The resurrection of the dead is a major doctrine in the Bible that refers to God raising deceased believers to eternal life. This event is closely tied to the second coming of Jesus Christ. While the exact timing of the resurrection is not revealed, Scripture provides some key details about when it will happen.
At the Last Day
Jesus repeatedly connected the resurrection to a future point He called the “last day.” For example, He stated, “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:40). The last day seems to refer to the day of Christ’s return when God’s plan of salvation is culminated and believers receive their eternal reward. Other verses that link the resurrection to the last day include John 6:39, 44, 54; 11:24.
At the Second Coming of Christ
The New Testament directly associates the future resurrection with Jesus Christ’s second coming. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 says, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” This depicts deceased Christians rising to meet Christ as part of His return. 1 Corinthians 15:23 similarly states, “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.” These passages reveal the resurrection as a key event accompanying Jesus’ second coming.
On the Last Trumpet
The resurrection is also connected to the blowing of a trumpet. 1 Corinthians 15:52 states, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16 also mentions a trumpet sounding when the dead in Christ are raised. The last trumpet may correspond to the seventh trumpet judgment in Revelation 11:15 that signals Christ’s kingdom is established on earth.
After the Tribulation
Some end times passages indicate the resurrection of the righteous will be after a coming period of tribulation on earth. Revelation 20:4-5 says, “Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God…They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.” This implies a resurrection after tribulation at Christ’s second coming.
Additionally, Matthew 24:29-31 connects the tribulation, the second coming, and the gathering of the elect through a trumpet call. Since the gathering seems to refer to the resurrection, this suggests a post-tribulation timing of this event. However, some believers hold to a pretribulation rapture view with the resurrection happening before the tribulation.
On the Appointed Day
The Bible indicates God has appointed a specific day for the future resurrection. Acts 17:31 states God “has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” 2 Peter 3:10 also refers to “the day of the Lord” coming unexpectedly. The appointed day for the resurrection and judgment appears to coincide with Christ’s return and the last day.
At the End of the Age
Matthew 13:39-40 connects the resurrection to the end of the present age: “The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.” John 6:39-40 similarly associates the resurrection with the last day and states that Jesus will raise up believers “at the last day.” This indicates the resurrection will happen in conjunction with Christ’s return marking the transition to the future eternal state.
On the Morning of Christ’s Return
A few verses point to the resurrection happening on the morning of Christ’s return. Psalm 49:14 states of the upright, “But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.” This implies a morning timing, as Christ’s second coming appears to take place at evening per Zechariah 14:7. Additionally, Christ’s parable of the 10 virgins waiting through the night for the bridegroom in Matthew 25:1-13 could connect the resurrection to the bridegroom’s arrival in the morning.
Unexpected and Instantaneous
The Scriptures depict the future resurrection as an event that will happen unexpectedly and instantaneously. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 says “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” 1 Corinthians 15:52 describes the resurrection happening “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” There will be no time for preparation or warning. On God’s appointed day, the resurrection will spontaneously take place to usher in Christ’s kingdom.
A Mystery Unknown to Humanity
Despite these indicators, the precise day and hour the resurrection will occur remains a mystery hidden in God’s sovereign plan. Mark 13:32 declares, “Concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Acts 1:7 also states, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.” The exact timing remains veiled until God’s set time.
Preparation for an Unknown Day
While an unknown future date makes it impossible to plan ahead, Jesus taught the wise response is to walk in continual readiness. In the parable of the 10 virgins, He warned, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13). Similarly, He stated, “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:40). Believers are called to live in readiness for Christ’s sudden return and the resurrection day.
The Certainty of the Resurrection
Although the timing is undisclosed, the Bible leaves no doubt that the future bodily resurrection of the righteous dead will happen. 1 Corinthians 15:12-23 provides an extensive defense of the certainty of this event. Other passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 command believers to encourage one another with the sure hope of the resurrection. Its exact date remains a mystery, but followers of Christ can live in confidence that the resurrection is fixed in God’s sovereign plan.
Implications of an Unknown Day and Hour
The fact that the timing of the resurrection is unknown carries several implications:
- It causes believers to live in a constant state of watchfulness and preparation.
- It prevents speculative date setting and foolish predictions about Christ’s return.
- It keeps the focus on readiness and living faithfully now rather than future details.
- It motivates spreading the gospel since the end could come at any time.
- It instills patience and perseverance until Christ returns.
- It drives dependence on God rather than human understanding.
Though the unknown timing poses challenges, God uses it for His glory and purpose in the lives of His people.
Future Certainty Motivates Present Faithfulness
Although the resurrection date remains a mystery, its certainty can powerfully motivate how believers live today. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” The sure hope of the resurrection and eternity with Christ inspires steadfast labor and abounding work in His kingdom in the present age.
Additionally, 1 John 3:2-3 declares, “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” The certainty of seeing and being made like Christ motivates earnest spiritual purification. While the timing remains unknown, the guaranteed hope empowers profound impact on how believers live today.
Living Ready for His Coming
As the day and hour remains unrevealed, how should believers live in light of Christ’s return and the promised resurrection? Jesus commanded His followers to be ready and waiting eagerly for His coming. This involves:
- Living in holiness and godliness – 1 John 3:2-3
- Being on guard and remaining faithful – Luke 12:35-40
- Making the most of opportunities to serve God – 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
- Investing time and resources in the kingdom – Matthew 6:19-21
- Persevering through trials – James 1:2-4
- Spreading the Gospel – Matthew 28:19-20
- Walking by faith not sight – 2 Corinthians 5:6-9
Rather than seeking to unlock a mystery God has hidden, believers are called to continually prepare their hearts and lives for their Lord’s return at the unknown day and hour.
The Mystery of the Resurrection Timing Glorifies God
The fact that the specific timing of the resurrection remains concealed in God’s sovereign plan serves to glorify Him. By keeping the date hidden, the Lord:
- Magnifies His infinite understanding and wisdom.
- Displays His lordship over history, timing, and eternity.
- Cultivates dependence, trust, and submission to His will.
- Humbles human pride and tendency to think we can figure out divine secrets.
- Causes believers to walk by faith in God’s perfect timing.
- Motivates spreading the Gospel and living urgent, ready, and devoted lives.
The unknown date serves God’s purposes to mold believers into Christ’s image and proclaim the good news of His kingdom. Rather than demanding the details, followers of Jesus are called to trust in the infinite wisdom and perfection of God’s hidden plans.
Conclusion
The biblical doctrine of the resurrection provides the certain hope that deceased believers will be raised again when Jesus returns, even though the exact day remains undisclosed. While this mystery creates challenges for human planning and understanding, God uses it for His glory to cultivate urgent readiness, persevering faith, and deeper trust in His sovereignty. Though the resurrection details remain veiled for now, believers await their promised hope with patience and eager anticipation.