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Most modern teachings treat the resurrection, the rapture, and Christ’s return as future physical events. But what if Scripture actually points to a deeper, spiritual reality that has already been fulfilled? In this blog, we’ll explore what the resurrection truly means from a preterist perspective, rooted in Scripture and historical context—not tradition.
Let’s break down four powerful passages and answer the key questions:
What is the resurrection? What does it look like? And when did it happen?
🕊️ The “First Resurrection” – Revelation 20:5–6
“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power…”
The first resurrection is spiritual—not physical. It refers to the new birth in Christ. Those who were spiritually dead in their sins are made alive in Him.
Paul confirms this idea:
Ephesians 2:5–6 – “Even when we were dead in sins, God made us alive with Christ… and raised us up with Him.”
This is the born-again experience. Those who take part in this resurrection will not face the second death—which we understand, not as eternal conscious torment, but final annihilation (Romans 6:23).
This first resurrection is an ongoing spiritual reality, not a future bodily event.
🌱 The Spiritual Body – 1 Corinthians 15:35–54
This passage is often assumed to describe a physical, bodily resurrection from the grave. But when you read it carefully, Paul is talking about a transition of covenantal identity, not biology.
He contrasts perishable with imperishable, natural with spiritual.
“Natural body” (psychikos) refers to life under the Old Covenant, tied to sin and death in Adam.
“Spiritual body” (pneumatikos) speaks of the New Covenant identity in Christ.
Paul is not talking about trading a physical corpse for a ghostly body—he’s describing how God’s people were moving from death in Adam to life in Christ.
“Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor 15:50)
This means the Old Covenant people, defined by genealogy, law, and temple, could not inherit the spiritual kingdom. Only those in Christ—the new creation—can.
This corporate resurrection culminated in AD 70, when the Old Covenant fully passed away with the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. It’s not about coming out of graves—it’s about coming into covenant life.
🌤️ Meeting the Lord in the Air – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17
This is one of the most quoted “rapture” verses—but when we understand the language and context, it reveals something deeper.
“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up… to meet the Lord in the air.” (1 Thess 4:17)
The word “meet” here is apantesis in Greek—a technical term used for welcoming a dignitary or king. It doesn’t describe an escape from Earth but rather a reception.
Examples of apantesis:
Matthew 25:6 – The virgins go out to meet the bridegroom and escort him back.
Acts 28:15 – Believers go out to meet Paul and bring him into the city.
Likewise, this passage speaks of believers receiving Christ’s revealed presence, not disappearing into the clouds.
The “clouds” and “trumpet” are Old Testament symbols of divine presence and judgment (see Exodus 19:16, Daniel 7:13, Isaiah 19:1). The imagery is apocalyptic, not literal.
This passage was fulfilled around AD 70 when Christ “came” in judgment on Jerusalem, vindicating His people and fully establishing the New Covenant. This is what Paul meant when he said, “Comfort one another with these words.”
✨ When Christ Appears – Colossians 3:4
"When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
The word “appears” (phaneroo) doesn’t mean physical manifestation—it means to be revealed, unveiled, made known.
Christ’s “appearance” in this verse corresponds with His covenantal return and vindication in AD 70. This was when the saints were revealed for who they truly were—the children of the Kingdom—while apostate Israel faced judgment.
This “glory” isn’t about being turned into spirit-beings in the sky. It’s about sharing in the glory of His New Covenant reign. It’s the same “revealing of the sons of God” Paul speaks of in Romans 8:19.
📜 Timeline Recap
| Passage | Event | Timing | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revelation 20:5–6 | First Resurrection | Ongoing | Spiritual – new birth |
| 1 Corinthians 15:35–54 | Resurrection Body | Fulfilled by AD 70 | Corporate, covenantal |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17 | Meeting in the Air | Fulfilled in AD 70 | Apocalyptic – not literal |
| Colossians 3:4 | Christ Appears | AD 70 | Revelation of His glory & our identity |
🧠 So What Does This Mean for Us?
We are not waiting for the resurrection—it’s already begun in Christ. We are resurrected people, walking in the power of the Spirit, citizens of the New Jerusalem, participants in the everlasting kingdom.
The idea of a literal rapture, a future resurrection of corpses, or a delayed appearing of Christ misunderstands the nature of apocalyptic language and misses the power of the New Covenant.
Instead of waiting for something to happen, we are called to live out the resurrection now, fully awake, fully empowered, and fully alive in Christ.
💬 Final Thoughts
When we interpret Scripture through a covenantal and historical lens, we don’t lose hope—we gain clarity. Christ’s promises were not delayed—they were fulfilled exactly when and how He said they would be.
We’re not looking forward to an escape. We’re living in the age of resurrection, where Christ reigns and His Spirit empowers.
If you want to go deeper, I’d be happy to share more studies, PDF resources, or video teachings on these subjects.
Until then, stay rooted, stay bold, and keep pursuing truth.
