Lesson 31
Resurrection is a common theme used throughout the Bible, but most think of it in reference to Jesus. The faith of Abraham covers one of the first stories about resurrection. Abraham knew God would resurrect Isaac if he had been sacrificed.
Hebrews 11:18-19 Good News Translation
18 God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that you will have the descendants I
promised.” 19 Abraham reckoned that God was able to raise Isaac from death—and, so to speak, Abraham did receive Isaac back from death.
In the Old Testament times Elijah and Elisha both resurrected boys back to life. The body of a dead Isrealite was hastily tossed into a tomb, landing on the bones of Elisha the man came back to life. Jesus performed a resurrection in Nain, raising the widow’s son back to life. Then Jesus brought a little girl in Capernaum back to life, followed by his friend Lazarus. After Jesus died, many of the sleeping saints were awakened to life.
Matthew 27:52, 53. King James Version
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
Peter raised Tabitha in Joppa from the dead. Paul raised Eutychus in Troas after he fell from a window.
Not believing in a resurrection for mankind, some Christians will point to Hebrews 9:27 to prove humans can only die once like the Easy-to-Read Version seems to say.
27 Everyone must die once. Then they are judged.
For this verse to fit with all those who were raised back to a mortal life, only to later die again, it must be meaning something else. Verse 28 helps clear up the confusion. Chapter 9 tells us the sacrifice of Jesus covers all people no matter when they lived. How do you understand chapter 9 and how does verse 27 blend with all those who were resurrected back to life?
28 So Christ was offered as a sacrifice one time to take away the sins of many people. And he will come a second time, but not to offer himself for sin. He will come the second time to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.