Daily Devotions
Philippians
"The resurrection from the dead."
Text: Philippians 3:11
THE DOCTRINE OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD
This was mentioned in the Old Testament, but few scholars in the days of Paul ever fully explored it.
1. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead (Luke 20:27).
2. The Pharisees focused on the keeping of the Law.
3. The Herodians had no interest in the doctrine of the Resurrection.
4. The Zealots were more focused on fighting the Romans and had little interest in theological discussions.
5. The scribes may have believed in this doctrine but they did not mention it much (if at all).
KEY OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS
The following are key Old Testament texts that speak of faith in the resurrection of the dead.
1. King David
a) He believed in this.
b) This is reflected in his psalms (Psalm 16:9-10).
2. The Sons of Korah
a) They believed in the resurrection of the dead too.
b) This is expressed in a psalm they wrote (Psalm 49:15).
3. Hosea the prophet
a) He wrote about this in his prophetic book.
b) He cited what God said about redeeming believers from the power of the grave (Hosea 13:14).
KEY NEW TESTAMENT TEXTS
Jesus expounded on this doctrine in a most significant way.
1. He declared that He was the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25).
2. He taught it plainly (John 5:24-29).
a) Resurrection of life through Christ (John 5:25).
b) Resurrection of condemnation (John 5:29)
3. He raised the dead.
a) Raising of the daughter of Jairus (Mark 5:22-24, 35-43)
b) Raising Lazarus (John 11:1-45)
The apostle expressed a great desire to “attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:11).