Chapter 9 – The Resurrection of the Dead

While a first-century return of Christ appears plausible based on historical accounts, one must consider the simultaneous promise of the resurrection and judgment of the living and the dead at His return.

Matthew 16:27 (BLB) For the Son of Man is about to come in the glory His Father, with His angels, and then He will give to each according to his deeds.

2 Timothy 4:1 (WNT) I solemnly implore you, in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is about to judge the living and the dead, and by His Appearing and His Kingship

Acts 24:15 (BLB) having a hope in God, which they themselves also await, that there is about to be a resurrection, both of the just and of the unjust.

1 Peter 4:4-5,7 (WEB) They think it is strange that you don’t run with them into the same excess of riot, blaspheming. 5 They will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead… 7 But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.

The timing described in these passages strongly indicates an imminent resurrection during the lifetimes of Jesus’ disciples.

What is the resurrection of the dead, and how can one determine if it has already happened? Many Christians believe that upon death, they immediately go to heaven. This belief is indeed correct as this study will demonstrate, but it hasn’t always been this way. Christians are now privileged to enter heaven upon death because their lives are judged at that very moment. Those who have accepted the forgiveness offered by Christ can immediately enjoy God’s presence.

The Wait in Hades

In the Old Testament, however, saints and sinners alike were not immediately judged. Instead, they awaited the day Christ would return to resurrect and judge the dead. During this period, they were not allowed into heaven but slept in a state of unconsciousness in a temporary holding place known as “Sheol” in Hebrew and “Hades” in Greek.

John 3:13 (WEB) No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man

Ecclesiastes 9:10 (WEB) Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor plan, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, where you are going.

Hades was located under the earth and described poetically as a gloomy place, a pit, or a grave. God did not wish for the Old Covenant saints to enter Hades; this was the curse Adam brought upon humanity when he ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. From that time, all mankind would sleep in Hades instead of entering paradise with God. This curse would only be broken by the resurrection.

Things to study:

1. Heaven was inaccessible before the resurrection (John 3:13; Acts 2:29,34; Hebrews 11:10,16,39-40; John 13:36; 14:2-3; Matthew 25:10-13,19,23,31-34; Luke 14:13-14; 1 Peter 5:4; 2 Timothy 4:8).
2. Sheol and Hades are the same place (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:29-31).
3. Adam cursed humanity with Hades (Genesis 2:17; 3:19).
   1. Humanity was banished from paradise and the “tree of life” (Genesis 3:22-23).
   2. Paradise was located in heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4; Revelation 2:7; 22:1-3).
4. Old Covenant saints and sinners alike waited in Hades (Genesis 37:35; Psalm 9:17; 31:17; 49:14; 88:3; Isaiah 5:14; 38:10).
5. Hades was a place where the dead slept (Job 3:11,13; 14:12; Psalm 13:3; John 11:11-13; Acts 13:36; 1 Corinthians 11:30).
6. Hades was a place of unconsciousness (Psalm 6:5; 17:15; 30:9; 31:17; 88:11; 115:17; 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:5-6,10; Isaiah 38:18-19).

The Resurrection Escape

The resurrection was God’s plan to restore mankind to paradise and dwell in heaven with Him.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (WEB) For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, 17 then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever.

Jesus exemplified the nature of this resurrection: a departure from Hades in a glorified, resurrection body to dwell in heaven.

Things to study:

1. The resurrection was the hope of escaping Hades (1 Samuel 2:6; Isaiah 26:19; 1 Corinthians 15:16,18; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
2. The saints’ resurrection would resemble Christ’s resurrection (Romans 6:5).
   1. Christ waited in Hades (Psalm 16:10; Matthew 12:40; Acts 2:31; John 20:17; Ephesians 4:8-9).
   2. Christ rose in a glorified body (Philippians 3:20-21).
   3. Christ ascended into heaven (John 16:7; Acts 1:9-11; 2:1-4).

Firstfruits and Final Harvest: The Two Resurrections

Scripture, including Hosea 6:2-3, 11; John 5:24-29; Revelation 20:4-5, 11-15, reveals that there are two distinct resurrections:

Revelation 20:5 (WEB) The rest of the dead didn’t live until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

The resurrection is compared to a harvest. In Leviticus 23:10-11, God instructed the Israelites to offer the “firstfruits” of the harvest before gathering the remainder. Similarly, the first resurrection—consisting of believing martyrs—occurred at the same time as Jesus’ resurrection representing the firstfruits (Matthew 27:51-53).

1 Corinthians 15:20,22-23 (WEB) But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruit of those who are asleep…

These firstfruits include:

• Those tortured to receive a “better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35);
• Those “killed for the Word of God” and seen in heaven (Revelation 6:9-10);
• Those “beheaded for their testimony of Christ” (Revelation 20:4).

(For a deeper discussion on the first resurrection, see “Chapter 11, Christ’s Ascension Began the Millennium.”)

