Scriptures to Raise the Dead: Bible Passages on Resurrection and Giving Life

The Bible presents resurrection as God’s authority over life and death, centered on Jesus Christ’s resurrection and reflected in accounts where prophets, Jesus, Peter, and Paul raised people from the dead. The clearest passages include Matthew 10:7-8, 1 Kings 17:17-24, 2 Kings 4:18-20, 32-37, Luke 7:11-17, John 11:17-44, Acts 9:36-42, and Acts 20:7-12.

Jesus said, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay” (Matthew 10:8). Scripture also teaches that resurrection is not only a past miracle or a future hope: Jesus is “the resurrection and the life,” and the Spirit who raised him from the dead gives life to believers’ mortal bodies.

What the Bible Says About Raising the Dead

Most New Testament readers are likely familiar with the concept of resurrection: Jesus, of course, resurrected from the dead, but he also raised to life Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:21-24), the son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:1-17), and Lazarus (John 11:17-44).

Yet resurrection is not solely a New Testament idea. The book of Hebrews tells us Abraham had such faith he believed God would raise his son Isaac from the dead, “and from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back” (Hebrews 11:17, 19).

In the Bible, God's power to raise the dead is a testament to His authority over life and death. Jesus commissioned His disciples to preach and demonstrate this power, as seen in Matthew 10:7-8, where they are instructed to raise the dead as a sign of the kingdom's arrival. The prophets, such as Ezekiel, also foresaw a future resurrection, where God would breathe new life into dry bones, as described in Ezekiel 37:13.

1. Matthew 10:7-8 - Jesus’ Command to Raise the Dead

And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

Jesus commissioned his disciples to announce that the kingdom of heaven was near and to demonstrate its arrival through acts of mercy and authority. The command joins preaching with healing, deliverance, cleansing, and raising the dead.

The Great Commission records Jesus’ exhortation to his followers to “make disciples… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Mt. 28:19,20). One of the things he commands is to “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,drive out demons.” (Mt. 10:8)

Then in Matthew 28:18-20 (what we call the Great Commission), Jesus told His disciples to teach others to do everything He had commanded them -- even to the end of the age.

MATTHEW 28:18-20 NKJ 18 Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

2. 1 Kings 17:17-24 - Elijah Raises the Widow’s Son

After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” And he said to her, “Give me your son.”

And he took him from her arms and carried him up into the upper chamber where he lodged, and laid him on his own bed. And he cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son?” Then he stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, let this child’s life come into him again.”

And the Lord listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house and delivered him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives.” And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.”

Elijah was a man with a nature just like us (James 5:17). Here we see him outraged that this widow who God has had him impose upon is now having to deal with the death of her son. Elijah even accuses God of killing him!

Why this boy dies after this woman has given so sacrificially to the man of God, I don’t claim to know. But this I know - after her boy was raised from the dead in answer to Elijah’s bold and persistent prayer in that upper room, there was no room for doubt: “Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is the truth.”

3. 2 Kings 4:18-20, 32-37 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite Woman’s Son

When the [Shunammite woman’s] child had grown, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. And he said to his father, “Oh, my head, my head!” The father said to his servant, “Carry him to his mother.” And when he had lifted him and brought him to his mother, the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died.

When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the Lord. Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm.

Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. Then he summoned Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite.” So he called her. And when she came to him, he said, “Pick up your son.” She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out.

4. 2 Kings 13:20-21 - A Dead Man Revived by Elisha’s Bones

Even after his death, touching the bones of Elisha caused a dead man to come back to life (2 Kings 13:21). This caused the word of Elijah to be fulfilled that Elisha would have a double anointing, enabling him to do twice as many miracles as Elijah.

5. Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Son of the Widow of Nain

Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her.

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

A sense of awe swept over all of them, and they glorified God. “A great prophet has appeared among us!” they said. “God has visited His people!” And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding region.

Jesus’ action begins with compassion for a grieving widow. The miracle restores not only the young man’s life but also the family relationship on which the widow’s future depended.

6. Mark 5:21-24, 35-43 - Jesus Raises Jairus’ Daughter

Most New Testament readers are likely familiar with the concept of resurrection: Jesus, of course, resurrected from the dead, but he also raised to life Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:21-24), the son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:1-17), and Lazarus (John 11:17-44).

While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”

They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.”

Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.

7. Luke 8:49-56 - Her Spirit Returned

While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.”

And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.

