Resurrection life both future and present resides in Christ
The teaching of the resurrection in the Fourth Gospel involves both a future objective eschatological event and a present spiritual reality. We find a reiterated emphasis upon the bodily resurrection at the last day when the dead shall be raised in the fullness of eternal life; but we also find that the life that pertains to the resurrection has reached back into the present age and has become available to people in the spiritual realm. This present anticipatory enjoyment of the resurrection is due to the fact of Christ in whom is resurrection and life. Faced with the death of Lazarus, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die” (11:25-26). Resurrection life both future and present resides in Christ; whoever believes in him, though she or he shall die physically, shall live again and whoever enjoys the blessing of present spiritual life through faith in him shall one day enter upon an immortal existence.
A Theology of the New Tetament
author: George Eldon Ladd
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