True Christian preaching is centered on the fact that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead so that believers may have victory over sin and death and receive the blessings of eternal life.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ Is Foretold.

In Scripture: 1 Cor. 15:3-4; cf. Ps. 16:10; 49:15; Isa. 53:10-12; Hos. 6:2; Luke 24:46; Acts 2:29-31; 26:22-23.

By Jesus Christ: Matt. 16:21; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22 cf. Matt. 12:40; the sign of Jonah; Matt. 17:9; Mark 9:9; the transfiguration; Matt. 17:22-23; 20:18-19; 26:32; Mark 9:31; 10:33-34; 14:28; Luke 18:31-33; John 2:19-22; Jesus Christ clears the temple. John 16:16.

The Resurrection Is Preached by the Apostles.

Acts 4:33; cf. Acts 2:24-32; 10:40-41; 17:2-3; Acts 10:18,31.

The Certainty of the Resurrection.

Acts 1:3; cf. 1 Cor. 15:3-8

These verses particularly stress the physical reality of the risen Christ:

Luke 24:36-43; John 20:26-28.

The Necessity of the Resurrection.

1 Cor. 15:17; cf. John 20:9.

The Results of Jesus Christ's Resurrection.

God's power is demonstrated: Eph. 1:19-20; cf. Acts 2:24; 1 Cor. 6:14.

The sonship of Jesus Christ is declared: Rom. 1:4; cf. Acts 13:33.

The lordship of Jesus Christ is declared: Rom. 14:9.

The lordship of Jesus Christ is seen in that he was raised to the right hand of God: Acts 5:30-31; Eph. 1:20-22; 2 Cor. 5:15.

The destruction of death's power is declared: Rev. 1:18; cf. Acts 2:24; Rom. 6:9.

The Benefits of Jesus Christ's Resurrection for Believers.

It is the foundation of salvation: Rom. 4:25; cf. John 11:25-26; Rom. 10:9; 1 Pet. 1:21; 3:21.

It provides the power to live for God: Rom. 6:4; cf. Rom. 7:4; 8:11; Eph. 2:4-7; Phil. 3:8-11; Col. 2:12; 3:1; Heb. 13:20-21.

The intercession of Jesus Christ depends upon it: Rom. 8:34; cf. Heb. 7:25.

It brings assurance of resurrection to eternal life: 1 Cor. 6:14; cf. Rom. 6:5; 1 Cor. 15:20-22; 2 Cor. 4:14; 1 Thess. 4:14; 1 Pet. 1:3-4.

Spiritual Resurrection.

The gospel brings new life to men and women, who lived in death and darkness until they came to faith. The New Testament emphasis upon "being made alive in Christ" is closely linked to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Being Made Alive in Christ.

Eph. 2:1, 4, 5, 6; cf. Ezek. 37:1-14.

Crossing Over From Death to Life.

John 5:24-26; cf. Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 15:17; Col. 2:13.

Believers Continue to Live by the Power of the Risen Christ.

Phil. 4:13; cf. 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 3:10.

Results of Being Made Alive in Christ.

Spiritual desires: Col. 3:1-2.

Spiritual assurance: Col. 3:3-4; cf. John 5:24.

Spiritual appetite: 1 Pet. 2:1-3; cf. John 3:3, 6.

Commitment to God: Rom. 6:13.

Love for fellow believers: 1 Jn. 3:14.

Spiritual character: Rom. 7:4; cf. Gal. 5:22-23.

Resurrection of the Dead.

Scripture speaks of a general resurrection of all people at the end of time, which will be followed by judgment.

The Resurrection of the Dead Predicted:

In the Old Testament: Dan. 12:2.

By Jesus Christ: John 5:28-29.

The Resurrection of the Dead Will Occur at Jesus Christ's Return.

Rev. 20:12-13; cf. Acts 17:31; 1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:16.

The Resurrection of the Dead Includes Both the Righteous and Wicked.

Acts 24:15; cf. Matt. 25:31-32.

Attitudes to the Resurrection of the Dead.

Denial by false teachers: 1 Cor. 15:12; cf. Matt. 22:23; Mark 12:18; Luke 20:27; Acts 23:8; 2 Tim. 2:18.

