The word “resurrection” means to rise from the dead. In theology, this term does not refer to a simple resuscitation back to the old life (like Lazarus, who would die again), but to a transformation into a new, immortal, glorified body.

The Christian faith rests on the historical event of Christ’s resurrection. This event served as God’s public vindication of Jesus as the perfect Son of God, proving He had defeated sin and death (Acts 2:24). The entirety of Christianity rests on this event. If Christ was not raised, then our faith is worthless (1 Cor 15:17).

Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of the believer’s future resurrection. He is called the “first fruits” of those who have died (1 Cor 15:20), meaning His resurrection is the first of a great harvest to come.

This future event is the final step of salvation (glorification). At Christ’s return, believers will be raised with a “spiritual body”; not an immaterial one, but a physical body that is imperishable, glorified and free from sin (1 Cor 15:42-44). This resurrected body will be conformed to the image and likeness of Christ (Phil 3:21).