What are the basic doctrines of the Christian faith and is a ‘doctrine’ anyway. A doctrine is a collection of teachings on a certain subject, and the basic doctrines of the Christian faith are the teachings of Jesus Christ recorded in the Bible. These doctrines are listed in the Bible in the book of Hebrews: Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. (Hebrews 6:1-3) |
Two spiritual objectives are set forth in this verse: The first objective is that of building your spiritual life on the right foundation. This foundation is the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The second objective is to go on to perfection. Perfection means spiritual maturity.
There are two reasons for failure to live a victorious Christian life. The first reason is that some who are trying to live like Christians have never been born again. They do not understand the basic doctrines of Jesus Christ. Because of this lack of understanding they have failed to make a proper response to God. The second reason for failure is not going on to spiritual maturity.
The first purpose of this series of articles is to present the basic doctrines of the Christian faith necessary for a proper spiritual foundation. The six foundational doctrines of Hebrews 6:1-3 will be discussed: Repentance from dead works, faith toward God, doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. After establishing this foundation, the second purpose of this series is to take you on to perfection [spiritual maturity].
There are two reasons for failure to live a victorious Christian life. The first reason is that some who are trying to live like Christians have never been born again. They do not understand the basic doctrines of Jesus Christ. Because of this lack of understanding they have failed to make a proper response to God. The second reason for failure is not going on to spiritual maturity.
The first purpose of this series of articles is to present the basic doctrines of the Christian faith necessary for a proper spiritual foundation. The six foundational doctrines of Hebrews 6:1-3 will be discussed: Repentance from dead works, faith toward God, doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. After establishing this foundation, the second purpose of this series is to take you on to perfection [spiritual maturity].
Resurrection of the Dead
Part Two
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)
In the last week's article the term "resurrection" was defined and three resurrections mentioned in the New Testament were identified. The past resurrection of Jesus and the present resurrection of the believer in Jesus were discussed in detail.
This week, we will try to explain the future resurrection of all that are in the graves. The future resurrection actually will be two separate resurrections, one of the just and one of the unjust. This article will also attempt to explain how the death and resurrection of Jesus affected the destiny of the human soul.
Since this article concerns future events, it deals with prophecy about the end of time and eternity. For those not familiar with Bible prophecy I have provided a general outline of future events as revealed in God's Word at the end of this article.
FUTURE: RESURRECTION OF ALL IN THE GRAVES
The Bible reveals two things about all human beings. One is that all will experience the resurrection of the dead, and two that all will experience eternal judgment. Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. (John 5:28-29) The Apostle Paul also wrote about this resurrection. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. (I Corinthians 15:22) Because of the original sin of Adam, death came upon all men. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, all men will die physically and later be resurrected.
Paul wrote that there will be exceptions to the resurrection. Those who never die will not need to be resurrected from the dead. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. (I Corinthians 15:51-53) When Paul says "we shall not ALL sleep" he means all true believers who are alive at the time of Christ's return for His Church. These believers will never experience death. They will be caught up to meet Jesus and be reunited with Christians resurrected from the grave.
DESTINY OF THE DEAD
There is much about the period between physical death and the resurrection that is not revealed in the Bible, but three things are clear:
1. At the time of death there is a separation between the body and the spirit and soul. The physical body is put in the grave, but the soul and spirit live on in eternity.
2. The spirits and souls of those who were righteous go to a different place than those who were wicked.
3. The destiny of the righteous was different before and after the death of Jesus.
Jesus revealed what happens after death through the story of a beggar named Lazarus who lay at a rich man's gate. The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ (Luke 16:22-26)
At death, the physical body returns to the earth. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return. (Genesis 3:19) The soul and spirit of man however enters a new existence in eternity. There is still a personality, recognition of one person by another, and awareness of present conditions. The destiny of spirits of the righteous is different from that of spirits of the wicked. Both Lazarus and the rich man went to a place of departed spirits called in the Hebrew language "Sheol" and in the Greek language "Hades." (Most of the Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew. The New Testament was written in Greek). But the destinies of the two men were different. The rich man was in a place of torment called Hell. Lazarus was in a place of rest. Between these two places there was a gulf that could not be crossed from either side. If the gulf could not be crossed, then it means there is no hope to change the eternal destiny of the soul after death. Because of this, it is of no value to pray for the dead. The decision to accept or reject Jesus as Savior must be made during this life. It is this decision that determines the destiny of your soul. The place of rest for departed spirits of the righteous was called "Abraham's bosom." This meant it was a place for those who followed the same faith of Abraham by serving the one true and living God.
