MEMORY VERSE: “ And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2.
BIBLE PASSAGE: John 5:28-29.
INTRODUCTION
Resurrection according to the scriptures is when those who are dead would be brought back to life again to face either eternity with God in Heaven or damnation with the devil in Hell. Contrary to what most people make it out to be, biblical resurrection is a spiritual reality that would manifest in the physical realm for all to see. While death is the end of physical life, it is not the end of human existence. Everyone will be raised from the dead, but not everyone will share the same destiny Acts 24:15; Matthew 25:46; Romans 6:5.
OUTLINE
- THE FIRST RESURRECTION
- THE SECOND RESURRECTION
- THE FIRST RESURRECTION
Revelation 20:4-6 mentions a “first resurrection” and identifies those involved as “blessed and holy.”The second death (the lake of fire), Revelation 20:14 has no power over these individuals. It includes those who return to life at the rapture 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and aligns with Jesus’ teaching of the “resurrection of the just” Luke 14:14 and the “resurrection of life” John 5:29. Those involved in the first resurrection will already be raised to life prior to the 1,000-year (Millenium)reign of Christ.
The first resurrection takes place in various Stages:
- Jesus Christ Himself – the “first fruits” 1 Corinthians 15:20, gave access for the resurrection of all who believe in Him to eternity with Him 1 Peter 1:3. Christ’s resurrection is the basis of the Christian’s certainty that all people who have died will one day be raised to face fair and even-handed judgment by Jesus Christ Acts 17:30-31.
- The Old Testament saints were raised after Christ’s resurrection and physically appeared in Jerusalem Matthew 27:50-53.
- There will be the resurrection of “the dead in Christ” at the lord’s return 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. It will occur at the time of the rapture of the saints in Christ. The apostle Paul explained that at the time of rapture, not all Christians will die, but all will be changed, i.e., given ‘resurrection-type’ bodies 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. Christians who are alive and those who have already died will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and be with Him always.
- The resurrection of the believers in Jesus who died during the tribulation and the martyrs at the end of the tribulation Revelation 20:4.Some of the people left behind on earth will repent during this time and trust in Jesus as their Saviour. Tragically, most of them will pay for their faith in Jesus by losing their lives Revelation 6:9-11; 7:9, 13-14. These will be resurrected at Christ’s return (second phase) to reign with Him for a thousand years on earth Revelation 20:4, 6.
- Isaiah 65:17-20 suggest another resurrection at the end of the millennium. It is possible that some believers will die a physical death during the millennium.
2. THE SECOND RESURRECTION
This is the resurrection of those who rejected Jesus as their saviour and will experience the second death or eternal separation from God. lt is the raising of all unbelievers and the wicked, judged at the great white throne prior to being cast into the lake of fire Revelation 20:12-15. It corresponds with Jesus’ teaching of the “resurrection of damnation” John 5:29.
CONCLUSION
The difference between these two groups is based on one’s relationship with God through Jesus Christ. What a responsibility we must share the Gospel so people can be saved and escape final damnation/death Jude 23-24; John 3:16.
FURTHER READING
Sun: Matthew 28:5-6.
Mon: Revelation 20:4-6.
Tues: John 11:25-26
Wed: Romans 8:11.
Thurs: Revelation 6:9-11.
Fri: 1 Corinthians 15:51- 53.
Sat: Acts 17:30-31.