The rest of the dead, including both saints and sinners, remained in Hades. Their resurrection would take place on the “last day,” which corresponds to Christ’s return in glory, the defeat of Hades, and the conclusion of the Old Covenant age at the fall of the temple.

1 Corinthians 15:22-23 (WEB) For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are Christ’s, at his coming. 24 Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father, when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death.

(For more on the second resurrection, see “Chapter 12, Timing the Millennium’s End.”)

Things to study:

1. The resurrection is likened to a harvest (Matthew 13:37-43; Revelation 14:13-16).
2. Scripture describes two separate resurrections (Hosea 6:2-3, 11; John 5:24-29; Revelation 20:4-5, 11-15).
3. The first resurrection occurred when Christ rose from the grave with the martyrs as the firstfruits (Matthew 27:51-53; Acts 26:23; 1 Corinthians 15:20; Colossians 1:18).
4. Early Christians continued to sleep in Hades until the second resurrection (1 Corinthians 11:30; 15:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16; 5:10; 1 Peter 1:5-9; Revelation 20:5).
5. The second resurrection would occur at Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 15:22-23; Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:16).
6. The second resurrection would occur on the last day (Job 14:10-14; Daniel 12:2,13; John 6:39-40; 11:24-25).

New Spiritual Bodies

To live again and regain consciousness, the spirits of the dead must be reunited with new bodies.

James 2:26 (WEB) the body apart from the spirit is dead

Psalm 146:4 (WEB) His spirit departs, and he returns to the earth. In that very day, his thoughts perish.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul explains that at the time of the resurrection, the dead will be given new spiritual or heavenly bodies.

1 Corinthians 15:35,44,49 (WEB) “How are the dead raised?” and, “With what kind of body do they come?” …It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body… As we have borne the image of those made of dust, let’s also bear the image of the heavenly.

These bodies will be like the glorious body Christ had at his resurrection and like the bodies of the angels in heaven.

Philippians 3:20-21 (WEB) we also wait for a Savior… who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory

Luke 20:35-36 (WEB) But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead… can’t die any more, for they are like the angels

Such bodies can appear in various forms: they may be invisible or visible, intangible or tangible, shining with glorious light or looking natural and human-like, depending on the Lord’s will.

Luke 24:31 (WEB) Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, then he vanished out of their sight.

Hebrews 3:2 (WEB) Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Things to study:

1. A body and spirit must unite to achieve consciousness (James 2:26; Genesis 2:7; Job 34:14-15; Psalm 146:4; Psalm 104:29; Ezekiel 37:5).
2. The dead would receive “heavenly” or “spiritual” bodies like Christ and the angels (1 Corinthians 15:35,44,49; Luke 20:35-36; Philippians 3:20-21; Romans 8:29; Daniel 12:2-3).
3. Jesus’ glorious body could be invisible or visible, intangible or tangible, appearing in glorious light or in a natural human-like form, and looked somewhat different from his original body (Luke 24:31,37-39; John 20:26-29; Acts 1:9-11; John 20:11-14; 21:3-6; Acts 9:3-5; Revelation 1:13-16; Ezekiel 1:26-28).
4. Angels can be invisible or visible, intangible or tangible, appearing in glorious light or in a natural human-like form (Genesis 18:1-21; 19:1-11; 32:22-32; 2 Kings 6:17; Numbers 22:22-23; Matthew 3:16-17; John 12:28-29; 20:12; Hebrews 1:7; 13:2; Luke 2:9; Matthew 28:2-3; Daniel 10:6; 2 Corinthians 11:14).

A Heavenly Destination

At this resurrection, each person would be judged for their previous life and designated to either heaven or the lake of fire. Jesus specifically reveals the destination of the resurrected saints in John 14:2-3 (WEB):

In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.

Things to Study:

1. Saints weren’t meant to live on earth forever (John 15:19; 17:14,16).
2. Christians expected to be resurrected unto heaven (John 14:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 4:14; John 17:24; 2 Corinthians 5:1-2; Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 11:16,40; 1 Peter 1:4).

Implications of an Unfulfilled Resurrection

The common assumption that the second and final resurrection has not yet occurred has troubling implications. It would mean that Christians today do not enjoy paradise with God when they die. If the final resurrection had not occurred, Christians today would sleep in Hades like the saints of old until the resurrection on the last day.

Many respectable Bible scholars have either ignored or reluctantly accepted this troubling implication, yet insist the final resurrection has not occurred. Some hope that saints somehow enjoy consciousness in God’s presence or heavenly bliss before the resurrection, suggesting that saints dwell in heaven in a disembodied state, like ghosts, waiting for their new spiritual bodies. The need or benefit of receiving these spiritual bodies is generally unexplained. They cite verses such as Ecclesiastes 12:7, Matthew 22:32, Luke 23:43, Acts 7:59, Philippians 1:23-24, 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 as proof texts that the early Christians experienced heaven before the resurrection. They believe heaven was fully opened to all believers at the crucifixion, and the future resurrection is meant to bring them back to an earthly life. However, this argument is uncertain. Some suppose believers will return to earth, others argue they will remain in heaven, but most agree that when Jesus returns, heaven and earth will be united as one entity.¹ However, this approach struggles to fit scripture into this narrative and lacks straightforward Biblical support.

