Catechism – Week 28 – Resurrection

What is the Bodily Resurrection of the Dead?

It might be helpful to review portions from week 20 on glorification.

1 Corinthians 15:20 – But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (ESV)

What is a firstfruit and what does it mean that Christ is the firstfruits from the dead?
Firstfruits are initial fruit that shows the promise of harvest to come. Because Christ has risen from the dead, those in Christ (Christians) will also rise from the dead.

Will we have a body?
Yes, just as Jesus has a body we will have a body. We will not be a bodiless soul.

Romans 8:21, 23 – …creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. And not only the creation, but we ourselves… [as we eagerly await] the redemption of our bodies.

Why do we keep bodies?
God wants to redeem every aspect of our person: mind, will, and body.

Why does he not just take us to heaven?
God’s plan is to redeem and restore all of creation, not just to take us to heaven. We need bodies to be a part of a renewed earth.

Why is this important?
It shows care for this material world is important. It shows that we can join God’s work through caring for our bodies and the world.

Scripture Memory Verse:

1 Corinthians 15:22 – For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. (ESV)

What is the bodily resurrection of the dead?
The bodily resurrection follows Jesus’ resurrection as he redeems all of who we are and all of creation.

Adults and older students are encouraged to receive a fuller explanation from Dr. Tim Tennent (President of Asbury Theological Seminary) by clicking this link.