Disciples Digital Library

Paul revealed a mystery to the Corinthians. Believers who remain alive when Jesus returns will be transformed and receive immortal bodies . Certain members of the Corinthian congregation were denying the future resurrection of believers. Paul responded by stressing the necessity for resurrection. He also appealed to Christ’s past Death and Resurrection as the precedent of our resurrection. We will be raised bodily when he “ arrives <…> at the last trumpet ,” and those saints still alive will be transformed.

Paul reminded Timothy of the resurrection of Jesus and his victory over death since false teachers were denying the future resurrection of believers . Paul responded to false teachings about the resurrection of believers in his second letter to Timothy. Certain voices denied this essential truth. “ God did not give us a spirit of fear but of a sound mind ,” and this included overcoming our anxieties about death. Jesus was victorious over death and now gives men and women life “ through the Gospel .”

The arrival of Jesus with great glory will result in the resurrection of the righteous dead, and the end of Death itself  - 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. Paul responded to believers who denied the coming resurrection of the righteous by stressing the necessity of resurrection for our salvation and life in the new creation. He pointed to Christ’s past Death and Resurrection as the precedent for and guarantee of our own resurrection.  We will be raised bodily when Jesus arrives from the heavens.