The story of Lazarus and the rich man reveals what happened to departed souls before the death and resurrection of Jesus. After His resurrection the destiny of the souls of the wicked remained the same, but the destiny of righteous souls changed.
When Jesus died He said "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” His body was laid in a tomb but the destiny of His spirit was decided by God. The Bible reveals what happened to the spirit of Christ after death. What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. (Ephesians 4:9-10) Before His death, Jesus told the dying thief who repented, Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43). The spirit of Jesus descended into Sheol, the place of all departed spirits. First He went to the place of the spirits of the righteous. This was called "paradise" or "Abraham's bosom." From paradise, Jesus went further into the area of Sheol reserved for the wicked spirits. This was necessary in order for Him to complete the work of atonement for man's sin. He had to endure both the physical and spiritual penalties of sin. The physical penalty was physical death. The spiritual penalty was separation from God which is called spiritual death. Jesus experienced that in Sheol.
Then the spirit of Jesus ascended from Sheol back to the world. At that time, His body which had been lying lifeless in the tomb was raised up from death. His soul, spirit, and body were reunited to form a complete personality. As we learned in the last lesson, Jesus appeared in visible form to many on earth before He returned to Heaven.
THE NEW PATTERN
The events between the death and resurrection of Jesus set a new pattern for the destiny of righteous souls. Prior to Christ's resurrection, departed spirits of the righteous went to paradise. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the spirits of the righteous could ascend immediately into the presence of God. This is confirmed in the record of the death of Stephen. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55-56) While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59-60)
Moments before death, Stephen saw a vision of Jesus in Heaven at the right hand of God. His words, "Lord Jesus receive my spirit,” indicate he knew that immediately upon death his soul and spirit would go directly to Heaven. The Apostle Paul also confirms this. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (II Corinthians 5:6-8) Paul compared the value of death to that of remaining alive in order to fulfill his earthly ministry. He said that to be absent from the body is to be with Christ. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (Philippians 1:21-24)
In addition to the new destiny of the righteous dead, Jesus set another new pattern that will be followed by all men:
1. At death man's spirit and soul will go to the realm of the departed spirits. The righteous will ascend to the presence of God. The wicked will go to a place of torment [hell].
2. At the time of resurrection, the body will be raised again from death and reunited with the spirit and soul.
The Apostle Paul describes the resurrection of the dead in three stages. The first resurrection of the dead was that of Jesus. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. (I Corinthians 15:22-24)
This is what is meant by the phrase "Christ the first fruits.” There are two other resurrections of the dead which will occur in the future, these are the resurrection of the just and unjust. And I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. (Acts 24:15) The Bible also calls these two resurrections the resurrection of life and the resurrection of damnation. Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. (John 5:25, 28-29)
The resurrection of life is the second stage and will happen when Jesus returns to earth for His Church. This event will resurrect from the dead all true believers in Jesus. This is called the resurrection of the just or the resurrection of life.
The third stage of the resurrection of the dead is called "the end.” This resurrection occurs at the end of Christ's earthly reign of 1000 years of peace. This resurrection is called the resurrection of the unjust or the "resurrection unto damnation.”
TO SUMMARIZE:
The following summarizes what we have learned about the three stages of the resurrection of the dead:
Stage One: Resurrection Of Jesus Christ
Stage Two: Resurrection Of The Just (Resurrection Of Life)
Stage Three: Resurrection Of The Unjust (Resurrection Of Damnation)
We have already studied the resurrection of Jesus. Now we will study the resurrections of the just and the unjust.
THE RESURRECTION OF THE JUST
Paul said those in the second stage of the resurrection are "they that are Christ's." This means those who have repented from dead works and through faith accepted Jesus as Savior. Paul said that this resurrection of believers will happen at the time of Christ's coming. The main New Testament passage describing this resurrection of life [the just] is found in I Thessalonians. But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)
The purpose of Paul's teaching is to comfort believers concerning other Christians who have died ["them which are asleep"]. His message provides assurance that all true believers will be resurrected.
