The Creed (And Rose from the Dead)

Pope Shenouda III explains that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is unique and different from all previous and subsequent resurrections. This is why Christ is called the Firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

1. Christ’s Unique Resurrection

Christ’s resurrection is distinguished by three essential characteristics:

1. He was the first to rise never to die again. Those raised from the dead by Elijah, Elisha, and Christ Himself, such as Lazarus, the widow’s son at Nain, and Jairus’ daughter, eventually died again. Christ, however, rose never to die again.
2. He was the first to rise with a glorified body. Those previously raised returned in mortal bodies subject to corruption. Christ rose with a spiritual and glorified body. Believers will be raised in a similar glorified state at the General Resurrection, as explained by St. Paul in (1 Corinthians 15).
3. Christ rose by His own power; no one raised Him. Unlike those who were raised by another person, Christ rose by His divine power, demonstrating His divinity. He also allowed His disciples to see Him and eat with Him to confirm that His resurrection was bodily and real, not merely a spiritual appearance or illusion.
4. Christ’s Ascension and His Session at the Father’s Right Hand

Christ’s ascension refers to His human nature, because His divinity is omnipresent and is not confined to a particular place. God does not physically ascend, descend, or move from one location to another.

Likewise, the expression “He sat at the right hand of the Father” does not refer to a physical position. Rather, it symbolizes divine power, glory, and righteousness.

Biblical references include:

• (Psalm 110:1): “The LORD said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand.”
• (Acts 7:55–56): Stephen saw the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.

3. Christ’s Second Coming and the Final Judgment

Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that Christ will come again in glory, unlike His first coming in humility, to judge the living and the dead and reward everyone according to their deeds.

The Second Coming will include:

1. Christ appearing in His glory, accompanied by the holy angels and multitudes of saints.
2. The General Resurrection, when the dead will rise and the living will be transformed.
3. The gathering of the righteous, who will be caught up in the clouds to be with the Lord forever.
4. The separation of the righteous from the wicked.
5. The final judgment, in which everyone will receive according to their works.

Important biblical references include:

• (Matthew 24:30–31): The Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
• (Matthew 25:31–46): Christ coming in glory and sitting on His glorious throne to judge the nations.
• (John 5:28–29): The resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous.
• (Revelation 22:12): Christ comes with His reward to give everyone according to their works.
• (Daniel 7:13–14): The everlasting dominion and kingdom of the Son of Man.

4. Christ’s Eternal Kingdom and the Rejection of a Literal Millennial Kingdom

Pope Shenouda explains that Christ’s kingdom is spiritual, not an earthly kingdom limited to one thousand years.

Christ declared that His kingdom is not of this world. The biblical statement that His kingdom shall have no end confirms its eternal nature.

The Second Coming will be accompanied by the General Resurrection and the Final Judgment, rather than being followed by another separate coming for judgment after an earthly thousand-year reign.

Conclusion: Christ’s resurrection is unique because He rose with a glorified body, never to die again. His ascension and session at the Father’s right hand reveal His glory and divine authority. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and establish the full manifestation of His everlasting kingdom, which shall have no end.
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