The First Resurrection
All of us will be resurrected from the dead to receive our new eternal bodies. This is because all people will live forever. However, there are two resurrections that are very different. The first resurrection is for all of the people who are saved by grace through faith, when they come to know the Lord in a personal relationship. (Revelation 20:6) This resurrection takes place at the Rapture and as Tribulation saints die, and they receive their eternal bodies. They will all reign with Christ for one thousand years, and then, dwell with Him in heaven forever. All of others will be part of the second resurrection, which is for those who never trust the Lord. They will be cast into the Lake of Fire following the Great White Throne Judgment. Whatever we do, we should make sure we are going to be part of the first resurrection by surrendering to the Lord in repentance and faith. Eternity is too long gamble on our destination.
All of us who are part of the first resurrection are blessed and holy. We are blessed because we are right with the Lord, and He shines His face upon us. We are holy because He separates us from sin and from this world, so that we belong to Him. We will be priests of God and of Christ during the Millennium time, as we reign with Christ for one thousand years. What a privilege He bestows on us, even though we could never earn it or deserve it.
There is an easy way to remember this. If we are born twice, we only die once. If we are born physically the first time and spiritually the second time, then when our body ceases to function, we go directly to be with the Lord. We never experience spiritual death, only a transition to life in heaven. Those who are only born once, physically, die twice. They die physically, and they are separated from the Lord and others in hell. Then, they are resurrected in the second resurrection to face the Lord in the Great White Throne Judgment, only to die spiritually a second time when they are cast into the lake of fire.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Revelation 21-22.
All of us who are part of the first resurrection are blessed and holy. We are blessed because we are right with the Lord, and He shines His face upon us. We are holy because He separates us from sin and from this world, so that we belong to Him. We will be priests of God and of Christ during the Millennium time, as we reign with Christ for one thousand years. What a privilege He bestows on us, even though we could never earn it or deserve it.
There is an easy way to remember this. If we are born twice, we only die once. If we are born physically the first time and spiritually the second time, then when our body ceases to function, we go directly to be with the Lord. We never experience spiritual death, only a transition to life in heaven. Those who are only born once, physically, die twice. They die physically, and they are separated from the Lord and others in hell. Then, they are resurrected in the second resurrection to face the Lord in the Great White Throne Judgment, only to die spiritually a second time when they are cast into the lake of fire.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Revelation 21-22.