But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

8. John 11:25-26, 38-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Jesus does not merely say that he will bring about the resurrection or that he will be the cause of the resurrection, both of which are true, but something much stronger: I am the resurrection and the life.

Resurrection from the dead and genuine eternal life in fellowship with God are so closely tied to Jesus that they are embodied in him and can be found only in relationship to him. Therefore “believes in me” implies personal trust in Christ.

Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.”

Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.”

When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

Jesus raised Lazarus after four days in the tomb. The sign displayed Jesus’ compassion, confirmed his identity, and directed those present toward faith in the one sent by the Father.

9. Matthew 27:52-53 - Saints Raised When Jesus Died

The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

When Jesus died on the cross, many saints rose from the dead, and after his resurrection made many appearances in the city of Jerusalem (Mt. 27:51-53).

Thirdly, in Matthew 27, the manifestation of God's authority & power raised people from the dead without anyone praying for them-they were raised simultaneously right as Jesus died.

10. Acts 9:36-42 - Peter Raises Tabitha

Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.

Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room.

All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.

Peter took her by the hand and helped her up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.

Peter’s response was prayer followed by a direct command: “Tabitha, arise.” The result became known throughout Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.

11. Acts 20:7-12 - Paul Raises Eutychus

On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered.

And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.

But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.

But Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and embraced him. “Do not be alarmed!” he said. “He is still alive!” Then Paul went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate. And after speaking until daybreak, he departed. And the people were greatly relieved to take the boy home alive.

12. John 5:21, 28-29 - The Father and the Son Give Life

For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.

Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

These verses connect present authority to give life with the future universal resurrection. The Son gives life according to his will, and all who are in the tombs will hear his voice.

13. Acts 26:8 - God Raises the Dead

Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

ACTS 26:8 NKJ 8 "Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?

Note the present tense of this verse. It does not say God previously raised the dead or God will only raise the dead in the future. Our God is "I AM" -- not "I WAS" or "I WILL BE" (Exodus 3:14). In other words, God is always the same and He can raise anyone from the dead at any time without breaking a sweat.

14. Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Gives Life to Mortal Bodies

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Through His own resurrection, Jesus demonstrated His power to give life, as stated in John 11:25, and this power is also at work in believers, as Romans 8:11 and accounts like Luke 7:11-17 illustrate.

The verse points both to the future resurrection of believers and to the life-giving presence of God’s Spirit. The Spirit who raised Jesus is the same Spirit who dwells in believers and gives life to their mortal bodies.

15. Hebrews 11:17-19, 35 - Faith in Resurrection

The book of Hebrews tells us Abraham had such faith he believed God would raise his son Isaac from the dead, “and from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back” (Hebrews 11:17, 19).

Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.

Included in the faith "hall of fame" in Hebrews 11 are women who received their dead raised to life again. So it was a choice made by these women to press in and receive something extraordinary from God. Surely this includes the women mentioned in the above accounts with Elijah and Elisha. But there could have been others!

16. Old Testament Scriptures About Resurrection

Job 19:25-27 - Seeing God in the Flesh

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes-I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

Psalm 16:8-11 - Not Abandoned to Sheol

I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.

For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol [realm of the dead] or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 49:13-15 - Ransomed from Sheol

This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd, and the upright shall rule over them in the morning.

Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell. But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.

Psalm 71:20 - Brought Up from the Depths

You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again.

Isaiah 25:8 - Death Swallowed Up Forever

He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken.

He will swallow up death forever, defeating the swallowing power of death (cf. Isa. 5:14; 1 Cor. 15:54; Rev. 21:4). This is a promise that at some future time God’s people will no longer be subject to death but will live forever.

Isaiah 26:19-20 - The Dead Shall Live

Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead. and the earth will give birth to the dead.

Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by.

Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead.

Isaiah 53:10-11 - The Servant Lives After Suffering

Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see [light] and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 - Dry Bones Receive Breath

The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry.

And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.

So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them.

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.

And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people.

Then you, My people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them.

Daniel 12:2-3 - Resurrection to Life or Judgment

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.

Hosea 6:1-2 - Revived and Raised

Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.

Jonah 1:17-2:2, 6-7, 10 - Brought Up from the Pit

And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish, saying, “I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.

I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God. When my life was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.”

And the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.

17. Jesus’ Resurrection as the Center of Christian Hope

The Lexham Survey of Theology says: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is that central moment in human history that serves as the foundational doctrine of Christianity.

