unraveling the end

Unraveling the End Unraveling the End

Week #13 (final session)Week #13 (final session)

Resurrection of the Dead Ones (plural)Resurrection of the Dead Ones (plural)

Synthesis Solution to Four Competing ViewsSynthesis Solution to Four Competing Views

Resurrection of the Dead OnesResurrection of the Dead Ones

One Qualification or DelimitationOne Qualification or Delimitation

• Only address the Only address the bodilybodily resurrection of resurrection of deceaseddeceased believers. believers.

• NotNot the resurrection or destiny of the resurrection or destiny of unbelieversunbelievers..

• Nor Nor spiritualspiritual resurrection of resurrection of alivealive believers. believers.


Two Prerequisite Events Two Prerequisite Events

1.1. Jesus has finished Jesus has finished preparingpreparing Heaven, Heaven, and and come againcome again to to receivereceive his disciples his disciples to where He is (John 14:1-3). to where He is (John 14:1-3).

2.2. The The deaddead have been have been raisedraised (1 Thess. (1 Thess. 4:15b).4:15b).

Remember:Remember: “No one” (John 3:13; 13:33, 36). “No one” (John 3:13; 13:33, 36).


• WhereWhere did they did they gogo? ?

• HadesHades, Abraham’s bosom, Sheol , Abraham’s bosom, Sheol

(Luke 16:19-31; Matt. 12:40; 16:18; 1 Pet. (Luke 16:19-31; Matt. 12:40; 16:18; 1 Pet. 3:18-20; 4:6; Eph. 4:9; Rev. 1:18; 6:8; 3:18-20; 4:6; Eph. 4:9; Rev. 1:18; 6:8; 20:13-14; Ezek. 26:20; 31:14, 16; 32:18-20:13-14; Ezek. 26:20; 31:14, 16; 32:18-30; Job 3:13-19; Isa. 53:8-9; 24:21-22; 30; Job 3:13-19; Isa. 53:8-9; 24:21-22; 25:8; 28:18; Hos. 13:14; Psa. 49:15).25:8; 28:18; Hos. 13:14; Psa. 49:15).


• OneOne of the of the centralcentral truthstruths of Christianity. of Christianity.

• OneOne of the four of the four “chief moments.”“chief moments.”

• BasedBased upon upon JesusJesus’ bodily resurrection. ’ bodily resurrection.

• But the But the howhow and and whenwhen an individual an individual believer believer participatesparticipates . . . . . .

• Distorted, confused, and misunderstood Distorted, confused, and misunderstood conceptsconcepts. .

• NoNo more! more!


Two Topical Areas:Two Topical Areas:

1.1. Order and Time of Fulfillment.Order and Time of Fulfillment.

2.2. Nature of Bodily Resurrection Reality.Nature of Bodily Resurrection Reality.


Order and Time of FulfillmentOrder and Time of Fulfillment• Daniel 12:2, 13 . . . 4, 7.Daniel 12:2, 13 . . . 4, 7.• Ezekiel 37 – Valley of dry bones.Ezekiel 37 – Valley of dry bones.• John 5:28-29.John 5:28-29.• 1 Thess. 4:13-18.1 Thess. 4:13-18.• Matt. 24: 31, 34.Matt. 24: 31, 34.• 1 Cor. 15:20-23 – an order.1 Cor. 15:20-23 – an order.• 1 Cor. 15:51-58. 1 Cor. 15:51-58.


Order of FulfillmentOrder of FulfillmentBut Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the the firstfruitsfirstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. BUT EACH [BUT EACH [every manevery man] IN HIS OWN TURN ] IN HIS OWN TURN [[orderorder]: ]: ChristChrist, the , the firstfruitsfirstfruits; then, when he comes ; then, when he comes [at his coming], [at his coming], thosethose who belong to him. who belong to him.

1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (Caps added).1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (Caps added).


Order and Time of FulfillmentOrder and Time of FulfillmentFour Stages:Four Stages:

““The historically defensible interpretation has The historically defensible interpretation has greatest authority. greatest authority.

That is, interpreters can have maximum That is, interpreters can have maximum confidence in their understanding of a text when confidence in their understanding of a text when they base that understanding on historically they base that understanding on historically defensible arguments.”defensible arguments.”

Klein, Blomberg & Hubbard, Jr., Klein, Blomberg & Hubbard, Jr., Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, 149.Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, 149.



