When do Christians believe the resurrection will take place?

The belief that the resurrection will take place on the last day, at Christ's return, is rooted in Christian doctrine as articulated in Scripture, particularly in passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and John 6:40. This understanding emphasizes that the resurrection of the dead is a future event associated with the second coming of Christ, where believers will be raised to eternal life.

Christians hold that at this time, both the living and deceased believers will be transformed and united with Christ in a glorified state. This teaching distinguishes the resurrection from various other concepts of life after death, such as the notion of an immediate transition to heaven, which some might associate with options involving conversion or the afterlife.

The emphasis on a collective resurrection at Christ's return highlights a central element of Christian eschatology, where the final victory over death is celebrated, underscoring the hope that Christians have in eternal life through Jesus and the ultimate restoration of creation.