The Resurrection
The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day is the central, non-negotiable event of Christianity. Paul writes that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile and we are still in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:17).
Type
event
Biblical event
Significance
The resurrection is not merely a past event but the foundation of the Christian's present life and future hope. It declares Jesus's victory over sin, death, and Satan; vindicates His claims to be the Son of God; and guarantees the future resurrection of all who trust in Him.
About The Resurrection
The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day is the central, non-negotiable event of Christianity. Paul writes that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile and we are still in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:17).
Why It Matters
The resurrection is not merely a past event but the foundation of the Christian's present life and future hope. It declares Jesus's victory over sin, death, and Satan; vindicates His claims to be the Son of God; and guarantees the future resurrection of all who trust in Him.
Key Verses
The most important scripture passages relating to The Resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:20
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
Context
Paul's triumphant declaration, Christ's resurrection is not isolated but the beginning of a harvest, the guarantee that all who are His will also rise.
John 11:25–26
“Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die."”
Context
Jesus speaks these words before raising Lazarus, claiming not just the power over death but to be its very answer.
Romans 10:9
“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Context
Belief in the resurrection is not optional Christian doctrine, Paul places it at the very center of the saving confession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the resurrection physical or spiritual?
The New Testament is clear that the resurrection was bodily and physical. The tomb was empty. Jesus showed his disciples his hands and feet (Luke 24:39–40). Thomas touched his wounds (John 20:27). He ate fish with them (Luke 24:42–43). And yet His resurrection body had new properties, He could appear in locked rooms and was not immediately recognized. It was a transformed physical body, not a ghost.
How many people witnessed the risen Jesus?
Paul lists the appearances in 1 Corinthians 15:5–8: Cephas (Peter), then the twelve, then more than 500 brothers at one time, then James, then all the apostles, and finally Paul himself. The multiple-witness nature of the resurrection was central to the early church's proclamation.
Why does the resurrection matter for everyday life?
The resurrection means death is defeated, not just future death but the daily death of sin's power over us. It means God's yes to Jesus is God's yes to all who are in Him. It gives Christians both a living hope for eternity (1 Peter 1:3) and the power of God's Spirit for today (Romans 8:11).