PRINCIPLES OF THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

And of resurrection of the dead.( Hebrews 6:2)

This is mentioned as the fifth element or principle of the Christian religion as taught by Apostle Paul in the book of Hebrews.

The whole of the Christian faith is based upon this assertion. Job prophesised of it many years even before the Lord Jesus arrived on the scene.

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. (Job 19:25-27)

The Patriarch Abraham to whom the promised was given also believed in the resurrection of dead. He believed Lord God was able to raise Isaac from the dead even if he offered him as a sacrifice to the Lord.

Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure (Hebrew 11: 19)

Elisha an old testament prophet also believed in the resurrection of the body. By bringing back to life the son of the Shunamite woman, proved that one day there is going to be a resurrection of the body.

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. (2Kings 4:35)

Apostle Paul again reiterated in Corinthians that there is going to be a resurrection of the dead.

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (Corinthians 15:52)

The Pharisee believed in the resurrection of the body. Apostle Paul who was later called by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was a pharisee.

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; (Philippines 3:5)

However, the doctrine of the resurrection was denied by the Sadducees;

Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, (Mark 12:18),

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. (Acts 23:8)

and was ridiculed by philosophers,

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, we will hear thee again of this matter (Acts 17:32).

Some even during the days of Apostle Paul overthrew the belief of many teaching that the resurrection of the dead is passed.

And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (2 Timothy 2:17-18)

It was, however, clearly taught by the Saviour, and became one of the cardinal doctrines of his religion

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (John 11:25)

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:28-29)

The question about the resurrection included the whole inquiry about the future state, or whether man would live at all in the future world.

Compare (Mathew 22:23; Acts 23:6.) This is one of the most important subjects that can come before the human mind, and one on which man has felt more perplexity than any other. The belief of the resurrection of the dead is an elementary article in the system of Christianity. It lies at the foundation of all our hopes. Christianity is designed to prepare us for a future state; and one of the first things, therefore, in the preparation, is to assure us that there/s a future state, and to tell us what it is. It is, moreover, a peculiar doctrine of Christianity.

The belief of the resurrection is found in no other system of religion, nor is there a ray of light shed upon the future condition of man by any other scheme of philosophy or religion.

God bless you for reading.

Shalom!