Doctrinal Summary:
Christ died for our sins—He rose from the dead and was seen by many—All men will be resurrected—Paul speaks of baptism for the dead—The three degrees of glory are described—Victory over death comes through Christ.
Who was "the firstfuits of them that slept" and what does that phrase mean?
Christ was "the first fruits of them that slept" and I believe that it's talking about how he is the first to come forth but others who now 'sleep' will also be resurrected.
Who are listed in the verses as being witnesses of the Lord's resurrection?
Cephas, the twelve, above 500 brethren, then James, then all of the apostles. Then Paul.
According Matthew 27:52, who else has been resurrected?
Many bodies of the saints.
Some of the Corinthians did not believe in resurrection. what did Paul use as evidence of the Resurrection that was common practice then but today is literally nonexistent in the Christian world outside the restored gospel?
Baptism for the dead.
What did Paul teach about the differences in resurrected bodies?
He taught that, just as the flesh of beasts is infinitely different then that of fishes, there are celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies and on. All different and unique.
How does knowing this help to explain God's justice and mercy?
God does not have a set punishment for all sins, rather a consequence exactly proportionate to how we live our lives.
What additional insights do you gain about the celestial kingdom from Doctrine and Covenants 131:1-4?
There are three heavens, degrees of glory. If a man wants to be in the highest one then he must have the priesthood and be married.
What does 2 Nephi 9:6-9 tell us would have happened to all of us had there been no resurrection?
The ''flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more."
What words from 2 Nephi 9:10-13 describe feelings of gratitude for the Resurrection?
"goodness of our God," "deliverance of our God," "great the plan of our God," "paradise of God,"
