What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Resurrection?

Today, I reviewed all 35 passages in the Book of Mormon which use the word “resurrection.” Here are some of the principles I saw:

1. Because of the fall of Adam and Eve, we will all die (2 Nephi 9:6). There is no way for us to overcome the consequences of this without divine intervention (2 Nephi 2:8, Mosiah 16:7-8). Both death and resurrection are part of our Heavenly Father’s plan for us (Alma 12:24-25).
2. The suffering and death of Jesus Christ made it possible for Him to overcome physical death (2 Nephi 9:22, Mosiah 18:2, Alma 16:19-20, Alma 21:9, Alma 33:22).
3. Our spirit and our body will be reunited after we die, and our body will be restored to its perfect form. After that, our body will no longer be subject to corruption. It will be perfect and immortal (Alma 11:42-45, Alma 40:23, Alma 41:2).
4. It’s important for people to know this, because it affects our daily decisions. A belief in the resurrection empowers us to overcome our fear of death (Mosiah 16:7-8, Alma 4:14, Alma 27:28, Mormon 7:5-6). This is why prophets have consistently taught the doctrine of the resurrection (2 Nephi 26:3, Mosiah 13:35, Alma 16:19-20, Alma 21:9, 3 Nephi 6:20).
5. We will all be resurrected, but not all at the same time (Alma 12:8). The righteous will be resurrected first, “unto life and happiness.” Those who have rebelled against God will be resurrected “unto damnation” (Jacob 4:11-12, Mosiah 15:20-26, Mosiah 16:11, Mosiah 18:9, Alma 40:15-17, 3 Nephi 26:5, Moroni 7:41).
6. We will all return to God’s presence after the resurrection to be judged (Jacob 6:9, Alma 42:23, Helaman 14:15-17, Mormon 9:13).

This Easter weekend, I will be grateful that Jesus Christ has overcome death and made the resurrection a reality. In a world of change and decay, I will be grateful for the promise of permanence and durability. I will remember that, because He overcame death, we will all overcome death. I will also remember that He has made it possible for us to qualify for the first resurrection and receive eternal life.