Men have long wondered if there is life after death. “If a man dies, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14). The answer was implied in the Old Testament, as Jesus pointed out to the Sadducees — yes there will be a resurrection from the dead (Matthew 22:23-33). When Paul preached the resurrection of Christ at Athens, some mocked in disbelief (Acts 17:32). When Peter and others taught the resurrection from the dead, the Sadducees became angry (Acts 4:1-3). The same things happen today. The atheist mocks, while others become angry. However, the resurrection is a basic Bible doctrine (Hebrews 6:1-2).
The resurrection from the dead is a guarantee. It was guaranteed by the resurrection of Jesus. Paul connected Christ’s resurrection with the resurrection of all men (1 Corinthians 15). To deny the resurrection of the dead is to:
- Deny that Christ rose from the dead (15:13).
- Void gospel preaching (15:14).
- Nullify faith (15:14).
- Make the apostles false witnesses (15:15).
- Leave all men in sins (15:17).
- Say that those who have died in Christ are doomed (15:19).
- Make the apostles the most pitiable men ever (15:20).
However, since Christ has been raised from the dead, Paul wrote, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (15:22). All men will physically die, and all men will be raised from the dead — guaranteed.
When will the resurrection take place and what will happen? Jesus said, “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth–those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29). Notice, the resurrection of the wicked and righteous will take place at the same hour, but when that hour is, no one knows — it will be like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). However, we do know that men will be judged. When Jesus comes back, He will judge men–some will go to heaven, others to hell (Acts 17:30-31). Are you ready for the resurrection?
Steven F. Deaton