• Stage 1Stage 1. Jesus’ Resurrection—the . Jesus’ Resurrection—the firstfirst physical physical evidence.evidence.

• Stage 2Stage 2. Resurrection of Many [not all] Old . Resurrection of Many [not all] Old Testament Saints from Their GravesTestament Saints from Their Graves

—— the the secondsecond physical evidence. physical evidence.• Stage 3Stage 3. The Harvest—Resurrection Day for . The Harvest—Resurrection Day for

the Rest of the Dead—a the Rest of the Dead—a thirdthird physical evidence.physical evidence.

• Stage 4Stage 4. The . The OngoingOngoing Reality. Reality.


STAGE 1. Jesus’ Resurrection—the first STAGE 1. Jesus’ Resurrection—the first physical evidence.physical evidence.

• MarkedMarked the beginning. the beginning.• NotNot an an isolatedisolated event. event.• ““FirstbornFirstborn from the dead” or “the from the dead” or “the firstfirst to to

rise from the dead” (Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5; rise from the dead” (Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5; Acts 26:23). Acts 26:23).

• ““betterbetter resurrection” (Heb. 11:35). resurrection” (Heb. 11:35). • to die to die no moreno more (Rom. 6:9). (Rom. 6:9).


STAGE 1. Jesus’ Resurrection—the first STAGE 1. Jesus’ Resurrection—the first physical evidence.physical evidence.

• ““FirstfruitsFirstfruits” or first ” or first portionportion (1 Cor. 15:20, (1 Cor. 15:20, 23). 23).

• From Leviticus 23. From Leviticus 23.

• Exod. 23:16, 19; 34:26.Exod. 23:16, 19; 34:26.

• ““FirstFirst of the firstfruits” (Exod. 23:19; 34:26; of the firstfruits” (Exod. 23:19; 34:26; Ezek. 44:30 Ezek. 44:30 KJVKJV). ).


STAGE 2. Resurrection of Many [not all] STAGE 2. Resurrection of Many [not all] Old Testament Saints from Their Old Testament Saints from Their

Graves—the second physical evidence.Graves—the second physical evidence.

• Matthew 27:51-53.Matthew 27:51-53.

• John 5:28, 29.John 5:28, 29.

• “Resurrection is past already” (2 Tim. 2:18; 2 Thess. 1-2)?


STAGE 2. Resurrection of Many [not all] Old STAGE 2. Resurrection of Many [not all] Old Testament Saints from Their Graves—the Testament Saints from Their Graves—the

second physical evidence.second physical evidence. • ““Why should any of you consider it incredible Why should any of you consider it incredible

that God that God raises the dead?” (Acts 26:8). raises the dead?” (Acts 26:8). • ““Dead” is actually in the Dead” is actually in the pluralplural. . • ““Dead ones” or “dead persons.” Dead ones” or “dead persons.” • Also used in Acts 17:32; 23:6; 24:21; 1 Cor. Also used in Acts 17:32; 23:6; 24:21; 1 Cor.

15:12, 13, 15, 16).15:12, 13, 15, 16).• ““through Jesus the resurrection from the through Jesus the resurrection from the deaddead” ”

(Acts 4:2). (Acts 4:2).


STAGE 2. Resurrection of Many [not all] Old STAGE 2. Resurrection of Many [not all] Old Testament Saints from Their Graves—the Testament Saints from Their Graves—the

second physical evidence.second physical evidence. “…“…I believe everything that agrees with the Law I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there the same hope in God as these men, that there WILL BE WILL BE [to be about to be][to be about to be] a resurrection of a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” both the righteous and the wicked.”

Acts 24:15 (caps added).Acts 24:15 (caps added).


STAGE 2. STAGE 2. Two Major Objections: Two Major Objections:

• A.D. 58A.D. 58 –“I –“I desiredesire to depart and be with Christ, to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Phil. 1:23). which is far better” (Phil. 1:23).

• A.D. 56A.D. 56—“absent from the body [i.e. a human —“absent from the body [i.e. a human body], present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). body], present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8).

• TeachTeach that Heaven was that Heaven was openopen back back thenthen. . • Paul Paul contradictingcontradicting Jesus? Jesus?


STAGE 2. STAGE 2.

• ““When he ascended up on high, he led When he ascended up on high, he led captives in his train…” (Eph. 4:8; Psa. captives in his train…” (Eph. 4:8; Psa. 68:18). 68:18).

