How do we know Christ will return to raise the dead?

The assurance that Christ will return to raise the dead is rooted in the explicit teachings of Scripture. In 1 Thessalonians 4:14, the apostle Paul states, 'Them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him,' confirming the truth that believers who have died will be resurrected. This promise forms the bedrock of Christian eschatology, demonstrating God’s commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises. Through the resurrection of Christ, we see a preview of what is to come, showcasing God's power over death.

Furthermore, passages throughout the New Testament reiterate this promise. Jesus Himself declared in John 5:28-29 that the dead will hear His voice and come forth, highlighting His authority over life and death. The early Church firmly believed in this doctrine, perceiving it as an integral part of their hope and testimony. Thus, the certainty of Christ’s return to raise the dead is not speculative; it is based upon the truthfulness of God's Word and His historical faithfulness to fulfill promises made throughout redemptive history.