What Does the Bible Say About the Resurrection of the Dead — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, 1 Corinthians 15:20, sits inside 1 Corinthians 15. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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