When Jesus returns, two great events will occur on earth:
1. All true believers who have previously died will be resurrected, given new bodies, and reunited with their own soul and spirit.
2. All believers alive on earth at that moment will experience a quick change in their physical bodies.
Both those resurrected and those alive at the time of Christ's coming will be raised by God's power from the earth into the air. They will be reunited with the Lord and each other. From that time on, they will forever be with the Lord.
The book of Revelation provides an additional record of the resurrection of the righteous. And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4-6) The resurrection described in this passage is of believers who die as martyrs during the tribulation period. They are raised just before Christ's Kingdom is established on earth. This passage reveals that the resurrection of the just, which is called the first resurrection, is complete after the raising of this last group of believers.
NEW BODIES FOR BELIEVERS
The Bible reveals some things about the new bodies believers will receive. The new body will be according to the will of God. But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body. (I Corinthians 15:38) A glorious and powerful body, It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. (I Corinthians 15:43) that is both spiritual, It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. (I Corinthians 15:44) and immortal. (meaning the new body will never age, decay, or die.) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (I Corinthians 15:52-54)
Jesus arose from the dead first. His resurrection is compared to the first sheaf of a great harvest that will follow. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. (I Corinthians 15:20) This harvest is the raising of believers in the resurrection. Our resurrected bodies will be like the Lord's: Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (I John 3:2) Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Philippians 3:21)
THE RESURRECTION OF THE UNJUST
The last resurrection is described by Paul in I Corinthians 15:24. He calls it "the end." This is the resurrection of the unjust. When Jesus completes His earthly Millennial reign of 1000 years, God will defeat all His enemies. The last of these enemies to be conquered will be death. This will complete God's plan for the world. Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. (Ephesians 1:9-10)
Revelation chapter 20 reveals how the resurrection of the unjust relates to other parts of God's plan. In this chapter, the Apostle John describes Satan's final attempt to take the authority of God. This happens at the end of Christ's Millennial reign. Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:7-10)
During the Millennium reign, Jerusalem will be the center of Christ's rule over the nations of earth. Satan will be a prisoner during this time. At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be freed long enough to stage a final rebellion among the Gentile nations. This will result in an attempt to attack Jerusalem. God will intervene with fire from Heaven and the rebellion will be defeated. Satan will be cast into the lake of eternal fire to be tormented forever.
John describes the final resurrection of all the remaining dead: Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15)
TO SUMMARIZE...
All true believers who have died will be raised from the grave before the 1000 Millennium year reign of Christ. This is the first resurrection. It is the resurrection of the just to eternal life. The majority of those resurrected at the close of the Millennium will be the unrighteous dead. This is the resurrection of the unjust to damnation. The Bible tells of another great event which will happen after these resurrections. This event is known as eternal judgment and is the subject of the next article in this series.
After judgment, the destiny of the unrighteous is the lake of fire which is called in the Bible "the second death.” The wicked already experienced physical death. Now they will experience the second death of eternal separation from God. This is spiritual death or the "second death.” The destiny of the righteous is eternity in the presence of God.
THE RESURRECTION MESSAGE
The doctrine of the resurrection is a foundational truth of the Christian faith. The message of the Gospel not only includes the life and death of Jesus Christ, but also the message of His resurrection. The apostles preached both the resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of the dead. They taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (Acts 4:2) Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. (Acts 17:18) And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” (Acts 17:32) These verses illustrate two different responses of people to the message of the resurrection. Some will not believe it and others will listen to the message. Our responsibility as believers is to share the resurrection message as part of the Gospel as Paul did. Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. (I Corinthians 15:1-8)
The preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is incomplete without the doctrine of the resurrection which is why it is a foundation of our Christian faith. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. (I Corinthians 15:14) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. (I Corinthians 15:19-22)
Biblical Prophecy on the End of Days
As promised I have included this outline of Biblical prophecy as it concerns the final resurrection.
The doctrine of the resurrection of the dead which we have studied and the doctrine of eternal judgment which we will study in next week's article both concern future events. Future events are foretold in the Word of God, and although these events have not happened yet, God has provided knowledge of His future plans through prophecy.
There is much about future events which is not revealed in God's Word. That which is revealed has been interpreted several different ways by students of the Bible. It is not necessary to understand all the various interpretations of Bible prophecy given by men. Most of these interpretations center on the exact timing of certain prophetic events or specific details of these events. What is important to foundations of the Christian faith is a general understanding of what the Bible says will happen.
