The Timing and Significance of the Resurrection of the Saints

Those who were resurrected in connection with the crucifixion of Jesus came to life immediately after His own resurrection. While their graves were opened at the moment of His death, they did not emerge as living beings until the Saviour himself had triumphed over the prison house of death Matthew 27:52-53EVRR511+1.

Timing of the Resurrection

The sequence of these sacred events is clearly defined in the scriptures:

• The Opening of the Graves: At the moment of Christ's death, when He yielded up His spirit, the earth shook, rocks rent, and the graves were opened Matthew 27:50-52.

• The Restoration of Life: These saints remained in their resting places until Jesus arose early on the first day of the weekEVRR511+1.

• Appearance to the Many: After Jesus came forth, these resurrected individuals also came out of their graves and entered the holy city, appearing to many people to testify of the power of the risen Lord Matthew 27:53TBI 208.4.

Significance of the Event

This company of resurrected saints serves as a beautiful testimony to the victory of Christ 🌿:

• A Multitude of Captives: When Jesus ascended to heaven forty days after His resurrection, He led this "multitude of captives" with Him as a trophy of His victory over sin and death Ephesians 4:8TBI 208.4.

• Heavenly Representation: These individuals are now in heaven, represented by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders who declare they have been redeemed from the earth Revelation 5:9TBI 208.4.

• Pledge of the Future: Their resurrection is a pledge and an assurance of the general resurrection of the just at the second coming of Christ 1 Corinthians 15:20-23EVRR511+1.

May this truth fill your heart with hope, for the same power that raised Jesus and those saints from the dead is available to give us spiritual life today Romans 10:9BEST August 1, 1893, par. 3+1.