Jesus spoke about a future resurrection for everyone. God will raise up all people to eternal life or to judgment (Mark 12:26–27; John 5:28–29; 6:39–40, 44, 54; 11:25–26; see also Luke 20:34–36). When Jesus returns, all his followers will resurrect to be with him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; see also 2 Corinthians 5:1–10).
This strong hope defined the perspective of early Christians. They endured suffering by focusing on the life to come (2 Corinthians 4:16–18; compare Hebrews 12:2). They expected Jesus to return, resurrect their bodies, and anticipated living with him forever (1 Peter 1:3–6, 23). They based their faith on the foundation of Jesus’ own bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12–20; Acts 4:33; see also 2 Corinthians 4:14).
Resurrection bodies will be very different from the bodies we have now, which have limits and weaknesses. These new bodies will be like Christ's own resurrection body: glorious, strong, never dying, and spiritual (1 Corinthians 15:35–58).
Christians are already united to Christ, so they begin experiencing resurrection life now. They "were raised" with Christ and are "alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:4–11; 8:10–11; Colossians 2:12). Their lives now focus on spiritual realities of heaven, not worldly things (Colossians 3:1–4). Christians can experience the transforming power of this new life, which frees them from sin and death (Romans 8:1–4). In all challenges, they trust in God's resurrection power, not themselves (2 Corinthians 1:9).
Passages for Further Study
Job 19:25–27; Psalms 16:10; 49:15; Daniel 12:2–3; Matthew 16:21; 28:1–10; Mark 12:18–27; John 3:13–16; 5:25–30; 6:39–40; 11:21–27; Acts 2:23–24; 3:14–15; 4:33; 10:39–41; 17:2–3; 24:15; 26:22–23; Romans 1:4; 4:25; 6:4–11; 8:10–11; 1 Corinthians 15:12–58; 2 Corinthians 1:8–9; 4:13–18; 5:1–10; Ephesians 1:19–20; Colossians 2:12; 3:1–4; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 1 Peter 1:3–6, 23; Revelation 20:11–15; 21:1–7; 22:1–6