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Resurrection

Because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, we are subject to physical death, which is the separation of the spirit from the body. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected and saved from physical death (see 1 Corinthians 15:22). Resurrection is the reuniting of the spirit with the body in an immortal state, no longer subject to disease or death.

Additional Information

The Savior was the first person on this earth to be resurrected. The New Testament contains several accounts testifying that He rose from the tomb (see Matthew 28:1–8; Mark 16:1–14; Luke 24:1–48; John 20:1–29; 1 Corinthians 15:1–8; 2 Peter 1:16–17).

When the resurrected Lord appeared to His Apostles, He helped them understand that He had a body of flesh and bones. He said, "Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have" (Luke 24:39). He also appeared to the Nephites after His Resurrection (see 3 Nephi 11:10–17).

At the time of the resurrection, we will "be judged according to [our] works. . . . We shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt" (Alma 11:41, 43). The eternal glory we receive will depend on our faithfulness. Although all people will be resurrected, only those who have come unto Christ and partaken of the fulness of His gospel will inherit exaltation in the celestial kingdom.

An understanding and testimony of the resurrection can give us hope and perspective as we experience the challenges, trials, and triumphs of life. We can find comfort in the assurance that the Savior lives and that through His Atonement, "he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory" (Alma 22:14).

See also Atonement of Jesus Christ; Death, Physical; Kingdoms of Glory; Plan of Salvation; Salvation; Soul

—See True to the Faith (2004), 139–40

Scripture References

Isaiah 25:8; 26:19; John 5:25–29; 11:25–26; 1 Corinthians 15; Enos 1:27; Alma 40:23–26; 41; Mormon 9:12–14; D&C 88:15–16; 93:33–34; Moses 1:39

Church Magazine Articles

  • "Words of Jesus: Death and Resurrection"

    Walter F. González, Liahona, Apr. 2003, 18–21; or Ensign, Apr. 2003, 22–25
    The Savior's teachings regarding His own and our death and Resurrection should be engraved upon our hearts.

  • "Because I Live, Ye Shall Live Also"

    Ezra Taft Benson, Tambuli, Apr. 1994, 2–7; or Ensign, Apr. 1993, 2–6
    The greatest events of history are those that affect the greatest number for the longest periods. By this standard, no event could be more important than the Resurrection of the Master.

  • "The Meaning of Easter"

    Ezra Taft Benson, Tambuli, Apr. 1993, 2–5; or Ensign, Apr. 1992, 2–4
    The literal resurrection of every soul who has lived and died on earth is a certainty, and surely one should make careful preparation for this event. A glorious resurrection should be the goal of every man and woman, for resurrection will be a reality.

  • "Resurrection"

    Robert J. Matthews, Ensign, Apr. 1991, 7–11
    The Lord's triumph over death was vital to any hope we might have for happiness here and hereafter.

  • "The Resurrection"

    Hartman Rector Jr., Ensign, Nov. 1990, 76–78
    Repentance seems to be the most important experience we can have on this earth to prepare for the resurrection.

  • "He Is Risen"

    Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, May 1988, 16–17
    The Resurrection is the center of every Christian's faith; it is the greatest of all of the miracles performed by the Savior of the world.

  • "Life after Life"

    Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, May 1987, 8–10
    Testimonies of thousands, from ancient and modern times, attest to the truth that the resurrected Jesus is the Savior of mankind. He brought about a universal resurrection.

  • "The Resurrection"

    James E. Faust, Ensign, May 1985, 30–32
    With the abundance of testimony, both ancient and modern, sealed by the witness of the Holy Spirit of God, we stand firm and unequivocating in our knowledge that Jesus is the resurrected Savior.

  • "Resurrection"

    Dallin H. Oaks, Liahona, July 2000, 16–19; or Ensign, May 2000, 14–16
    Resurrection is much more than merely reuniting a spirit to a body. . . . The resurrection is a restoration that brings back "carnal for carnal" and "good for that which is good" (Alma 41:13).

  • "I Am the Resurrection and the Life"

    Alexander B. Morrison, Liahona, Apr. 1995, 10–17; or Ensign, Apr. 1995, 36–43
    The reality of the Resurrection is for us an everlasting affirmation of the plan and love of our Father and His Son.

  • "If a Man Die, Shall He Live Again?"

    Carlos E. Asay, Ensign, May 1994, 10–12
    Belief in a resurrection and related truths encourages one to obey the commandments, repent of sins, serve others, and do the other things that bring joy and happiness.

  • "The Reality of the Resurrection"

    Richard D. Draper, Ensign, Apr. 1994, 32–40
    Though the Resurrection was an event amply witnessed and taught, its truth is largely discounted or misunderstood in today's Christian world.

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