Bible Dictionary
Resurrection of the dead
The resurrection of the dead is the future raising of both the righteous and the wicked for judgment. The believer’s resurrected body will be spiritual, glorious, incorruptible, powerful, and like Christ’s glorified body.
Definition
The resurrection of the dead is the future raising of the just and the unjust. The resurrection body remains the same body that was laid in the grave, yet it possesses qualities suited to its renewed state. For believers it is spiritual, glorious, incorruptible, powerful, immortal, and like Christ’s glorified body.
Biblical Usage
Scripture presents the resurrection as occurring for both the righteous and the wicked, with judgment associated with it. Christ’s resurrection secures the resurrection of his people through his redemptive work, their union with him, and the indwelling Spirit.
Scripture References
Daniel 12:2
John 5:28
John 5:29
Romans 2:6-16
2 Thessalonians 1:6-10
1 Corinthians 15:53
1 Corinthians 15:54
Philippians 3:21
1 Corinthians 15:42-44
1 Corinthians 15:44
Revelation 21:4
Romans 8:23
1 Corinthians 15:21
1 Corinthians 15:22
1 Thessalonians 4:14
1 Corinthians 6:15
Romans 8:11
Romans 14:9
1 Corinthians 15:49
1 John 3:2
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Will be simultaneous both of the just and the unjust (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28, 29; Rom. 2:6-16; 2 Thess. 1:6-10). The qualities of the resurrection body will be different from those of the body laid in the grave (1 Cor. 15:53, 54; Phil. 3:21); but its identity will nevertheless be preserved. It will still be the same body (1 Cor. 15:42-44) which rises again. As to the nature of the resurrection body, (1) it will be spiritual (1 Cor. 15:44), i.e., a body adapted to the use of the soul in its glorified state, and to all the conditions of the heavenly state; (2) glorious, incorruptible, and powerful (54); (3) like unto the glorified body of Christ (Phil. 3:21); and (4) immortal (Rev. 21:4). Christ’s resurrection secures and illustrates that of his people. ”(1.) Because his resurrection seals and consummates his redemptive power; and the redemption of our persons involves the redemption of our bodies (Rom. 8:23). (2.) Because of our federal and vital union with Christ (1 Cor. 15:21, 22; 1 Thess. 4:14). (3.) Because of his Spirit which dwells in us making our bodies his members (1 Cor. 6:15; Rom. 8:11). (4.) Because Christ by covenant is Lord both of the living and the dead (Rom. 14:9). This same federal and vital union of the Christian with Christ likewise causes the resurrection of the believer to be similar to as well as consequent upon that of Christ (1 Cor. 15:49; Phil. 3:21; 1 John 3:2).” Hodge’s Outlines of Theology.