JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

May 1987

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your inquiry as to whether the saints who rose from their graves shortly after Christ's resurrection were made immortal.

The Bible records a number of resurrections to human life; I Kings 17:17-24, Luke 7:11-17, and Acts 20:9-10 are examples. The passage you asked about is the only record in the Bible of a multiple resurrection. Notice the incident again: "And the graves were opened; and many BODIES of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his [Christ's] resurrection ... and appeared unto many" (Matt. 27:52-53). These saints were revived to a normal, PHYSICAL life. And, like all those humans before and after them, they all died once again.

Christ is the only one ever resurrected to immortal life. The Bible reveals that no one will follow Him into immortality UNTIL the resurrection at His second coming (I Thess. 4:13-17; I Cor. 15:50-53).

Your interest is appreciated. It is our pleasure to help you with your study of the Bible.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT