“The resurrection of the dead,” as Hebrews called it, was an idea that was often taught in Jewish communities before and after the life of Christ. It was the concept that at the coming of the Lord the bodies of all men, good and evil, would be brought to life. The resurrected dead would then be made to face their judgement from the Father Himself, as to what their eternal location would be. Some would live forever in their new bodies. Others would be killed, or possibly caused to suffer unending punishment. Such was the belief not only throughout Jewish society, but by Jesus and His early disciples (Acts 24:15, Revelation 20).

     In the modern Church, Heaven is often seen as the ultimate goal to be attained – whether it be by dying or through the rapture. Often verses about the resurrection are interpreted as being about this celestial realm. However, Heaven is not our final home. The Bible says that God made the Earth “to be inhabited,” (Isaiah 45:18). The Scriptures about life in the resurrection do not point to our temporary experience up above, but here, or on a new Earth (Revelation 21:1). Jesus spoke of this coming life often, refuting against those who disbelieved in it (Matthew 22:23-33, John 5:24-30, John 11:25-26).

     The reason it is so crucial for us to understand this truth is because the Word of God says the resurrection is something we can find comfort in (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). Also, it is one of the primary causes for Jesus having to die on the cross (Romans 6:5). Colossians 1:18 calls Him “the firstborn from the dead,” meaning that because of His victory over death, many others will follow after Him in being raised to eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:22-23 reads, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one to his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.”

     When we share the Gospel message with unbelievers we often speak to them as if preparing them for Heaven or Hell. This is not wrong, and it can be very effective. Ultimately though, neither are the places where we will spend our lives forever. Paul did not list them as elementary to our faith in Hebrews 6:1-2 because technically, they are not. Our real hope is to live as God created us, in perfect bodies, enjoying this world forever with the One who made it (Revelation 21:3). One simply cannot become “too heavenly minded,” as is sometimes a fear, when seeing things from this perspective!

     Our citizenship may be in Heaven, according to Philippians 3:20-21, but this passage also says that we “eagerly wait for” our Savior to return and “transform our lowly bodies” into something glorious. We do not just want to pass from this life to the next, but to be given new life with which we may reign together with Christ in His coming kingdom (2 Timothy 2:11-12). Only then will things be restored to what God originally designed them to be (Acts 3:21).