Did Christ’s Crucifixion Kick Off a Zombie Invasion?
By Lynette Kittle
“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people”—Matthew 27:51-53
Does the Bible talk about Zombies? Some argue “yes” based on several events described in the Bible including where Scripture describes believers coming out of their tombs after Jesus’ resurrection. Although that’s all we hear about them, not knowing if they continued living on earth for years to come or whether they, like Jesus, ascended to heaven after His resurrection. We know from Jesus’ death and resurrection that those resurrected to life, do not die again. “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him” (Romans 6:9). Zombies are described by some as individuals who have been killed by a virus or disease and then reanimated as a zombie, going on to spread the virus to others. We can be confident these believers were not zombies. Even though once dead, they are now alive. In Revelation 1:18, Jesus says, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Film Vs Biblical Truth
The 1968, “Night of the Living Dead” horror film hit theaters and kicked off fear and interest in zombies that ironically, lives on today. “Jesus did not return as a decomposing corpse; He was and is fully alive,” writes Barrier. “This is not fiction. This is not ‘Night of the Living Dead,’ this is the truth from God’s Word.” Because Jesus was once dead but is now alive, some look at Him and say He is the living dead. But there is no death within Him. As Dr. Roger Barrier writes, “Jesus is not a zombie. Jesus was resurrected, not just reanimated.”
Do the Living Dead Exist?
The concept that there are living dead is not just a far-fetched or made-up science fiction storyline but bears reality according to Scripture. Although people debate and fear whether zombies live on Earth or not, we know from scripture hell is the never-ending night of the living dead. Biblical accounts reveal even though people die physically, they live on spiritually, whether in heaven or hell. Daniel 12:2 describes a scene we might expect to see in a horror film: “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake; some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” The truth is, we are all spiritually dead even though our bodies are alive until we receive new life from Christ.
“When you were dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:13-15).
The Difference Between Zombies and Resurrected Lives
In finding an empty grave, Jesus’ friends had an angelic encounter.
“While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead.’” Luke 24:4-5
Barrier writes, “Jesus resurrection body will be perfect for all eternity, and those who receive Jesus as their Savior will be granted perfect resurrection bodies as well.” 1 John 3:2 assures us, we will be like Him. Just like Jesus could not be found among the dead, resurrected believers will not be found among the living dead either. Jesus gives us life everlasting.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Have you ever considered or worried about a coming zombie invasion? The only people who need to fear the living dead are those headed to hell, where they will be forever separated from God, spiritually dead, and suffering the penalty for sin. Next time the gruesome subject comes up, ask God to help you share His gift of a new life for those who trust in Christ.
Further Reading: Were There Zombies in the Bible?
Photo Credit: Ben White/Unsplash
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
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