HOPE FOR THE DEAD

How Can You Be Sure?

Is it naive to think that the dead will live again?  The apostle Paul did not think so. He wrote under inspiration: "If  in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are to be pitied more than anyone. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of those who have "I asleep in death." (1 Corinthians 15:19, 20) Paul saw the resurrection as a certainty. It was, in effect,  guaranteed by the resurrection of Jesus himself.  ( Acts 17:31) That is why Paul called Jesus "the first-fruits"-he was the first one raised to eternal life.  If Jesus was first, then logically there would be others.

Here is another reason you can be sure of the resurrection hope.  Jehovah is the God of truth.  "God . . .cannot lie." (Titus 1:2) Jehovah has never lied, and he never will. Would he hold out the resurrection hope, even demonstrating that he can fulfill it, and then turn his promises into lies?  The very notion is absurd!

Why has Jehovah arranged for the future resurrection?  Because  of his love.  "If a man died, can he live again?" asked Job.  "You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands." (Job 14:14, 15)   Job was convinced  that his loving  heavenly Father would yearn to resurrect him. Has God changed?"   "I am Jehovah, I do not change." (Malachi 3:6) God still longs to see the dead brought back to life healthy and happy.  This is just as any loving parent would wish after losing a child in death.  The difference, of course, is that God has the power to do as he wished. -Psalm 135:6. 

Next time: Conclusion of HOPE FOR THE DEAD - How Can You Be Sure?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015