Bible Questions and Answers

Saints are those who have sanctified themselves by living in faith according to the commandments of God.

We might reasonably conclude:

1. That these were recently deceased saints recognisable by their families and neighbours.

2. That they were raised mortal and subsequently died again in the same way as Lazarus.

3. Alternately, they could have been raised mortal and ‘translated’ in the same way as Enoch. – we have no idea what ‘translated’ means as an alternative to death (if it is to be understood as an alternative).

4. Whatever happened to them, they were not given the divine nature, nor have they entered into the kingdom of God. That will not happen until Christ returns to raise and judge the dead and restore the kingdom of David as the kingdom of God. The rewards for the faithful will be given at the same time.

Hebrews 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

5. That this resurrection was to show the faithful that Jesus’ sacrifice had been accepted and give them (and us) confidence that Jesus will return to raise the dead at the appointed time.

John 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

I hope you find this helpful.

God bless,
Glenn