The theology of the resurrection is very important and calls for special attention. Indeed, the prominence given to it in the New Testament affords a strong confirmation of the fact itself, for it seems incredible that such varied and important truths should not rest on historic fact. The doctrine may briefly be summarized:

(1) evidential: the resurrection is the proof of the atoning character of the death of Christ, and of His Deity and divine exaltation (Rom 1:4)

(2) evangelistic: the primitive gospel included testimony to the resurrection as one of its characteristic features, thereby proving to the hearers the assurance of the divine redemption (1Co 15:1-4; Rom 4:25);

(3) spiritual: the resurrection is regarded as the source and standard of the holiness of the believer. Every aspect of the Christian life from the beginning to the end is somehow associated therewith (Rom 6:1-23); (4) eschatological: the resurrection is the guaranty and model of the believer's resurrection (1Co 15:1-58). As the bodies of the saints arose (Mat 27:52), so ours are to be quickened (Rom 8:11), and made like Christ's glorified body (Php 3:21), thereby becoming spiritual bodies (1Co 15:44), that is, bodies ruled by their spirits and yet bodies.

These points offer only the barest outline of the fullness of New Testament teaching concerning the doctrine of the resurrection of Christ.