The following outlines these important events:
I. The Bible teaches that the Lord will return to earth for believers. Jesus promised His followers: My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2-3)
A. The Rapture: I Thessalonians 4:13-18 gives the most detail about Christ's return for believers. This return is called the
rapture:
1. Christ Himself will return. (Verse 16)
2. There will be a resurrection from the grave of those who were believers when they died. (Verse 16)
3. There will be a rapture, which means "the act of taking a person from one place to another.” Living believers will be taken
from earth to meet Christ. (Verse 17)
4. There will be a reunion between believers who have previously died, believers living at the time of Christ's return, and their
Lord Jesus Christ. (Verse 17)
B. The Tribulation: The Bible tells of a terrible time on earth which is called the tribulation.
1. The tribulation will last for 42 months or 1,260 days (Daniel 9:24-27).
2. It will be a very difficult time. There have been many difficult times in the world, but three things will distinguish the
tribulation from all other times of trouble.
a. First, it will be worldwide and not just local. (Revelation 3:10)
b. Second, people will realize the end of the world is near. (Revelation 6:16)
c. Third, the intensity of the trouble will be greater than ever before experienced. (Matthew 24:4-14)
3. Its description: There are a series of judgments of God on the earth during the tribulation. These are described in
Revelation chapters 6, 8-9, and 16 and Matthew 24:4-14.
4. The reason for the tribulation: The wickedness of man must be punished, Satan defeated, and Jesus acknowledged as Lord
of all.
II. This completes God's plan of the ages spoken of in Ephesians 1:8-9.
C. The Timing Of The Rapture: Some people believe the rapture will occur before the tribulation and that believers will not
have to experience any of this terrible time on earth. Others believe the rapture will happen midway through this period.
Still others believe the rapture will happen at the end of the tribulation.
The most common interpretation is that the rapture of believers will happen before the tribulation period begins. The
different views of the timing of the rapture result from various interpretations of the prophetic information given in
Scripture. What is most important is to know you are a true believer and will be ready to go with Jesus in the rapture
when it does occur.
D. The Millennium: The Millennium is a period of 1,000 years after the tribulation during which Jesus will rule the earth in
righteousness (Zechariah 14:9; Daniel 7:14). The city of Jerusalem will be the center of government (Isaiah 2:3). This
period will end when Satan stages a last revolt against God (Revelation 20:7-9). God will send fire from Heaven and end
all opposition. Satan will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity (Revelation 20:10).
E. Judgment: All created beings will be judged by God. This is known as the time of eternal judgment. It is the last of the
foundational principles of Hebrews 6:1-3 and is discussed in the following chapter. Those who died as unbelievers will be
resurrected to face judgment. Because they did not repent from sin and accept Jesus as Savior they will be condemned to
eternity in Hell (Revelation 20:12-15). True believers who repented from sin and accepted Jesus as Savior will spend
eternity in Heaven in the presence of God (Revelation 21).
In the last week's article the term "resurrection" was defined and three resurrections mentioned in the New Testament were identified. The past resurrection of Jesus and the present resurrection of the believer in Jesus were discussed in detail.
This week, we will try to explain the future resurrection of all that are in the graves. The future resurrection actually will be two separate resurrections, one of the just and one of the unjust. This article will also attempt to explain how the death and resurrection of Jesus affected the destiny of the human soul.
Since this article concerns future events, it deals with prophecy about the end of time and eternity. For those not familiar with Bible prophecy I have provided a general outline of future events as revealed in God's Word at the end of this article.
FUTURE: RESURRECTION OF ALL IN THE GRAVES
The Bible reveals two things about all human beings. One is that all will experience the resurrection of the dead, and two that all will experience eternal judgment. Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. (John 5:28-29) The Apostle Paul also wrote about this resurrection. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. (I Corinthians 15:22) Because of the original sin of Adam, death came upon all men. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, all men will die physically and later be resurrected.
Paul wrote that there will be exceptions to the resurrection. Those who never die will not need to be resurrected from the dead. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. (I Corinthians 15:51-53) When Paul says "we shall not ALL sleep" he means all true believers who are alive at the time of Christ's return for His Church. These believers will never experience death. They will be caught up to meet Jesus and be reunited with Christians resurrected from the grave.
