For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Scriptural study: Luke 24:1-6; 1 Cor 15:20-23; Phil 3:20-21

• Although details about the crucifixion and burial of Christ are found in the NT, nothing is related concerning his resurrection. When we read of the empty tomb (Luke 24; John 20; Matt 28; Mark 16) he has already been raised.
• What had happened? Was this the same as happened in the case of Lazarus, or Tabitha, or the son of the widow of Zarepath? Not at all.
  • They all died again.
  • None of them possessed a resurrection body.
• As the firstfruits of the resurrection, Jesus was the first person ever to possess a resurrection body (1 Cor 15:20-23).
• When he returns, we too will have a resurrection body. We will be transformed (Phil 3:20-21).

 Implications

• No human being has ever been resurrected, in the full sense of the word.
• Resurrection will take place at the last day. This is called the General Resurrection.
• We will be totally new creations when Jesus comes—with a resurrection body like his. We have new life now, but this is only a taste of what is to come.
• If life in Christ—as wonderful as it is—is just the beginning, just imagine how exciting and comforting and energizing and fascinating and refreshing and amazing we will be as new creations in the new creation!

Conclusion

All the new beginnings, purifications, exorcisms, healings, reanimations, and fresh starts of this life are but a faint glimmer of the new creation. Let’s look forward to our resurrection, and praise our awesome God for his goodness, his plan, his glory!