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QUESTION 6:
There are those that teach that the resurrection of Christ was not literal but spiritual. They say He just appeared and disappeared like a ghost. Did He rise bodily from the dead?

ANSWER:
The bodily resurrection of Christ is most vital to Christianity. It is a cardinal doctrine and essential to salvation. "And if Christ is not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain." 1 Corinthians 15:14. It is the body in view which is clear in this chapter, that tells us about bodily resurrection.

Cultist's and heretic's have always denied the bodily resurrection of Christ. Jesus prophesied five times that He would die and rise again. "...Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." John 2:19. When He arose the disciples thought He was just a spirit being, so He said to them, "Behold my hands and feet that it is I myself; handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones." Luke 24:39.

David foresaw the bodily resurrection of Christ in Psalms 16:8-11. "Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him (David), that of the fruit of his loins ACCORDING TO THE FLESH, He would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; he (David) seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell (hades) neither did HIS FLESH see corruption." Acts 2:30-31.

If there is no resurrection there is no gospel. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 declares that He died, He was buried, and then He rose again. If there is no gospel there is no salvation. (Romans 1:16).

It is God's power to save. Any teaching that does not include the bodily resurrection is heresy and should be refused. Believe on Him who died and rose again for you and you will be saved.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen