For a Jehovah's Witness, the resurrection of Jesus has a very specific and significant meaning, but it differs in some key ways from the traditional Christian understanding:
* Resurrection to Immortality as a Spirit Creature: Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus was raised, not in the same physical body he had before, but as a *glorified, immortal spirit creature*. They interpret scriptures like 1 Peter 3:18 ("being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit") to support this. They believe his physical body was disposed of by God.
* Foundation of Hope: The resurrection of Jesus is seen as the *cornerstone* of their hope for future life. Because Jesus was resurrected, it proves that God has the power and will to resurrect others.
* Basis for Judgment: Jesus' resurrection, along with his sacrifice, provides the basis for judging humankind. Those who exercise faith in Jesus and obey God's commandments will be resurrected to life on earth.
* Contrast to Other Resurrections: Jehovah's Witnesses distinguish Jesus' resurrection from other resurrections mentioned in the Bible (like Lazarus). Those others were raised back to mortal life on earth, eventually to die again. Jesus was raised to immortal spirit life in heaven.
* Rulership in Heaven: After his resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven to rule as King of God's Kingdom. This kingdom is believed to have begun ruling invisibly in 1914, and will soon bring about a righteous new world on earth.
* Rejection of Bodily Resurrection: It's important to emphasize that Jehovah's Witnesses *do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus' physical body.* This is a significant difference from the doctrine of other Christian denominations who believe that Jesus' physical body was raised from the dead.
In summary, for a Jehovah's Witness, the resurrection of Jesus demonstrates God's power, provides the basis for their hope of everlasting life, and establishes Jesus as the King of God's Kingdom, who will soon rule over a paradise earth. However, they believe that his resurrection was as a spirit creature, not a physical one.