DESTINY OF THE DEAD
There is much about the period between physical death and the resurrection that is not revealed in the Bible, but three things are clear:
1. At the time of death there is a separation between the body and the spirit and soul. The physical body is put in the grave, but the soul and spirit live on in eternity.
2. The spirits and souls of those who were righteous go to a different place than those who were wicked.
3. The destiny of the righteous was different before and after the death of Jesus.
Jesus revealed what happens after death through the story of a beggar named Lazarus who lay at a rich man's gate. The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ (Luke 16:22-26)
At death, the physical body returns to the earth. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return. (Genesis 3:19) The soul and spirit of man however enters a new existence in eternity. There is still a personality, recognition of one person by another, and awareness of present conditions. The destiny of spirits of the righteous is different from that of spirits of the wicked. Both Lazarus and the rich man went to a place of departed spirits called in the Hebrew language "Sheol" and in the Greek language "Hades." (Most of the Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew. The New Testament was written in Greek). But the destinies of the two men were different. The rich man was in a place of torment called Hell. Lazarus was in a place of rest. Between these two places there was a gulf that could not be crossed from either side. If the gulf could not be crossed, then it means there is no hope to change the eternal destiny of the soul after death. Because of this, it is of no value to pray for the dead. The decision to accept or reject Jesus as Savior must be made during this life. It is this decision that determines the destiny of your soul. The place of rest for departed spirits of the righteous was called "Abraham's bosom." This meant it was a place for those who followed the same faith of Abraham by serving the one true and living God.
The story of Lazarus and the rich man reveals what happened to departed souls before the death and resurrection of Jesus. After His resurrection the destiny of the souls of the wicked remained the same, but the destiny of righteous souls changed.
When Jesus died He said "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” His body was laid in a tomb but the destiny of His spirit was decided by God. The Bible reveals what happened to the spirit of Christ after death. What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. (Ephesians 4:9-10) Before His death, Jesus told the dying thief who repented, Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43). The spirit of Jesus descended into Sheol, the place of all departed spirits. First He went to the place of the spirits of the righteous. This was called "paradise" or "Abraham's bosom." From paradise, Jesus went further into the area of Sheol reserved for the wicked spirits. This was necessary in order for Him to complete the work of atonement for man's sin. He had to endure both the physical and spiritual penalties of sin. The physical penalty was physical death. The spiritual penalty was separation from God which is called spiritual death. Jesus experienced that in Sheol.
Then the spirit of Jesus ascended from Sheol back to the world. At that time, His body which had been lying lifeless in the tomb was raised up from death. His soul, spirit, and body were reunited to form a complete personality. As we learned in the last lesson, Jesus appeared in visible form to many on earth before He returned to Heaven.
THE NEW PATTERN
The events between the death and resurrection of Jesus set a new pattern for the destiny of righteous souls. Prior to Christ's resurrection, departed spirits of the righteous went to paradise. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the spirits of the righteous could ascend immediately into the presence of God. This is confirmed in the record of the death of Stephen. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55-56) While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59-60)
Moments before death, Stephen saw a vision of Jesus in Heaven at the right hand of God. His words, "Lord Jesus receive my spirit,” indicate he knew that immediately upon death his soul and spirit would go directly to Heaven. The Apostle Paul also confirms this. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (II Corinthians 5:6-8) Paul compared the value of death to that of remaining alive in order to fulfill his earthly ministry. He said that to be absent from the body is to be with Christ. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (Philippians 1:21-24)
In addition to the new destiny of the righteous dead, Jesus set another new pattern that will be followed by all men:
1. At death man's spirit and soul will go to the realm of the departed spirits. The righteous will ascend to the presence of God. The wicked will go to a place of torment [hell].
2. At the time of resurrection, the body will be raised again from death and reunited with the spirit and soul.
The Apostle Paul describes the resurrection of the dead in three stages. The first resurrection of the dead was that of Jesus. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. (I Corinthians 15:22-24)
This is what is meant by the phrase "Christ the first fruits.” There are two other resurrections of the dead which will occur in the future, these are the resurrection of the just and unjust. And I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. (Acts 24:15) The Bible also calls these two resurrections the resurrection of life and the resurrection of damnation. Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. (John 5:25, 28-29)
The resurrection of life is the second stage and will happen when Jesus returns to earth for His Church. This event will resurrect from the dead all true believers in Jesus. This is called the resurrection of the just or the resurrection of life.
