Hope and Prophecy

What Is the Resurrection of the Dead?

The resurrection of the dead is the future event when Christ returns and raises the righteous dead to eternal life with glorified bodies, fulfilling the central Christian hope of victory over death.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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State of the DeadSecond Coming

Biblical explanation

Paul describes this future event vividly: “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout... and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (), an event coordinated precisely with Christ's visible return. He also explains the nature of the resurrected body, describing it as imperishable, glorious, and powerful, unlike the natural body that dies (), while affirming genuine continuity between the mortal and resurrected body, much as a seed relates to the plant it becomes (). Paul calls this the Christian's central hope, without which faith would be in vain (), since Christ's own resurrection guarantees and previews this future victory for all who trust in Him.

In brief

Paul describes this future event vividly: “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout...

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.