The General Resurrection

Definition:  the Raising of the Body of all believers in the last day.  (literal body)
This is fundamental and very orthodox teaching since the beginning.

Are glimpses in the Old Testament:
Job 19:25-26
Psm. 16:8-10 (David)
Dan. 12:1-2  (Daniel)
John 11:23-24  (Martha)
So, Jewish people had the Jewish background to head them into this direction of a bodily resurrection.  There was no New Testament at this time.

So, the doctrine developed with teachings and revelations by Jesus.  (example:  John 6:38-40 )

So... Paul to the Thessalonians:  1 Thess. 4:13-18 - This teaching = incredulous to the believer.

Note:  (1)  idea of "soul sleep" - contrast with the Rich man and Lazarus, thief on the cross - "this day...", saints in heaven (Revelation).    The idea of soul sleep doesn't bear out in Scripture  (can't be upheld)
         (2)  "loud command"  (vs. 16)  compare to Lazarus as an example:  John 11:43
         (3)  "caught up"  (vs. 17)  Latin "RAPTUS" => Rapture

Summary = Called, transformed, gathered!!  Compare Matt. 24:30-31

This = far more than life after death.
This = final, complete Redemption!  God will not lose a single thing!!
Our body will be reunited with our soul/spirit.  Rom. 8:19-23
HOW??  = Power of God!!!  (Phil. 3:20-21 )

What will this 'new' body be like??  1 Cor. 15

  (a)  different ... yet the same - 1 Cor. 15:35-38
         example:  seed => plant  DNA exactly the same.

  (b)  spiritual ... yet still physical  - 1 Cor. 15:42-44
      Compare to Jesus' body - Luke 24:36-44

  (c)  created like Adam ... Recreated like Jesus! - 1 Cor. 15:45-49
Note:  1 John 3:2

True!!  But still a mystery to us!! - 1 Cor. 15:50-53
Christian Resurrection .... hence Christian Burial - example:  body buried east to west.  Feet facing east, so at resurrection, upper body will rise to the east.

NOTE:  pagan efforts to destroy the Hope of resurrection by destroying the Body of the believer  (never worked!!)  Will be resurrected by the Power of God!!

Question:  Two Resurrections??? - John 5:28-29  (also in Daniel)
1st. Resurrection:  Rev. 20:4-6
2nd. Resurrection - Rev. 20:11-15
Rev. 20: 6 = ".... no power over them"

Summary, Conclusion, Question:  "who are you going to trust?"  - Rev. 1:18

And so, 1 Thess. 4:18

Closing Scripture:  1 Cor. 15:54-58