The Resurrection

It was Paul who wrote, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (I Corinthians 15:22). And so it is. Not one of our Father’s spirit children who makes his or her way into mortality will be left out. The resurrection of the dead does not apply to some, or to most, but to all. So, is there one grand event for all or will there be multiple events? If the latter, how many resurrections or stages of the resurrection will there be? The correct answer is either two or four with this understanding. The discussion here pertains to mankind only. In reality, there will be a renewing for all of God’s earth related creations (D&C 29:23-25).

An expanded quote of Paul’s writing might be considered here. “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming” (I Corinthians 15:21-23). The last verse holds four significant truths. First, we will be resurrected in some pre-determined order. Second, the Savior was the first inhabitant of this earth to be resurrected. Third, those who belong to Christ will be the first to whom the resurrection is offered. And fourth, the resurrection of Christ’s followers will take on major proportions at the time He comes in His glory signaling the beginning of the millennium.

To begin with, there are two resurrections: the resurrection of the just and the resurrection of the unjust. While translating the Bible, Joseph Smith sought further understanding concerning John’s pronouncement on this subject. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29). The Lord responded to the Prophet’s supplication by giving him an inspired translation of these two verses (See D&C 76:16-17) followed by one of the most important revelations contained in the Doctrine and Covenants namely, Section 76.

While it is instructive to know that there are two major resurrections, recognizing that each of these has two parts brings greater clarity to the subject. There will be a resurrection appropriate in its details for each of the kingdoms of glory plus hell, thus four identifiable events are envisioned.

Jesus Christ, himself, was the “firstfruits” of the resurrection. Following Him, many of the Saints on at least two continents came forth from their graves and appeared to many of the living as a testimony to the truthfulness of the resurrection (Matthew 27:52-53; 3 Nephi 23:7-13). These events marked the beginning of the first resurrection or the “morning” of the resurrection of the just that has continued at some pace from that day to this. For we know that resurrected and translated individuals were responsible for providing Joseph Smith the plates from which The Book of Mormon was translated. They were also responsible for the restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods as well as all of the priesthood keys necessary for the establishment of the Kingdom of God on the earth in this dispensation. At His glorious coming ushering in the millennium, this resurrection will grow to a crescendo. Those who come forth at that time are those who will inherit the Celestial Kingdom (D&C 76:50-70).

As the events of the first resurrection are winding down, the second resurrection scheduled to occur in the “afternoon” of the resurrection of the just will commence. The events of the millennium will still be in their early stages, and those who come forth at that time will be those who are to inherit the Terrestrial Kingdom (D&C 76:71-80).

The resurrection of the unjust will occur as two of the several events bringing the millennium to a close. Those who will take part in the third resurrection are those who will inherit the Telestial Kingdom (D&C 76:81-90). The partakers of the fourth resurrection, the sons of perdition, will be consigned to hell to mingle with the devil and his followers for eternity.

The Apostle Paul bore testimony to the Corinthians in his day of these resurrections when he wrote, “ . . . There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. . . .” (See I Corinthians 15:39-44). As to the actions of men that will allow God to judge His spirit children concerning the nature of their reward and resurrection, that discussion will of necessity have to wait for a subsequent writing. But this can be said here in conclusion, each individual will be granted a resurrection commensurate with his or her worthiness in adhering to the principles of the Lord’s gospel. This does not mean that all will be content with their existence in eternity. Many will have come to recognize that while their reward was just, it was not what they were capable of achieving.