '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 5:28-29 confirms two resurrections — one to life and one to judgment. The resurrection hope transforms how believers face death, suffering, and persecution.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Death?
Biblical perspective on death, the afterlife, and the hope of eternal life through Christ.
Key Scripture References
"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept."
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout... and the dead in Christ shall rise first."
"All that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
What Does the Bible Say About Eternal Life?
Eternal life is the free gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ — not merely endless existence but knowing God personally.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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John 11:25 Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Corinthians on day 324 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About the Resurrection of the Dead?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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