I Believe in the Resurrection of the Body

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: Revelation 20; Lord's Day 22
Psalters: 207, 38, 79, 32
  1. The resurrection of the soul.
    1. Man is made up of body and soul (internal: mind, will, conscience, emotions).
      1. There is the resurrection of the soul before the resurrection of the body, so it is called the “first resurrection” (Rev. 20:.4,5).
      2. Death breaks up the union of the body and the soul.
    2. The resurrection of the soul is immediately after physical death (Luke 16:22; 23:43).
      1. This we know with certainty, but its exact nature is unknown to us who are still only earthly.
      2. As wonderful as it is, our soul’s existence in communion with Christ gets better.
    3. Holding these truths from Scripture, we reject other teachings: annihilation, “soul sleep” and purgatory.
  2. The resurrection of the body (the second resurrection).
    1. This takes place when Jesus returns (John 5:28,29; I Thess. 4:16,17).
    2. With what body?
      1. While we see the body die and be buried (turns to dust), it shall be raised (Job 19:26).
      2. Our bodies are created material now and they will be created material in glory, i.e., a visible creature.
      3. The form of our resurrected bodies will be such that they will be perfectly fit to glorify God forever.
    3. The same faith which embraces God and Christ embraces the hope of the resurrection of the body.
      1. We are saved totally - not just our souls, but also our bodies.
      2. For those exercising faith, death is without sting and the grave is without victory.