Doctrinal Study
Resurrection
Overview
Resurrection is the reuniting of the spirit with the body in an immortal state, no longer subject to disease or death. Because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, we are subject to physical death, which is the separation of the spirit from the body. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected and saved from physical death (see 1Â Corinthians 15:22). Resurrection is the reuniting of the spirit with the body in an immortal state, no longer subject to disease or death.
The Savior was the first person on this earth to be resurrected. The New Testament contains several accounts testifying that He rose from the tomb (see Matthew 28:1–8; Mark 16:1–14; Luke 24:1–48; John 20:1–29; 1 Corinthians 15:1–8; 2 Peter 1:16–17).
When the resurrected Lord appeared to His Apostles, He helped them understand that He had a body of flesh and bones. He said, “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (Luke 24:39). He also appeared to the Nephites after His Resurrection (see 3 Nephi 11:10–17).
At the time of the resurrection, we will “be judged according to [our] works. … We shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt” (Alma 11:41, 43). The eternal glory we receive will depend on our faithfulness. Although all people will be resurrected, only those who have come unto Christ and partaken of the fulness of His gospel will inherit exaltation in the celestial kingdom.
An understanding and testimony of the resurrection can give us hope and perspective as we experience the challenges, trials, and triumphs of life. We can find comfort in the assurance that the Savior lives and that through His Atonement, “he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory” (Alma 22:14).
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Related Topics
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
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Topical Guide, “Jesus Christ, Resurrection,” “Resurrection”
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Bible Dictionary, “Resurrection”
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Guide to the Scriptures, “Resurrection”
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Index to the Triple Combination, “Jesus Christ, Resurrection of,” “Resurrection”
Messages from Church Leaders
Videos
“Jesus Is Resurrected”
“He Is Risen: John the Beloved’s Witness of the Resurrection”
“I Am the Resurrection, and the Life”
“Resurrection: The Ultimate Triumph”
“Lively Hope of Resurrection”
“Witnesses of the Resurrection”
“Testimony of the Resurrection”
“Sunday Will Come”
Tabernacle Choir Videos
“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”
Learning Resources
General Resources
“Jesus Again Foretells His Death and Resurrection,” Jesus the Christ, chapter 29
“The Resurrection and the Ascension,” Jesus the Christ, chapter 37
Church Magazines
“Death and Life: Pioneer Perspectives on the Resurrection,” Ensign, April 2013
Laurie Walker, “My Brother and the Resurrection,” Friend, April 2009
Richard D. Draper“The Reality of the Resurrection,” Ensign, April 1994
Robert J. Matthews“Resurrection,” Ensign, April 1991
“What Happens After We Die?” Liahona, March 2013
Study Manuals
In the News
“Viewpoint: Atonement and Resurrection Are Still Current Today,” Church News
“In Christ Shall All Be Made Alive,” Newsroom
Teachings of Presidents of the Church
Teaching Resources
Teaching Outlines
Stories and Activities for Teaching Children
“Resurrection,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children
Media
Audio
“Resurrection and Atonement—Mac Strong,” For the Youth, episode 17
“Death and Resurrection,” The Latter-day Saints Channel Q&A, episode 3
“He Is Risen,” The Light of Men, episode 11
“Jesus Is Risen,” Scripture Stories—New Testament Stories, episode 35