“Kiyama” – The Day of Resurrection

A Theological Reflection

The word “Kiyama” (or Kiama) is a Swahili term meaning “the Day of Resurrection.” In Christian theology, this refers to the future, bodily resurrection of the dead—a central tenet of the Christian faith, rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1. Biblical Foundations of the Resurrection

a. Jesus and the Sadducees

Matthew 22:23–28 (NIV)

That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question…

(vv. 23–28 summarize the Sadducees’ attempt to trap Jesus with a hypothetical scenario about marriage in the resurrection.)

The Sadducees, a sect of Judaism that denied the resurrection and the existence of spirits (see Acts 23:8), questioned Jesus to discredit the concept of life after death. Jesus, however, corrected their misunderstanding in verse 30:

Matthew 22:30 (NIV)

At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

This passage reveals that life after the resurrection is qualitatively different, not just a continuation of earthly existence.

b. Paul’s Desire to Attain the Resurrection

Philippians 3:10–11 (NIV)

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Here, Paul emphasizes not only a future hope but also a present transformation: knowing Christ and becoming like Him prepares the believer for the future bodily resurrection.

c. False Teaching about the Resurrection

2 Timothy 2:17–18 (NIV)

Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.

This shows that denying or misrepresenting the resurrection undermines the very foundation of Christian faith (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:12–19).

2. The Resurrection and the Rapture

Paul gives detailed teaching on the resurrection and the rapture in:

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (NIV)

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

This event—often referred to as the Rapture—is closely tied to the resurrection of believers. It marks the moment when those who died in Christ will be raised to new, glorified life (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:50–52).

3. The Resurrection: Our Blessed Hope

Belief in the resurrection gives us unshakable hope:

Titus 2:13 (NIV)

…while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…

Romans 8:11 (NIV)

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

4. A Personal Challenge: Are We Ready?

The Day of Resurrection is not just a doctrinal concept—it is a call to holiness, vigilance, and preparation:

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

We must ask ourselves:

Am I living in light of eternity?

Do my actions reflect the hope I have in Christ?

Conclusion: The Nearness of the Resurrection

The resurrection is not a distant fantasy but a soon-coming reality. It is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan and the gateway to eternal life for all who believe in Jesus.

Let us, therefore, anchor our faith in Christ, walk in righteousness, and prepare our hearts for the glorious Day of Resurrection.

Shalom.

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