Something from ... Martin Luther on the hope of the resurrection among the Patriarchs

"We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come."  This is from the Nicene Creed and is the final hope of all Christians.  The resurrection of the body, however, is not a New Testament innovation.  It has always been the hope of God's people.

This is also recognized in the Old Testament among the Patriarchs.  They faithfully endured hardships and clung to promises which remained unfulfilled at the moment of their death.  If they did not believe in "the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting" (Apostles' Creed), why did they willingly endure hardships and refrain from indulging every twinge of lust, greed, gluttony, drunkenness, etc...?  They fought against their sinful urges and remained devoted to the word of the Lord for this reason: They looked for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.  They sought a better life, a perfect home, and an everlasting peace and glory.

While the resurrection is taught much more clearly in the New Testament, it is clearly believed in the Old Testament, as Luther explains here:

"Christ says: 'God is not God of the dead, but of the living' (Matt. 22:32).  Therefore all the fathers who hoped in God undoubtedly also believed in the resurrection of the dead.  This can be clearly demonstrated from the argument of Christ: Abraham, Isaac, and the other patriarchs endure even unto death with the firmest faith; therefore they believe in the resurrection of the dead.  For if no other and better life remains after this one, what need is there of faith or of God Himself or of hope in God beyond death?  If the resurrection is not to be expected, there is also no faith and no God.  On the contrary, if there is faith and any hope in God, it is necessary that there be a God who is the God of all who trust and hope in Him and for His sake retain the hope of immortality.  For since all must face death and the godly trust in God in spite of this, they confess the necessity that after this life another, eternal life remains." (Martin Luther.  Luther's Works: American Edition.  Volume 7 (Lectures on Genesis, chapters 38-44, pages 116-117)