The Meaning of Resurrection

Many have hitherto believed that the death caused by the Fall was physical death.

Consequently, they have interpreted the biblical concept of resurrection as revival from physical death, and believed that the resurrection of the dead involves the biological regeneration of their decomposed bodies

However, the Fall of the first human ancestors did not cause this kind of death. According to the Principle of Creation, the human body was created to return to dust after it grows old. A decomposed body cannot be restored to its original state.

Furthermore, it is not necessary for a spirit to take on another physical body when he is meant to enjoy eternal life in the vast spirit world.

Resurrection may be defined as the process of being restored from the death caused by the Fall to life, from the realm of Satan’s dominion to the realm of God’s direct dominion, through the providence of restoration. Accordingly, whenever we repent of our sins and rise to a higher state of goodness, we are resurrected to that degree.

The Bible illustrates the process of resurrection: “He who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” (John 5:24). Based on this verse, we can affirm that resurrection means to leave the bosom of Satan and return to the bosom of God.

It is also written, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (I Cor. 15:22). This verse means that because we inherited Satan’s lineage as a result of Adam’s fall, we are dead; when we return to the lineage of God through Christ, we shall be resurrected to life.