The Resurrection: The Foundation of Our Faith

The Resurrection: The Foundation of Our Faith

Introduction: If Christ Is Not Raised…

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not merely one doctrine among many—it is the foundation upon which the entire Christian faith stands or falls. Paul said it plainly: “If Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17, NLT). Without the resurrection, the Gospel collapses into wishful thinking, and the New Testament becomes little more than moral commentary. Yet with it, death is defeated, sin is conquered, and our hope becomes unshakable.

And this doctrine is not isolated to one event on Easter Sunday. The resurrection is both the central historical event of the Gospel and a future promise for believers—bodily resurrection and eternal life. It is also spiritual in its current impact, as we are raised to walk in newness of life now (Romans 6:4).

This article will explore the doctrine of the resurrection in all its biblical dimensions: Christ’s resurrection, our future resurrection, the meaning of the Greek term ἀνάστασις (anastasis, Strong’s G386), and the ways false teachings seek to distort or diminish this critical truth.

I. The Meaning of Resurrection: ἀνάστασις (Anastasis)

The Greek word used throughout the New Testament for resurrection is:

• ἀνάστασις (anastasis)

• Transliteration: anastasis

• Strong’s: G386

• Definition: A rising again; specifically, the bodily rising from the dead.

In secular Greek, anastasis was rarely used for anything metaphorical—it referred to physical standing up after being laid down. In Scripture, the meaning is overwhelmingly literal and physical. While the term is sometimes used spiritually (e.g., “raised to new life”), the primary emphasis is bodily resurrection—especially when referring to Jesus and our future hope.

Related Terms:

• ἐγείρω (egeirō, G1453): “to raise up,” often used of God raising Jesus.

• ζωοποιέω (zōopoieō, G2227): “to make alive,” used of spiritual and physical resurrection.

II. Christ’s Bodily Resurrection: The Firstfruits

The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is presented in all four Gospels as a literal, physical, historical event. Jesus was crucified, died, buried, and then bodily rose from the dead on the third day, appearing to many witnesses.

Key Scriptures:

• “He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.” (Matthew 28:6, NLT)

• “Christ died for our sins... he was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day... He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–5, NLT)

Context Note (1 Corinthians 15):

Paul emphasizes that more than 500 people saw the risen Christ (v.6), establishing eyewitness testimony. His aim is not to create spiritual metaphor but to affirm a historical event.

III. Our Future Resurrection

Jesus’ resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of believers. Paul calls Christ the “firstfruits”—the initial sheaf of the harvest that signals the rest to come.

• “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have died.” (1 Corinthians 15:20, LEB)

Key Promises:

• “There is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.” (1 Corinthians 15:23, NLT)

• “But we are citizens of heaven... He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own.” (Philippians 3:20–21, NLT)

IV. The Spiritual Resurrection Now

The New Testament also speaks of a present, spiritual resurrection for those who are in Christ:

• “Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death?... just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too may live new lives.” (Romans 6:3–4, NLT)

• “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven...” (Colossians 3:1, NLT)

This spiritual resurrection is not merely symbolic. It is regeneration—a resurrection of the soul. But it always looks forward to the full resurrection of the body.

V. Refuting False Teachings About the Resurrection

1. “Jesus rose spiritually, not bodily”

Refuted by: Luke 24:39

“Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do!” (NLT)

2. “Resurrection is just a metaphor for inner renewal”

Refuted by: John 5:28–29

“...all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out...” (NLT)

3. “The resurrection already happened spiritually”

This error was taught by Hymenaeus and Philetus, and Paul condemned it:

“They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.” (2 Timothy 2:18, NLT)

4. “We go straight to heaven with a spiritual body and bypass resurrection”

Refuted by:

1 Corinthians 15:51–52Paul affirms a future transformation at the last trumpet, not immediate replacement at death.

VI. The Power of the Resurrection in Daily Life

Paul didn’t just see the resurrection as past or future—it was a source of power now.

• “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10, NLT)

• “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.” (Romans 8:11, NLT)

Resurrection power empowers us to resist sin, endure suffering, walk in holiness, and live in joyful anticipation of the life to come.

VII. The Resurrection in Judgment

Resurrection is not only a reward—it’s a reality for all, including unbelievers.

• “There will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” (Acts 24:15, LEB)

• “...those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment.” (John 5:29, NLT)

Everyone will rise—but not everyone will rejoice.

VIII. Theological Summary

• The resurrection is bodily, not merely spiritual

• Christ’s resurrection is the firstfruits of ours

• Spiritual resurrection happens now, bodily later

• False teachings about resurrection are dangerous

• Unbelievers will also be raised—for judgment

Conclusion: Raised with Him—Now and Forever

The resurrection is more than a historical event or theological concept. It is the beating heart of the Gospel. It proclaims that sin is defeated, death is undone, and Jesus is Lord over all. For the believer, resurrection is not just hope for the future—it’s life-transforming power now.

As Paul said, “If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone in the world.” (1 Corinthians 15:19, NLT). But we are not to be pitied. We are to be raised—just as He was. That is our living hope.