The Resurrection Past by H.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jan 6, 1909

The Resurrection Past.

By H.

THERE is among many religious teachers a doctrine that the resurrection takes place at death, that with each individual there is a resurrection when the soul is taken to heaven or doomed to eternal punishment, at the moment when life leaves the body. These teachers will doubtless readily admit that if such is the case now, it has always been the case; that if believers, for instance, are resurrected at death now, the early believers were also resurrected at death. What, then, shall we do with the word of Paul to Timothy? Speaking of Hymenaeus and Philetus, he says, “who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” 2 Tim. 2:18.

Paul knew and taught a general resurrection, not a private resurrection of one individual at a time. A few of the many references he makes to the resurrection will make clear his view: “The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible.” 1 Cor. 15:52. “The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise.” 1 Thess. 4:16.

The apostle comforts the believers with the words: “I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him”— with Jesus from the dead. “The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His.” 1 Thess. 4:13, 14; 2 Tim. 2:19. In the resurrection God will know His own and bring them forth to everlasting life.