Resurrection

Many have hitherto believed that the death caused by the Fall was physical death. Consequently, they have interpreted the biblical concept of resurrection as revival from physical death, and believed that resurrection of the dead involves the biological regeneration of their decomposed bodies. However, the Fall of the first human ancestors did not cause this kind of death. According to the Principle of Creation, the human body was created to return to dust after it grows old. A decomposed body cannot be restored to its original state. Furthermore, it is not necessary for a spirit to take on another physical body when he is meant to enjoy eternal life in the vast spirit world.

Resurrection may be defined as the process of being restored from the death caused by the Fall to life, from the realm of Satan’s dominion to the realm of God’s direct dominion, through the providence of restoration. Accordingly, whenever we repent of our sins and rise to a higher state of goodness, we are resurrected to that degree.

The changes a person experiences when he is resurrected and enters the governance of God take place in his heart and spirit. These internal changes also purify his body, transforming it from a haunt of Satan into a temple of God. In this sense, we may say that our physical body is also resurrected. We may compare it to a building which was previously used for evil purposes and is now used as a place of worship. Although there may be no change in its outward appearance, it is now sanctified as a sacred building.

What is the resurrection through return? If you fail in your responsibility on earth, you will have to put your descendants in your place. You will have to put them in the position of the messiah who will save you. You will have to help them and cooperate with them, considering their circumstances. You will have no choice but to cooperate with them to fulfill through them the responsibility that you failed in life on earth.

We must look forward to the resurrection. Heaven must be resurrected by means of earth. We think the resurrection will begin in heaven, but it will not. It will begin on earth. Our earth takes center place. This is where the foundation for resurrection is laid, and this is where all matters are decided. If the resurrection does not take place on earth, the resurrection of heaven, of mankind, of all things, and of people in hell will be nothing but empty words. Therefore, the resurrected person must first appear on earth.