• [in KJV “… he led captivity captive…”] [in KJV “… he led captivity captive…”]

• Rev. 6:9-11; Rev. 7. Rev. 6:9-11; Rev. 7.

• LitLit. . GreekGreek: “He led captive captivity.”: “He led captive captivity.”


STAGE 3. The Harvest—Resurrection STAGE 3. The Harvest—Resurrection Day for the Rest of the Dead—a third Day for the Rest of the Dead—a third

physical evidence.physical evidence.

• When When wouldwould or or werewere the the restrest of the dead of the dead raisedraised??

• ““the the endend of the of the ageage” (Matt. 13:39-40).” (Matt. 13:39-40).

• On “On “lastlast day” (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54). day” (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54).

• John 11:24-25. John 11:24-25.


STAGE 3. STAGE 3. ””In the past God spoke to our forefathers In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these various ways, but in these last last days He days He has spoken to us by his Son….” has spoken to us by his Son….”

((Heb.1:1-2a)Heb.1:1-2a)• ““at the at the endend of the of the daysdays you will rise…” you will rise…”

(Dan. 12:13). (Dan. 12:13). • SomeSome time in A.D. 70-73. time in A.D. 70-73.


STAGE 3. STAGE 3.

• At the sounding of the At the sounding of the lastlast trumpettrumpet!!

• ““Listen, I tell you a mystery. WeListen, I tell you a mystery. We will not all will not all sleepsleep, , but we will allbut we will all be changedbe changed – in a – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the lastlast trumpettrumpet. For the trumpet will . For the trumpet will soundsound, the , the dead will be dead will be raisedraised imperishable, and we imperishable, and we will be will be changedchanged.”.” (1 Cor. 15:51-52). (1 Cor. 15:51-52).


STAGE 3. STAGE 3.

• The The deaddead were were notnot located on the located on the EarthEarth..

• But in the But in the HadeanHadean realm. realm.

• Jesus Jesus descendeddescended into and into and preachedpreached to the to the spiritsspirits of the dead held of the dead held captivecaptive there there

(1 Pet. 3:18-20; 4:6; Eph. 4:9)(1 Pet. 3:18-20; 4:6; Eph. 4:9)

• Post-mortemPost-mortem evangelism! evangelism!


STAGE 3. STAGE 3.

• Informed them that He would return for them on the “last day” of the “last days.”

• “the keys of death and Hades” (Rev. 1:18).

• Took a “firstfruits” group out, into Jerusalem, and onto Heaven.

• Ephesians 4:8 group?


STAGE 3. STAGE 3. • FortyForty (or so) years (or so) years laterlater..• Trumpet Trumpet soundssounds in the in the HadeanHadean realm. realm.• Jesus Jesus unlocksunlocks the gates. the gates.• Literal “Literal “shoutshout” and “” and “voicevoice of the archangel” of the archangel”

(1 Thess. 4:16). (1 Thess. 4:16). • It It comescomes—they’re —they’re gonegone..• EmptiedEmptied out and out and lockedlocked up. up.


STAGE 3. STAGE 3. • OT OT historyhistory and and symbolismsymbolism of trumpets. of trumpets.• Message.Message.• (See Exod. 19:10-20; Lev. 25:8; Num. (See Exod. 19:10-20; Lev. 25:8; Num.

10:1-10; Josh. 6; Judg. 7; Psa. 81:3-5; Isa. 10:1-10; Josh. 6; Judg. 7; Psa. 81:3-5; Isa. 27:13; 58:1; Jer. 4:19-21; Ezek. 33:3-6; 27:13; 58:1; Jer. 4:19-21; Ezek. 33:3-6; Joel 2:1,15; Zeph. 1:14-16; Zech. 9:14; Joel 2:1,15; Zeph. 1:14-16; Zech. 9:14; Amos 3:6). Amos 3:6).

• ““like a like a trumpettrumpet, which , which saidsaid...” (Rev. 1:10)....” (Rev. 1:10).


STAGE 3. STAGE 3.

• Paul’s “last trumpet” is a Paul’s “last trumpet” is a messagemessage. .

• TwofoldTwofold message. message.

• One for the One for the deaddead, one for the , one for the alivealive. .

• SameSame trumpet Jesus said would trumpet Jesus said would soundsound before his “this generation” passed away before his “this generation” passed away (Matt. 24:31, 34). (Matt. 24:31, 34).

• MoreMore than than oneone trumpet. trumpet.


