Resurrection and Final Judgement (End Time)

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Biblical Basis:

  • “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2, ESV).
  • “For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable…” (1 Corinthians 15:52).
  • “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened…” (Revelation 20:12).
  • “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matthew 25:46, KJV).

A. The General Resurrection of the Dead

Fulfilment Expectation:

  • Universal Resurrection – Scripture teaches that both believers and unbelievers will be physically resurrected (John 5:28–29).
  • Resurrection of the Body – Christian doctrine affirms not merely spiritual survival but bodily transformation and glorification for the redeemed (1 Cor. 15:42–44).
  • Reversal of Death – The resurrection signifies Christ’s total victory over death and the final restoration of creation.

Academic References:

  • Wright, N. T. (2003). The Resurrection of the Son of God. London: SPCK.
  • O’Collins, G. (2012). Rethinking Fundamental Theology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

B. The Final Judgement and Divine Justice

Fulfilment Expectation:

  • Books Opened (Rev. 20:12) – The imagery of books represents divine record-keeping of all human deeds, thoughts, and omissions.
  • Two Final Destinies – Eternal life for the righteous and eternal punishment for the wicked (Matt. 25:46; Rev. 20:15).
  • Christ as Judge – Jesus Himself is appointed as the one who will judge all humanity (Acts 17:31).

Academic References:

  • Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke 9:51–24:53. Grand Rapids: Baker.
  • Moltmann, J. (1996). The Coming of God: Christian Eschatology. London: SCM Press.

C. Heaven, Hell, and the New Creation

Fulfilment Expectation:

  • Heaven – The redeemed will dwell in a renewed creation, the “new heavens and new earth” (Revelation 21:1–4), where death, mourning, and pain are no more.
  • Hell – Described as eternal separation from God, “the lake of fire,” and a place of conscious punishment (Matt. 10:28; Rev. 20:10).
  • New Jerusalem – The eschatological city of God where righteousness dwells, free from corruption, fear, and decay.

Academic References:

  • Alcorn, R. (2004). Heaven. Wheaton: Tyndale House.
  • Carson, D. A. (1996). The Gagging of God: Christianity Confronts Pluralism. Leicester: IVP.
  • Bauckham, R. (1993). The Theology of the Book of Revelation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

D. Contemporary Views and Misunderstandings

Fulfilment Context:

  • Universalism and Annihilationism – Modern theological debates include alternatives to traditional hell doctrines; some argue for either universal reconciliation or complete extinction of the wicked.
  • Secular Denial of Afterlife – A large portion of modern society dismisses any notion of divine judgement, favouring naturalistic or reincarnational views.
  • Cultural Portrayals – Films, books, and digital media often trivialise or distort ideas of heaven, hell, and judgement, diluting biblical urgency.

Academic References:

  • Fudge, E. W. (2011). The Fire That Consumes: A Biblical and Historical Study of the Doctrine of Final Punishment. Eugene: Cascade.
  • Walls, J. L. (2010). Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory: Rethinking the Things That Matter Most. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press.
  • Keller, T. (2008). The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Scepticism. London: Hodder & Stoughton.

Conclusion for Section 11

The final biblical sign of the end times is the resurrection of the dead and the great judgement of all humanity. This moment marks the irreversible division between eternal life and eternal punishment. While widely debated and often misunderstood, the doctrine of final judgement is central to biblical eschatology and reflects God’s justice, mercy, and glory in full culmination. It serves as both a warning and a hope—calling the world to repentance, righteousness, and readiness.

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