The Gradual Process of Individual Resurrections

A Research Hypothesis in Biblical Theology (I)

Abstract

The hypothesis in Biblical Theology put forward in this article is that bodily resurrection from the dead is a gradual and individual process that will take place for each individual in different “supra-temporal” phases, but oriented always towards the ontological and relational “newness” of Christ’s parousía. This becomes clear if, consonant with the dogma of Purgatory, the purification of the spirit of the deceased is understood in terms of a “supra-temporal” process. This progressive conformation of the spirit of the deceased to the Risen Christ goes hand in hand with a dynamic of conformation to “spiritual body” of Christ himself. What is certain is that, upon Christ’s glorious return, a radical transformation will take place in each individual, “each in his own order” and according to his degree of agápē: so as to bring to joyful completion the communio of the martyrs and other Saints who have already undergone resurrection, firstly the dead will rise, and then those who are still alive.