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). The book of Job poses the universal question, If a man die, shall he live again? (Job 14:14). The question of resurrection from the dead is a central subject of scripture, ancient and modern. The resurrection is a pillar of our faith. It adds meaning to our doctrine, motivation to our behavior, and hope for our future. 1. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS The universal resurrection became a reality with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Matt. 27:52-53). On the third day after His death and burial, Jesus came forth out of the tomb. He appeared to several men and women, and then to the assembled Apostles. Three of the Gospels describe this event. Luke is the most complete: Jesus ... saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 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. ... Then opened he their understanding, ... And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day (Luke 24:36-39, 45-46). The Savior gave the Apostles a second witness. Thomas, one of the Twelve, had not been with them when Jesus came. He insisted that he would not believe unless he could see and feel for himself. John records: And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed (John 20:26-29). Despite these biblical witnesses, many who call themselves Christians reject or confess serious doubts about the reality of the resurrection. As if to anticipate and counter such doubts, the Bible records many appearances of the risen Christ. In some of these He appeared to a single individual, such as to Mary Magdalene at the sepulcher. In others He appeared to large or small groups, such as when he was seen of about five hundred brethren at once (1 Cor. 15:6). The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ records the experience of hundreds who saw the risen Lord in person and touched Him, feeling the prints of the nail s in His hands and feet and thrusting their hands into His side. The Savior invited a multitude to have this experience one by one (3 Nephi 11:15) so that they could know that He was the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and had been slain for the sins of the world (3 Nephi 11:14). During the coursed of His personal ministry among these faithful people, the resurrected Christ healed the sick and also took their little children, one by one, and blessed them (see 3 Nephi 17:25). 2. THE RESURRECTION OF MORTALS The possibility that a mortal who has died will be brought forth and live again in a resurrected body has awakened hope and stirred controversy through much of recorded history. Relying on clear scriptural teachings, Latter-day Saints join in affirming that Christ has broken the bands of death (Mosiah 16:7) and that death is swallowed up in victory (1 Cor. 15:54; Mormon 7:5; Mosiah 15:8; Alma 22:14). Because we believe the Bible and Book of Mormon descriptions of the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we also readily accept the numerous scriptural teachings that a similar resurrection will come to all mortals who have ever lived upon this earth (1 Cor. 15:22; 2Nephi 9:22; Helaman 14:17; Mormon 9:13). As Jesus taught, Because I live, ye shall live also (John 14:19). The literal and universal nature of the resurrection is vividly described in the Book of Mormon. The prophet Amulek taught: The death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death. The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are a this time; ... Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame (Alma 11:42-44). Many living witnesses can testify to the Literal fulfillment of these scriptural assurances of the resurrection. Many, Including some in my own family, have seen a departed loved one in vision or personal appearance and have witnessed their restoration in proper and perfect frame in the prime of life. Whether these were manifestations of persons already resurrected or of righteous spirits awaiting an assured resurrection, the reality and nature of the resurrection of mortals is evident. What a comfort to know that all who have been disadvantaged in life from birth defects, from mortal injuries, from disease, or from the natural deterioration of old age will be resurrected in proper and perfect frame. 3. THE RESURRECTION AND TEMPLES We are living in a glorious season of temple building. This is also a consequence of our faith in the resurrection. President Hinckley to the dedication o a new temple. In that sacred setting he said: Temples stand as a witness of our conviction of immortality. Our temples are concerned with life beyond the grave. For example, there is no need for marriage In the temple if we were only concerned with being married for the period of our mortal lives. This prophetic teaching enlarged my understanding. Our temples are living, working testimonies to our faith in the reality of the resurrection. They provide the sacred settings where living proxies can perform all of the necessary ordinances of mortal life in behalf of those who live in the world of the spirits. None of this would be meaningful if we did not have the assurance of universal immortality and the opportunity for eternal life because of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We believe in the literal, universal resurrection of all mankind because of the resurrection of the Holy One of Israel (2 Nephi 9:12). We also testify of The Living Christ, as was said in the recent apostolic declaration of that same name: We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. ... We bear testimony, that Jesus Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 19:05:00 +0000
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