The third stage of the resurrection of the dead is called "the end.” This resurrection occurs at the end of Christ's earthly reign of 1000 years of peace. This resurrection is called the resurrection of the unjust or the "resurrection unto damnation.”
TO SUMMARIZE:
The following summarizes what we have learned about the three stages of the resurrection of the dead:
Stage One: Resurrection Of Jesus Christ
Stage Two: Resurrection Of The Just (Resurrection Of Life)
Stage Three: Resurrection Of The Unjust (Resurrection Of Damnation)
We have already studied the resurrection of Jesus. Now we will study the resurrections of the just and the unjust.
THE RESURRECTION OF THE JUST
Paul said those in the second stage of the resurrection are "they that are Christ's." This means those who have repented from dead works and through faith accepted Jesus as Savior. Paul said that this resurrection of believers will happen at the time of Christ's coming. The main New Testament passage describing this resurrection of life [the just] is found in I Thessalonians. But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)
The purpose of Paul's teaching is to comfort believers concerning other Christians who have died ["them which are asleep"]. His message provides assurance that all true believers will be resurrected.
When Jesus returns, two great events will occur on earth:
1. All true believers who have previously died will be resurrected, given new bodies, and reunited with their own soul and spirit.
2. All believers alive on earth at that moment will experience a quick change in their physical bodies.
Both those resurrected and those alive at the time of Christ's coming will be raised by God's power from the earth into the air. They will be reunited with the Lord and each other. From that time on, they will forever be with the Lord.
The book of Revelation provides an additional record of the resurrection of the righteous. And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4-6) The resurrection described in this passage is of believers who die as martyrs during the tribulation period. They are raised just before Christ's Kingdom is established on earth. This passage reveals that the resurrection of the just, which is called the first resurrection, is complete after the raising of this last group of believers.
NEW BODIES FOR BELIEVERS
The Bible reveals some things about the new bodies believers will receive. The new body will be according to the will of God. But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body. (I Corinthians 15:38) A glorious and powerful body, It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. (I Corinthians 15:43) that is both spiritual, It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. (I Corinthians 15:44) and immortal. (meaning the new body will never age, decay, or die.) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (I Corinthians 15:52-54)
Jesus arose from the dead first. His resurrection is compared to the first sheaf of a great harvest that will follow. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. (I Corinthians 15:20) This harvest is the raising of believers in the resurrection. Our resurrected bodies will be like the Lord's: Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (I John 3:2) Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Philippians 3:21)
THE RESURRECTION OF THE UNJUST
The last resurrection is described by Paul in I Corinthians 15:24. He calls it "the end." This is the resurrection of the unjust. When Jesus completes His earthly Millennial reign of 1000 years, God will defeat all His enemies. The last of these enemies to be conquered will be death. This will complete God's plan for the world. Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. (Ephesians 1:9-10)
Revelation chapter 20 reveals how the resurrection of the unjust relates to other parts of God's plan. In this chapter, the Apostle John describes Satan's final attempt to take the authority of God. This happens at the end of Christ's Millennial reign. Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:7-10)
During the Millennium reign, Jerusalem will be the center of Christ's rule over the nations of earth. Satan will be a prisoner during this time. At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be freed long enough to stage a final rebellion among the Gentile nations. This will result in an attempt to attack Jerusalem. God will intervene with fire from Heaven and the rebellion will be defeated. Satan will be cast into the lake of eternal fire to be tormented forever.
John describes the final resurrection of all the remaining dead: Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15)
TO SUMMARIZE...
All true believers who have died will be raised from the grave before the 1000 Millennium year reign of Christ. This is the first resurrection. It is the resurrection of the just to eternal life. The majority of those resurrected at the close of the Millennium will be the unrighteous dead. This is the resurrection of the unjust to damnation. The Bible tells of another great event which will happen after these resurrections. This event is known as eternal judgment and is the subject of the next article in this series.
After judgment, the destiny of the unrighteous is the lake of fire which is called in the Bible "the second death.” The wicked already experienced physical death. Now they will experience the second death of eternal separation from God. This is spiritual death or the "second death.” The destiny of the righteous is eternity in the presence of God.