STAGE 3. STAGE 3. • Most likely, Revelation’s Most likely, Revelation’s seventhseventh trumpet trumpet

(Rev. 11:15-18). (Rev. 11:15-18). • ““must must shortlyshortly come to pass” (Rev 1:1; 22:6). come to pass” (Rev 1:1; 22:6). • ““no further [more] no further [more] delaydelay! For in the ! For in the daysdays when when

the the seventhseventh angel is about to angel is about to soundsound his trumpet, his trumpet, the the mysterymystery of God will be of God will be accomplishedaccomplished, just as , just as he announced to his servants the prophets” (Rev he announced to his servants the prophets” (Rev 10:6b-7). 10:6b-7).


STAGE 4. The Ongoing RealitySTAGE 4. The Ongoing Reality

• “How were the alive changed?

• After the “last day” in A.D. 70-73 (range).

• We have the fullness of salvation-resurrection reality.

• No longer is it a future hope.

• It’s now our heritage.


STAGE 4. The Ongoing RealitySTAGE 4. The Ongoing Reality• No longerNo longer go to Hades. go to Hades. • StraightStraight to Heaven from to Heaven from thatthat time time onon!!• LastLast great remaining great remaining obstacleobstacle to eternal to eternal lifelife with with

God was God was eliminated.eliminated. • The “The “lastlast enemy” (1Cor. 15:26). enemy” (1Cor. 15:26). • And And finalfinal power of Satan power of Satan overover God’s people God’s people

(Heb. 2:14-15) (Heb. 2:14-15) • Was Was destroyeddestroyed..



• “death has been death has been swallowedswallowed up in victory” up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54; Isa. 25:8), (1 Cor. 15:54; Isa. 25:8),

• And “And “wewe shall not shall not allall sleep” (1 Cor 15:51; sleep” (1 Cor 15:51; also 1 Thess. 4:14). also 1 Thess. 4:14).

• No moreNo more would the gates of would the gates of HadesHades prevail prevail against Christ’s Church (Matt. 16:18).against Christ’s Church (Matt. 16:18).



• physical DEATH was NOT eliminated.

• Hebrews 9:27 does not change.

• Good news is: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on” (Rev 14:13).

• Back then—on that “last day” in the 1st century.



• “But thanks be to God! He gives us the But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57). Cor. 15:57).

• And He And He hashas. It’s a “done deal!”. It’s a “done deal!”

• ““Therefore Therefore encourageencourage each other with each other with thesethese words” (1 Thess. 4:18). words” (1 Thess. 4:18).



• Stage 1Stage 1. Jesus’ Resurrection—the . Jesus’ Resurrection—the firstfirst physical physical evidence.evidence.

• Stage 2Stage 2. Resurrection of Many [not all] Old . Resurrection of Many [not all] Old Testament Saints from Their GravesTestament Saints from Their Graves

—— the the secondsecond physical evidence. physical evidence.• Stage 3Stage 3. The Harvest—Resurrection Day for . The Harvest—Resurrection Day for

the Rest of the Dead—a the Rest of the Dead—a thirdthird physical evidence.physical evidence.

• Stage 4Stage 4. The . The OngoingOngoing Reality. Reality.


Order and Time of FulfillmentOrder and Time of Fulfillment

• What kind of What kind of bodybody do we get and do we get and whenwhen??


The Nature of Bodily Resurrection RealityThe Nature of Bodily Resurrection Reality

• ThreeThree viable viable optionsoptions::

1. As 1. As disembodieddisembodied, or bodiless, , or bodiless,

spirits /souls.spirits /souls.

2. In 2. In temporarytemporary bodies of some type, bodies of some type, awaiting the traditionally posited awaiting the traditionally posited physical resurrection.physical resurrection.

3. In 3. In eternaleternal resurrection bodies. resurrection bodies.



““This is This is notnot a a problemproblem, because God is , because God is ableable to bring about the to bring about the miraclemiracle of of resurrection resurrection regardlessregardless of our former of our former state.”state.”

““My Answer” column by Billy My Answer” column by Billy Graham, Graham,

Indianapolis Star, October 7, 1992.Indianapolis Star, October 7, 1992.



• ThreeThree viable viable optionsoptions::

1. As 1. As disembodieddisembodied, or bodiless, , or bodiless,

spirits /souls.spirits /souls.

2. In 2. In temporarytemporary bodies of some type, bodies of some type, awaiting the traditionally posited awaiting the traditionally posited physical resurrection.physical resurrection.

