While the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is a central pillar of the Christian faith, many are surprised to learn that His resurrection was prophesied centuries earlier in the Old Testament scriptures. By carefully examining these ancient predictions and connecting them to their fulfillment in the New Testament accounts, we gain a deeper understanding of how thoroughly God planned this pivotal event from the very beginning. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key prophecies.
Prophecy of Christ’s Resurrection in the Old Testament
Job and the Promised Redeemer
One of the earliest references is found in the Book of Job, thought to have been written around 2000 BC. In Job 19:25, Job declares, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the earth.” Job had full confidence that though his body would decay in death, one day, his “Redeemer” would return victorious. This Redeemer could only be a reference to Jesus Christ, who through His resurrection conquered death’s power once and for all. Job points to a future time when the promised “Redeemer” would stand resurrected upon the earth.
Isaiah Foretells the Suffering Servant
Moving further into the Old Testament prophecies, around 700 BC, the prophet Isaiah foretold crucial details of the Messiah’s death and resurrection. In Isaiah 53:10-11, Isaiah describes the suffering servant’s death: “Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him…he shall see the light of life and be satisfied.” Through this passage, Isaiah affirms God’s plan that the anointed one would not remain dead but would be resurrected, with His life restored. This is a strikingly clear prophecy of the resurrection of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who fulfilled it perfectly.
The Psalms Point to Christ
The book of Psalms contains numerous prophecies, one being Psalm 16 which was written by King David around 1000 BC. In verses 8-11, David refers to God, saying: “You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead…you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Scripture confirms this Psalm was directly referring to Jesus (Acts 2:25-32), showing God revealing the plan for Christ to David centuries in advance.
Hosea’s Prophecy of the Third Day
The prophet Hosea, writing around 750 BC, also foretold Christ’s resurrection. In Hosea 6:2, Hosea declares that “After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live in his presence.” Jesus directly connects this prophecy to His resurrection on the third day (Matthew 12:40). It’s amazing how God revealed the timing of Christ’s resurrection through Hosea hundreds of years beforehand.
The Sign of Jonah
Jesus also referenced the Old Testament book of Jonah when speaking of His resurrection. In Matthew 12:38-41, Jesus says, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Jonah’s deliverance from death foreshadowed Christ’s victory over death through His resurrection after three days.
Daniel’s Vision of the Son of Man
Another compelling Old Testament prophecy of Christ’s resurrection comes from the book of Daniel, in which Daniel recounts a heavenly vision in Daniel 7:13-14 of “one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven…He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him.” This “Son of Man” coming on the clouds echoes Jesus’ own reference to Himself as the Son of Man coming in glory in Revelation 1:7. Significantly, the phrase “son of man” was Jesus’ favorite self-reference when talking about His future suffering, death, resurrection, and return, and Daniel’s prophecy unveils Jesus being given all authority and worship following His resurrection – all the more astounding given Daniel received this revelation over 600 years prior, in approximately 605 BC, being granted a divine glimpse of Christ’s future victory.
Preparing Our Hearts for Christ’s Return
While the prophecies provide assurance that Christ will indeed return as He promised, they also call us to preparation. As we’ve seen, the Old Testament saints like Daniel were given visions of Christ’s ultimate victory to strengthen their faith during times of trial. Likewise, reflecting on the resurrection prophecies can fortify our hope as we await His second coming.
Some practical ways to ready our hearts include studying God’s word daily and meditating on its truths that point to Jesus. Confessing sin and turning from ways that dishonor Him also draws us nearer. Make worship and prayer priorities – time in His presence recalibrates our focus from earthly to eternal concerns.
Develop Christlike character by walking in obedience and extending grace to others. Live intentionally sharing the hope of the gospel. And fix our eyes on Jesus’ incredible sacrifice that defeated death, rather than worldly distractions that can dull our anticipation.
While the day and hour remain unknown, let Jesus’ victory over the grave embolden us to endure confidently whatever challenges this life brings. His resurrection proves He has the power to conquer all enemies and reign forever. May the sunrise remind us that a brighter day is coming when He makes all things new.
As we reflect on the depths of God’s faithfulness shown through the resurrection, my prayer is that each reader will experience new life and hope in Christ. By beholding His glory as revealed in Scripture, may our love for Him and desire for His return be strengthened. He is risen indeed!
“His Second Coming” by Dr. Marlene Brown Discusses Christ’s Resurrection
In conclusion, the multi-faceted prophecies concerning Jesus’ resurrection demonstrate God’s faithful fulfillment of what He had foretold. This central act proved Jesus to be the long-awaited Messiah who defeated death and opened the way for us to have eternal salvation. The events of that first Easter proclaim that Jesus is Lord of lords, risen from the dead as Scripture had promised. We pray these Old Testament passages have encouraged you in your walk with the risen Savior.
In her new book “His Second Coming“, Dr. Marlene Brown shines a light on how the Old Testament contains clear prophecies about Jesus Christ’s resurrection long before it took place. Through her study of scripture combined with prophetic visions from God, Brown identifies several passages that foretell this pivotal event that proved Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and Savior of mankind. Her book helps readers gain a new appreciation for how Jesus fulfills Old Testament imagery and scripture down to the finest details. Studying these ancient resurrection prophecies strengthens the case for Christ and assures believers of the power of His conquest over sin and death.
Order your copy today!