After having truly assumed human nature and submitted to an agonizing and shameful public death, the eternal Son of God was truly raised from the dead in his glorified physical body, no longer subject to decay and death.

His resurrection validates his identity as the divine Son of God, demonstrates his irrevocable victory over death and the grave, and secures both the present salvation and future physical resurrection of believers.

Acts 2:24 - Death Could Not Hold Him

But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches.

Acts 3:15 - The Author of Life

And you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.

Acts 17:31 - Resurrection as God’s Assurance

Because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ as the Firstfruits

While it is the most significant resurrection, in that through it the incarnate and crucified God emptied death of it’s sting and became the first to obtain a glorified resurrected body, it is not the only resurrection in scripture or in history.

Christ’s resurrection establishes the pattern and guarantee of the resurrection of those who belong to him. The resurrection is therefore both an accomplished event and the basis for future hope.

18. Future Resurrection and Imperishable Bodies

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Dead in Christ Rise First

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

It’s a foreshadowing of the promise for those of us who love God; we won't simply just be dead in the ground forever, but we'll be raised & live with Him for all eternity. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

1 Corinthians 15:49-52 - Changed in an Instant

Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.

For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

By “spiritual body” Paul does not mean an immaterial body but a body animated and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Corruptible bodies (flesh and blood) cannot inherit the kingdom. Hence, the need for resurrection.

Christians who are alive at the time of the resurrection will be transformed so that their bodies become spiritual and immortal like the bodies of those who are resurrected from the dead.

Philippians 3:20-21 - Bodies Made Like Christ’s Glorious Body

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Perfection will come only at the resurrection. Those who follow Christ’s example of service will share in his vindication and glory as well.

1 Corinthians 15:26-27, 54-57 - Death Is the Last Enemy

The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him.

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

When believers are finally resurrected from the dead, the destruction of death will be complete.

19. Spiritual Resurrection and New Life

There are several types of resurrection: past, present, future, and spiritually.

• Past: As mentioned above, Christ and others raised people from the dead. (See scriptures above)
• Present: Globally, people are being raised from the dead, as we speak.
• Future: Our bodies will be raised with Him in the last days. The dead in Christ shall rise first. (1 Thessalonians 4:16, John 6:39-40)
• Spiritually: We are resurrected in our spirits the moment we believe & accept Christ as our Savior, giving our life to him. (1 Peter 1:23, John 10:10, Romans 6:8-11, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Colossians 2:13-15, Colossians 3:1)

Raising the dead is more than someone coming back to life-it's about the power of the blood and the resurrection of Jesus Christ that is vibrantly alive within followers of Christ.

It's about God's heart for people, and the authority we inherit from who He is, who we are, and what Jesus accomplished on the cross.

The Bible says the life of Christ now lives in us. The Spirit of God is alive in us. We have been energized to a new life. That's why people call it being "born again".

We have the resurrection life flowing through our veins & our fingertips-ready to be activated when God calls us to something beautiful like raising the dead, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and breathing the life of hope & joy back into people's hearts through the gospel message.

20. Other Scriptures Connected with Resurrection Power

Romans 4:17 - God Gives Life to the Dead

As it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”-in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

2 Timothy 1:8-10 - Christ Abolished Death

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.

And which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

These verses summarize the gospel for which God’s servants suffer. They are a reminder of the power of God on whom Christians rely.

Hebrews 2:14-15 - Delivered from the Fear of Death

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

Jesus’ death, by cleansing his followers of sin, destroys the death grip of the devil and gives hope and deliverance to those who were in slavery to the fear of death.

However, the emphasis of the verse is not on Satan’s power but on Christ’s triumph over Satan and over death.

Philippians 1:20-21 - Christ Honored in Life or Death

It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

The crucial thing for Paul is not life or death. It is maintaining his faithful witness to Christ.

In fact, to die should be seen as gain, because it would mean that Paul would be freed from his trouble-filled life on earth to rejoice in Christ’s presence.

21. How the Resurrection Accounts Differ

In addition to the above story, Elisha (2 Kings 4:32-37; 13:20,21), Jesus (Luke 7:12-15; 8:49-55; Jn 11) Peter (Acts 9:37-40) and Paul (Acts 20:9-12) are recorded to have also raised the dead.

So eight individual people are mentioned in the Bible who were raised from the dead. This does not count Jesus or the "many" mentioned in Matthew 27:52-53 who were raised after His death.

