In Mormonism, resurrection means the universal gift of receiving an immortal, glorified body. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, every person, righteous or wicked, will one day rise from the dead. This belief is closely tied to the LDS emphasis on the importance of the body, both for mortal life and for progression after death. They also distinguish between the First Resurrection (for the righteous at Christ’s coming) and the Second Resurrection (for the wicked after the Millennium).
Mormons teach that God the Father himself has a tangible, resurrected body of flesh and bones (Doctrine & Covenants 130:22), and that the ultimate purpose of resurrection is exaltation; to become like God and have spirit offspring. Thus, resurrection is not simply about life after death, but about continuing eternal progression.
Biblical Christianity likewise affirms the resurrection of the body, but with a different meaning. Jesus’ resurrection is not only the guarantee that believers will rise, but also God’s declaration that sin has been paid in full (Romans 4:25). Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). For Christians, the empty tomb means eternal life with God through Christ — not becoming gods, but living forever with the one true God.
Additional Resources
See this article to appreciate what Jesus’ resurrection means for you.
