The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed by Brenda Rivera of Orlando, Florida from the tape, GC 1301-O, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 17."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE. ©1978. All Rights Reserved.

Question

My question is in regard to Matthew 27:52 and 53. It’s actually a two-part question. First question is the resurrection referred to as all the Old Testament saints or just part of them? The context would seem to indicate just part of them.

Answer

Yes, many bodies, not all of them.

Question (continues)

Now the second part of my question is, were these saints resurrected just to live again and die or were they resurrected to eternal glory?

Answer (continues)

Well, it doesn’t say. It doesn’t say, all it says is they came out of the graves after the resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared unto many. It is very difficult I know.

One example, might be Lazarus. I think Lazarus was raised from the dead to die again. It’s possible, that however, this was a very special group of people raised from the dead and they appeared unto many. I’m not sure that that word really can tell us much. I don’t know whether that means they actually appeared in the physical form or whether they appeared in some form where you could appear or disappear. And if that’s the case, they would be in some kind of glorified form. But because the text doesn’t say I would be a little at ease in terms of expressing dogmatism.

Let me give you my opinion however, for what it’s worth, I think they probably didn’t die again. I think this was a demonstration of the power of Christ, in His kingdom power, which would be to raise men for eternal life. So I tend to lean that way.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
Box 119
Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
Our websites: www.biblebb.com and www.gospelgems.com
Email: tony@biblebb.com
Online since 1986