Ridicule from unbelievers: Acts 17:18, 32.

Unbelief: Acts 26:8; cf. Matt. 22:29-32; Mark 12:24-27; Luke 20:34-38; 1 Cor. 15:35-44.

Resurrection of Believers.

The future event of finally being raised to glory with Jesus Christ. Believers may rest assured that, on account of their faith, they will share in the resurrection and glory of Christ and be with him forever.

The Nature of the Resurrection of Believers.

A resurrection to eternal life: John 11:25-26; cf. Dan. 12:3; Luke 20:35-36; John 5:24-25.

Being completely united to Jesus Christ: Rom. 6:5; cf. John 6:39, 44; Acts 26:23; Rom. 6:8; 1 Cor. 6:14; 15:20-23; 2 Cor. 4:14; Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. 4:16; 2 Tim. 2:11.

It leads to becoming like Jesus Christ: 1 Cor. 15:49; cf. Ps. 17:15; Matt. 22:24-30; Mark 12:18-25; 1 Cor. 15:51-53; Phil. 3:21; 1 Jn. 3:2.

The Resurrection As the Future Hope of Believers.

1 Cor. 15:19; 1 Thess. 4:13-14. In the New Testament the death of believers is often likened to sleep. Job 19:23-27; Ps. 49:15; 71:20; Isa. 26:19; Dan. 12:3; Hos. 13:14; John 11:24; Acts 23:6; 24:15; 2 Cor. 5:1-4; 2 Tim. 1:10.

The Resurrection As an Incentive to Godliness and Perseverance.

1 Cor. 15:58; cf. Luke 14:12-14; 1 Cor. 15:30-32; 2 Cor. 5:6-10; Phil. 1:20-21; Heb. 11:35; 1 Jn. 3:3.

The Resurrection As an Incentive to Endurance of Suffering.

Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:11-12; cf. John 12:24-25; Acts 14:22; 1 Pet. 4:12-13.

Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ will return visibly and in glory at the end of history to raise the dead, judge the world, destroy all evil and opposition to God and consummate his kingdom. Believers are encouraged to be prepared for his return, waiting with eagerness and joy.

The Second Coming Is Foretold.

In the Old Testament: Dan. 7:13-14; cf. Ps. 72:2-4; Isa. 2:2-4; Mic. 4:1-3; Isa. 11:4-9; 40:5.

By Jesus Christ: Matt. 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27; cf. Matt. 16:27; 25:31; Mark 14:62; Luke 12:40; John 14:3, 28.

By the angels at Jesus Christ's ascension: Acts 1:11.

By the apostles: Phil. 3:20; cf. Acts 3:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:7; 11:26; 1 Thess. 1:10; 3:13; 4:16; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Heb. 9:28.

New Testament Terms for the Second Coming.

"Parousia" Meaning literally "presence" or "coming", the term was used in the New Testament world of a royal visit: Matt. 24:3; James 5:7-8; 2 Pet. 3:4; 1 Jn. 2:28.

"Apocalypsis" Meaning literally "unveiling", "apocalypsis" suggests that the second coming will make visible that which is already true of Jesus Christ but presently hidden from human sight: Luke 17:30; 1 Cor. 1:7; 2 Thess. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:7; 4:13.

"Epiphaneia" Meaning literally "appearing" or "manifestation", the term suggests coming out into view from a hidden background: 2 Thess. 2:8; 1 Tim. 6:14; 2 Tim. 4:1; Titus 2:13.

Events That Will Precede the Second Coming.

The universal preaching of the gospel: Matt. 24:14; 28:19-20; Mark 13:10; Acts 1:7-8.

The persecution of believers: Matt. 24:9; Mark 13:9; Luke 21:12 cf. Matt. 24:12-13; 24:21-22; Mark 13:12-13; 13:19-20; Luke 21:16-17; 2 Tim. 3:1; Rev. 7:14.

Apostasy, nominal religion and godlessness: 1 Tim. 4:1; cf. Matt. 24:10; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Pet. 3:3-4.