THE RESURRECTION MESSAGE
The doctrine of the resurrection is a foundational truth of the Christian faith. The message of the Gospel not only includes the life and death of Jesus Christ, but also the message of His resurrection. The apostles preached both the resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of the dead. They taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (Acts 4:2) Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. (Acts 17:18) And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” (Acts 17:32) These verses illustrate two different responses of people to the message of the resurrection. Some will not believe it and others will listen to the message. Our responsibility as believers is to share the resurrection message as part of the Gospel as Paul did. Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. (I Corinthians 15:1-8)
The preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is incomplete without the doctrine of the resurrection which is why it is a foundation of our Christian faith. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. (I Corinthians 15:14) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. (I Corinthians 15:19-22)
Biblical Prophecy on the End of Days
As promised I have included this outline of Biblical prophecy as it concerns the final resurrection.
The doctrine of the resurrection of the dead which we have studied and the doctrine of eternal judgment which we will study in next week's article both concern future events. Future events are foretold in the Word of God, and although these events have not happened yet, God has provided knowledge of His future plans through prophecy.
There is much about future events which is not revealed in God's Word. That which is revealed has been interpreted several different ways by students of the Bible. It is not necessary to understand all the various interpretations of Bible prophecy given by men. Most of these interpretations center on the exact timing of certain prophetic events or specific details of these events. What is important to foundations of the Christian faith is a general understanding of what the Bible says will happen.
The following outlines these important events:
I. The Bible teaches that the Lord will return to earth for believers. Jesus promised His followers: My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2-3)
A. The Rapture: I Thessalonians 4:13-18 gives the most detail about Christ's return for believers. This return is called the
rapture:
1. Christ Himself will return. (Verse 16)
2. There will be a resurrection from the grave of those who were believers when they died. (Verse 16)
3. There will be a rapture, which means "the act of taking a person from one place to another.” Living believers will be taken
from earth to meet Christ. (Verse 17)
4. There will be a reunion between believers who have previously died, believers living at the time of Christ's return, and their
Lord Jesus Christ. (Verse 17)
B. The Tribulation: The Bible tells of a terrible time on earth which is called the tribulation.
1. The tribulation will last for 42 months or 1,260 days (Daniel 9:24-27).
2. It will be a very difficult time. There have been many difficult times in the world, but three things will distinguish the
tribulation from all other times of trouble.
a. First, it will be worldwide and not just local. (Revelation 3:10)
b. Second, people will realize the end of the world is near. (Revelation 6:16)
c. Third, the intensity of the trouble will be greater than ever before experienced. (Matthew 24:4-14)
3. Its description: There are a series of judgments of God on the earth during the tribulation. These are described in
Revelation chapters 6, 8-9, and 16 and Matthew 24:4-14.
4. The reason for the tribulation: The wickedness of man must be punished, Satan defeated, and Jesus acknowledged as Lord
of all.
II. This completes God's plan of the ages spoken of in Ephesians 1:8-9.
C. The Timing Of The Rapture: Some people believe the rapture will occur before the tribulation and that believers will not
have to experience any of this terrible time on earth. Others believe the rapture will happen midway through this period.
Still others believe the rapture will happen at the end of the tribulation.
The most common interpretation is that the rapture of believers will happen before the tribulation period begins. The
different views of the timing of the rapture result from various interpretations of the prophetic information given in
Scripture. What is most important is to know you are a true believer and will be ready to go with Jesus in the rapture
when it does occur.
D. The Millennium: The Millennium is a period of 1,000 years after the tribulation during which Jesus will rule the earth in
righteousness (Zechariah 14:9; Daniel 7:14). The city of Jerusalem will be the center of government (Isaiah 2:3). This
period will end when Satan stages a last revolt against God (Revelation 20:7-9). God will send fire from Heaven and end
all opposition. Satan will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity (Revelation 20:10).
E. Judgment: All created beings will be judged by God. This is known as the time of eternal judgment. It is the last of the
foundational principles of Hebrews 6:1-3 and is discussed in the following chapter. Those who died as unbelievers will be
resurrected to face judgment. Because they did not repent from sin and accept Jesus as Savior they will be condemned to
eternity in Hell (Revelation 20:12-15). True believers who repented from sin and accepted Jesus as Savior will spend
eternity in Heaven in the presence of God (Revelation 21).
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