PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE RESURRECTIONS

The old notion of a general resurrection day when both saved and unsaved arise, is not found in the Bible.

Two great resurrections are depicted, separated by 1000 years. (Rev. 20:5-6).

The “first resurrection” is referred to as “the better resurrection.” (Heb. 11:35).

If both saved and unsaved appeared in the same resurrection, Paul could not make the conditions stated in Phil. 3:10-11.

Those who have part in the first resurrection are “those who are counted worthy.” (Lk. 20:35).

RESURRECTIONS CLEARLY DISTINGUISHED

The distinction in the resurrection is clear in Jn. 5:28–29. ALL will be resurrected, but not all at the same time. The saved will be “recompensed” not in a general resurrection but in “the resurrection cf the just.” (Lk. 14:14).

Those who will participate in the first or “resurrection of life” (Jn. 5:29) are those who have passed from death unto life through acceptance of Christ (Jn. 5:24) and have divine life abiding in them. Over them the second death has no power and resurrection will bring them that higher state of life— “immortal life”—at Christ's second coming.

Those who will be raised 1000 years later (at the close of the Millennial Kingdom) are those who, because of rejection of Christ, were “dead in trespasses and sins.” Their resurrection is from a state of spiritual death to a state of eternal death—“the second death.” Nothing is said of the unsaved ever having “immortality.”

Mark the fact that the final state of the lost will not be a disembodied state. (Acts 24:15; Dan. 12:2). In view of this, read Jesus' warning in Mt. 10:28.

The outcome of having part in the second resurrection (the lost) is described as “the second death.” (Rev. 20:12-15). Here we read of no white robes—only the nakedness of sin. They are judged out of the books of God's remembrance. (Mal. 3:16). “Another book”—the book of life, is the register of those born of the Spirit. The absence of one's name here is fatal. One might appear well in the books of remembrance, so far as works were concerned, but be lost for not being in THE book.

There is one way to settle forever the question of which resurrection one will have part in. (Jn. 3:18, 36).

“Death (the grave) and hades “will be delivered up” in the second resurrection. (Hades—the abode of departed unsaved spirits.) Body and soul go into the “lake of fire.” (See Chapter on Future Retribution). It is sufficient to know that it is what God adjudges just punishment for those whose names are not found in the register of salvation. It is the second death—final separation from the favor and presence of God.

THE FIRST AND BETTER RESURRECTION

Turn now to the bright side of the picture —the first resurrection.

The believer's body, now so limited by pain and disease, must return to the dust (unless caught up alive when Jesus comes— 1 Thess. 4:17). See Eccl. 12:7.

Nevertheless there is a mysterious tie between the regenerated spirit in Paradise and the body in which it once lived. It cannot be broken. There is something about that which is put into the ground, out of which will spring the new and glorious body, at Christ's second coming. (Phil. 3:20-21).

Note that it is to be patterned after Christ's own glorious body. (1 Jn. 3:2).

For description as to when and how this will take place, read 1 Thess. 4: 14-18 carefully. (cf. 1 Cor. 15:52-58).

It is blessed to be a Christian in a mortal body. It is a better, state when we depart and our spirit goes to be with Christ to await glorification in the resurrection day. (Phil. 1:21). But—we cannot know the full glory of sonship until we receive our resurrection bodies at Christ's glorious coming. (Rom. 8:22-23).

Satan shall not win even so much as the dust of a child of God. The nwhole man is redeemed.

FIRST RESURRECTION SUMMARIZED IN 1 COR. 15

A summary of the doctrine of the first resurrection will be found in 1 Cor. 15. Read carefully. The resurrection of the body is here founded squarely on the truth of the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus.

The body of Jesus was laid in a tomb. , His spirit was never in the grave and never died. His spirit therefore required no resurrection. It was the body that was raised. There is no room for doubt as to who will participate in this first resurrection. (V. 23).

If Christ is our life, then shall we appear with Him in glory when He comes. (Col. 3:4).

The possession of eternal life in Christ will cause all true believers, whether in heaven, on earth or under the earth (spirit or body) to fly to Him when He comes, as steel would fly to a powerful magnet.