Bodily Resurrection Analysis

Theories of Resurrection and The Transforming Reality of the Bodily Resurrection have enriched my understanding about the significance of Jesus’ resurrection within a Judaism and Christian Judaism Context. According to the previous titles, a wide belief spectrum concerning resurrection exists; on one end of the spectrum resurrection holds a metaphorical meaning for, “Israel 's restoration after exile” [1] while the opposite embraces, “the concrete re-embodiment of formerly dead persons” [2]. Prior to reviewing the information contained in these documents, I did not know the Jewish vocabulary for resurrection. Meaning, I took for granted that resurrection comprised of a physical and spiritual resurrection. However, the first-century Jewish believer’s resurrection language entailed a dead body but resurrected soul or spirit whereas early Christians insisted, “…Jesus…was physically dead and was now…physically alive” [3].

On the other hand, these documents challenge me to reconsider my approach to presenting the Gospel message in private and corporate settings. In my opinion, believers must include the historical context relating to the disbelief and arguments against the resurrection when presenting the Gospel message to unbelievers. For example, there are five theories that argue against Jesus’ resurrection; according to The Existential Theory: the resurrection of Jesus was the “rising up” of faith in the hearts of the disciples and other believers [5]. Having such information equips me to speak intelligently about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ historically and scripturally