The revelation of the antichrist: 1 Jn. 2:18. The antichrist is a name given to the one who will lead opposition to God's kingdom. It appears to refer to an individual but may denote a corporate movement. Dan. 7:20-22; 2 Thess. 2:3-4; 1 Jn. 4:3; Rev. 13:1-10.

The appearance of false Christs and false prophets: Matt. 24:24; Mark 13:16, 22; cf. Matt. 7:15; 24:11; 24:5; Luke 17:23; 21:8; 2 Jn 7.

Wars and rumors of wars: Matt. 24:6-7; Mark 13:7-8; Luke 21:9-10.

Famines and earthquakes: Matt. 24:7-8; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11.

Cosmic changes: Matt. 24:29; Mark 13:24; Luke 21:25-26.

The Timing of the Second Coming.

At God's appointed time: Acts 3:20-21; cf. Matt. 24:36; Mark 13:32; Luke 17:20-30; Acts 1:7; 2 Pet. 3:9.

Unexpectedly: 1 Thess. 5:1-2; cf. Matt. 24:27; 24:43-44; Luke 12:39-40; 17:24; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 3:3; 16:15.

After a delay: Matt. 25:5. Part of a parable concerning the coming of Jesus Christ who is represented by the bridegroom. Matt. 25:19; 2 Pet. 3:3-9.

Imminently: Matt. 24:30-34; Mark 13:26-30; Luke 21:27-32; cf. John 21:22; Rom. 13:11-12; James 5:8-9; Rev. 3:11; 22:7, 20.

The Manner of the Second Coming.

Jesus Christ's personal return: Acts 1:11; cf. Acts 3:20; 1 Thess. 4:16; Heb. 9:28.

A visible and glorious return: Rev. 1:7; cf. Matt. 24:30; 26:64; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27; Acts 1:9.

With the sound of a trumpet: Matt. 24:31; 1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:16.

With angels: Matt. 16:27; 24:31; 2 Thess. 1:7.

The Purpose of the Second Coming.

To raise the dead: 1 Cor. 15:22-23 cf. John 5:28-29; 1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:16.

To judge all people: Ps. 96:13 cf. Ps. 98:9; Matt. 16:27; 25:31-32; 2 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 20:11-15; 22:12.

To judge the wicked: 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Matt. 24:51; Rom. 2:5; 2 Pet. 3:7; Jude 1:15.

To separate the wicked from the righteous: Matt. 25:31-32; cf. Matt. 24:40-41; Luke 17:34-35.

To destroy all evil and opposition to God's kingdom: 2 Thess. 2:8; cf. 1 Cor. 15:24-26; Rev. 20:10, 14.

To reward believers: Matt. 24:46-47; Luke 12:37; 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 5:4; 1 Jn. 3:1.

To gather the church together: John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:17; 2 Thess. 2:1.

To bring final salvation: Luke 21:28; Heb. 9:28.

To transform the saints into his likeness: 1 Cor. 15:51-52; Phil. 3:20-21; Col. 3:4.

To end the present age: Matt. 24:3; 1 Cor. 15:24; 2 Pet. 3:10, 12.

To restore and renew all things: Acts 3:21; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1-5.

Reactions at Jesus Christ's Second Coming.

All peoples will mourn. Matt. 24:30. His people will marvel. 2 Thess. 1:10.

Present Implications of the Second Coming for Believers.

They must always be watchful and ready: Matt. 24:42-44; cf. Matt. 25:10; Mark 13:35; Luke 12:35-36.

They must be faithful stewards: Matt. 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27.

They must eagerly expect his coming: 1 Cor. 1:7; cf. Luke 21:28; Phil. 3:20; Titus 2:13.

They must endure suffering with patient endurance: Matt. 24:13; 1 Pet. 1:6-7.

They must wait patiently: 1 Thess. 1:10; James 5:7-8.

It is an incentive to holiness: 1 Jn. 3:2-3; cf. Col. 3:4-5; 1 Tim. 6:14; 2 Pet. 3:11; 1 Jn. 2:23, 28.

It is an incentive to mission: 2 Tim. 4:1-2; cf. 2 Pet. 3:12.

(From: The Dictionary of Bible Themes: An Accessible & Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies)

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