3. In 3. In eternaleternal resurrection bodies. resurrection bodies.


The Nature of Bodily Resurrection RealityThe Nature of Bodily Resurrection Reality• Bible Bible nevernever uses the uses the termsterms: : • ““resurrected body,” “resurrection of the body,” resurrected body,” “resurrection of the body,”

“resurrection of the flesh,” or “physical “resurrection of the flesh,” or “physical resurrection.” resurrection.”

• Bible uses two Bible uses two inspiredinspired phrases . . . phrases . . . • ““the resurrection the resurrection ofof the the deaddead” (Matt. 22:31; Acts ” (Matt. 22:31; Acts

17:32; 23:6; 24:15, 21; 1 Cor. 15:12, 13, 21, 42; 17:32; 23:6; 24:15, 21; 1 Cor. 15:12, 13, 21, 42; Heb. 6:2). Heb. 6:2).

• ““resurrection resurrection fromfrom the the deaddead” (Luke 20:35; Acts ” (Luke 20:35; Acts 4:2; Rom. 1:4; Phil. 3:11). 4:2; Rom. 1:4; Phil. 3:11).



Three DescriptionsThree Descriptions

1.1. A “A “SpiritualSpiritual Body” (1 Cor. 15:35-49). Also Body” (1 Cor. 15:35-49). Also see 2 Cor. 5:1-5. see 2 Cor. 5:1-5.

2.2. LikeLike JesusJesus’ resurrected body (Phil. 3:20-’ resurrected body (Phil. 3:20-21. 21.

3.3. Paul’s Paul’s seedseed analogy (1 Cor. 15:35-44) analogy (1 Cor. 15:35-44)..



Paul’s Seed AnalogyPaul’s Seed Analogy

a)a) The The newnew comes from comes from insideinside the the oldold..

b)b) Not allNot all the old ends up the old ends up inin the new. the new.

c)c) Different in Different in appearanceappearance..



““Bones-are-still-in-the-graves” Objection: Bones-are-still-in-the-graves” Objection:

• BizarreBizarre scene—earthly scene—earthly gravesgraves opening up opening up and old physically decayed and old physically decayed corpsescorpses coming out.coming out.

• EvidenceEvidence to the to the contrarycontrary that the that the resurrectionresurrection of the dead has already of the dead has already occurred.occurred.




Three counterpoints:Three counterpoints:

1.1. Jesus’ body was the Jesus’ body was the only oneonly one promised promised notnot to to see see decaydecay (Acts 2:25, 27, also 31; 13:35; from (Acts 2:25, 27, also 31; 13:35; from Psa. 16:10; 49:9).Psa. 16:10; 49:9).

““for for dustdust you are and to you are and to dustdust you will return” you will return” (Gen. 2:7; 3:19; 1 Ki. 2:2; Psa. 90:3).(Gen. 2:7; 3:19; 1 Ki. 2:2; Psa. 90:3).




Three counterpoints:

2. The re-gathering problem.



Four ways to make a human body: Four ways to make a human body:

1)1) WithoutWithout the agency of either a man or woman. the agency of either a man or woman.

2) From 2) From onlyonly a man. a man.

3) Through the 3) Through the unionunion of a man and a woman. of a man and a woman.

4) Through 4) Through justjust a woman. a woman.




Three counterpoints:Three counterpoints:

2. The 2. The re-gatheringre-gathering problem problem..

3. Loosening our 3. Loosening our attachmentattachment to the body to the body sown. sown.


ConclusionConclusion• NoNo scriptural scriptural reasonreason why departed (physically why departed (physically

dead) Christians. dead) Christians. • Are not in Heaven Are not in Heaven todaytoday. . • And And inin their their newnew resurrection spiritual resurrection spiritual bodiesbodies. . • PartPart of the beauty of of the beauty of divinedivine perfectionperfection!!• ““EachEach [every man] in his [every man] in his own turn/orderown turn/order” (1 Cor. ” (1 Cor.

15:23)!15:23)!• CountCount on it. on it. I amI am!!• Jude 3 faithJude 3 faith – “once for all delivered” !!! – “once for all delivered” !!!

Unraveling the EndUnraveling the EndA Biblical Synthesis of Competing ViewsA Biblical Synthesis of Competing Views

unraveling the end

Documents

dead ones stage

dead ones order

better resurrection

jesus bodily resurrection

physical evidence

jesus resurrectionthe

turn order

time of fulfillmentfour