Not only did Jesus raise someone from death three times during His earthly ministry (Luke 7:14, Luke 8:54, John 11:41-44), but in John 14:12 Jesus said those who believe on Him would also do the works that He did.

We assume that raising the dead is not in exactly the same category as healing the sick, for Scripture mentions only three people Jesus raised from death, while multitudes were healed by Him.

Certainly, not everyone will be raised from death during this present age. Jesus did not raise every dead person to life during His earthly ministry and we are not supposed to raise everyone either.

22. John 14:1-3 - The Hope of Being with Christ

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

“Believe,” in keeping with Old Testament usage, denotes personal, relational trust. In light of the context, it is best to understand “my Father’s house” as referring to heaven.

23. The Meaning of Raising the Dead in the Kingdom of God

Theologically speaking it's important to say this: the kingdom of God is more than raising the dead.

it's sitting with the poor and those who are suffering and in need. It's helping widows & orphans. It's giving generously to others, it's sacrifice, it’s being kind and loving even when being kind and loving doesn't come easy.

And yet, raising the dead is also part of the kingdom of God too.

Raising the dead is an expression of God's love and power to the person who is raised, to their family, and for all who are involved.

When the world sees a people actually living out the life Jesus commanded us to live, they will begin to believe the words we preach.

Raising the dead is an outward expression of who our God is, the author and Creator of life. In John 11:25 Jesus says he is "the Resurrection and the Life".

24. Prayer, Faith, and Discernment in These Passages

During His earthly ministry Jesus also commanded His disciples to raise the dead as part of their ministry.

So our calling today is to do exactly what Jesus commanded His first disciples to do.

But why should we think it is a thing impossible for God to do? Death is an enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26), and at the Name of Jesus every knee must bow (Philippians 2:9-10).

As believers we have been commissioned to use the authority of Jesus' Name.

Since this isn't an everyday occurrence, what do you do with testimonies like this? Store this away in your “spiritual arsenal” for days when God might invite you into an experience like this.

Grab onto the truth of the POWER of the resurrection, and the POWER of the blood of Jesus. What do these things mean for you personally?

Research and spend time in the scriptures that are included in the testimony above. Ask the Holy Spirit to make these scriptures come alive to your spirit. Get down and dirty with God - ask specific questions and see what He says.

How does the blood of Jesus apply to you? What does this mean? Where do you want to see the blood of Jesus and the power of the resurrection in your life?

Start talking to God about these things. Activate your faith and confidence that God has resurrection and LIFE for all areas of your life-in your emotions, your relationships, your business, your finances, your health, and in your relationship with him.

This is where I encourage you to study scripture & always have conversations with God. He has ALL the answers. He wants to be in a conversational relationship with you-where you are both talking and listening to each other's hearts.

You have access to the King of Glory and ALL the unlimited things He has for you. God is alive and wants to go deep with you about His resurrection power.

Remember it's all about Jesus. Who He is, what He did for us, and who we are to Him.

25. A Biblical Response to Life-and-Death Situations

Your experience will be different from mine. Each situation is unique, hear what God is saying to YOU in that moment, and do it.

There are many accounts in Scripture in which prayer, compassion, faith, and direct obedience are associated with God’s work of restoring life. These passages also keep the focus on God as the giver of life rather than on human power.

In our day, as people have begun to literally believe what the Bible says, there are numerous testimonies from around the world of people being raised from death.

But there have been a handful that have taken Jesus at his word and dared to step out in audacious obedience.

Smith Wigglesworth (1859-1947) is reported to have raised close to twenty people from the dead during his lifetime. David Hogan, missionary to Mexico according to his website has raised over 28 from the dead. Heidi Baker’s Iris ministries in Mozambique has seen over 100 resurrections and counting.

Most believers throughout the ages have dismissed this command with some form of justification for why it does not apply to them. But there have been a handful that have taken Jesus at his word and dared to step out in audacious obedience.

Nothing is too great for Him (Jer. 32:27) and nothing is withheld from us (Rom. 8:32).

“If I have faith of a mustard seed it shall be done” (Matthew 17:20).

And one day, my friend, you might be encountered with a life or death situation… in that moment I hope you remember God's GOODNESS and the POWER of the resurrection, and the blood of Jesus that has been poured over you and is available for those around you.

And if (or when) you are faced with an experience of life or death, ask God what He wants you to do.

tags: #scriptures #to #raise #the #dead