Scriptural Challenges to This View

The Bible indicates that in the final resurrection, the dead will rise from Hades not heaven:

Revelation 20:13 (WEB) Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works.

1 Corinthians 15:55 (WEB) when this perishable body will have become imperishable… then what is written will happen: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” …Hades, where is your victory?”See Hosea 13:14

These passages reinforce the notion that Hades is the domain from which the dead are resurrected, not heaven. Any framework suggesting that believers bypass Hades entirely before the final resurrection must address this inconsistency.

Things to study:

1. Do Ecclesiastes 12:7, Matthew 22:32, Luke 23:43, Acts 7:59, Philippians 1:23-24, 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 support the idea that heaven was available to everyone? See “Chapter 10 – Did Christians Wait in Hades or Heaven?“
2. Where would the dead rise from in the final resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:54-55 [WEB]; Revelation 20:13)?
3. Death and sin continue to exist on the new earth, which would not be the case if the new heaven and new earth merged into one (Isaiah 65:20; Revelation 14:13; 21:27; 22:14-15; Matthew 12:32). See “Chapter 21 – No More Death.”

The First Century Resurrection

The idea that the final resurrection may have already occurred is a source of reassurance, not concern. It would mean that saints today receive their new spiritual bodies immediately upon death and enter heaven. This perspective aligns with numerous scriptures detailing the nature and timing of the resurrection. Veritable near-death experiences provide abundant evidence that believers today experience heaven upon death.²

Given the fact that the saints come from an invisible place (Hades), end up in another hidden place (heaven), and are resurrected in spiritual bodies that may or may not be visible, one may assume that the resurrection was an entirely invisible event. Previous chapters demonstrated that Jesus promised to return in his generation and angelic armies in flaming chariots were seen in 66 AD, as recorded by several historians, implying Christ’s return at that time. Given this information and the promise of a soon-coming resurrection at Christ’s return, it becomes clear that the resurrection has already occurred even without visible evidence.

However, notable historians such as Josephus, Cassius Dio, and Sepher Yossipon recorded remarkable events occurring in 66 AD that fulfilled all Biblical expectations concerning the resurrection of the dead.

Around 66 AD, a semi-visible event coincided with the vision of angelic armies. Daniel Morais, Ph.D., radio broadcaster and founder of the Revelation Revolution Foundation, states:

When the Jewish revolt began, Nero was in Greece building a canal. Concerning the construction of this waterway, Cassius Dio writes, “[W]hen the first workers touched the earth, blood spouted from it, groans and bellowings were heard, and many phantoms appeared. Nero himself thereupon grasped a mattock and by throwing up some of the soil fairly compelled the rest to imitate him.”³ In recording this event, Suetonius indicates that as Nero broke the ground the sound of a trumpet was heard. [Suetonius Lives of the Twelve Caesars 6.19.] The fact that a trumpet was heard at the time in which the dead appear to have been raised clearly fulfills 1 Corinthians 15:52: “For the trumpet will sound, [and] the dead will be raised imperishable…”⁴

(footnotes were translated to references)

Josephus, a renowned first-century Jewish historian, wrote:

…chariots and troops of soldiers in their armour were seen running about among the clouds, and surrounding of cities. Moreover, at that feast which we call Pentecost, as the priests were going by night into the inner [court of the] temple, as their custom was, to perform their sacred ministrations, they said that, in the first place, they felt a quaking, and heard a great noise, and after that they heard a sound as of a great multitude, saying, “Let us remove hence.”⁵

A work called Sepher Yosippon, written in the tenth century, also recorded this event:

When the holiday of Shavu’oth came in those days, during the night the priests heard within the Temple something like the sound of men going and the sound of men marching in a multitude going into the Temple, and a terrible and mighty voice was heard speaking: “Let’s go and leave this House.”⁶

The above accounts align with the anticipated resurrection:

• The ground shook, possibly indicating bodies emerging from their graves.
• Although these bodies were invisible or semi-visible, their voices were heard, consistent with the biblical description of resurrection bodies (Acts 9:5-7).
• This event took place two weeks after the vision of angelic armies on the clouds, fulfilling the expectation that the dead would rise when Christ returned.
• These events unfolded in 66 AD, within the generation of the disciples, fulfilling the condition that the resurrection was imminent.

It is crucial to recognize that the Bible remains entirely trustworthy, regardless of whether the specific historical event mentioned above or another occurrence represents the timely general resurrection of the dead. Since the Bible promises a resurrection within the lifetime of the disciples, believers can have confidence that it has already taken place.

Conclusion

Given the overwhelming evidence, Christians can confidently believe that they will enter heaven immediately upon death without first having to wait in Hades. Since each person is immediately judged upon death, and Hades was thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:13-14), Christians can feel a sense of peace and blessedness knowing that they and their loved ones will be in heaven together.

Revelation 14:13 (WEB) I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.”

Footnotes