The bodily resurrection of all the dead will someday take place. We are not speaking merely of resurrected spirits, because the spirit does not die. Rather we are talking about the resurrection of dead bodies. Yes, it is hard to imagine such an event, yet it definitely will occur.
Those who reject or doubt the resurrection
The Saducees (Acts 4:1,2; Acts 23:7,8)
They were opposed to Christ and helped in conspiring for his crucifixion. They despised the fact that Jesus Himself preached a resurrection from the dead.The Athenians (Acts 17:32)
Paul preached to the Athenians the resurrection and some ridiculed him for it.The Corinthians (1 Corinthians 15:12,35)
These Christians from Corinth rejected the resurrection. They could not understand it and because of this they denied it.Agrippa (Acts 26:8)
Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:18)
These men claimed that the resurrection had already passed by. Some today, even in the Lord's church, are actually teaching the same thing.Doubting the resurrection is an open invitation to reject other fundamental Christian principles. Is our belief in the resurrection possibly only something of a passive belief? Do we have a real conviction of its reality? (1 Corinthians 15:13)
What are the consequences of rejecting the resurrection? Satan is trying to convince us not to believe in a future bodily resurrection of all the dead.
Those who had a strong faith in the resurrection
Abraham (Hebrews 11:19)
Daniel (Daniel 12:2)
The apostles (Acts 4:2,33)
Jesus (John 11:25)
People who were brought back to life
Elijah resurrected a boy (1 Kings 17:22)
Elisha resurrected a boy (2 Kings 4:35)
Jesus resurrected a girl (Mark 5:42)
Jesus resurrected Lazarus (John 11:44)
Peter resurrected Dorcas (Acts 9:40)
These people eventually returned to the grave, but Jesus was different. He died a physical death, returned to life and yet never returned to the the grave - evidence of the greatest resurrection of all. (Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 6:4; 2 Corinthians 4:14; Romans 8:11; 1 John 3:2)
Acts 4:1,2
1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.Acts 23:7,8
7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.Acts 17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
1 Corinthians 15:12,35
12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?Acts 26:8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
2 Timothy 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
1 Corinthians 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
Hebrews 11:19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Acts 4:2,33
2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
1 Kings 17:22 And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.
2 Kings 4:35 Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.
Mark 5:42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
John 11:44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Acts 9:40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
1 Corinthians 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
2 Corinthians 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
