Why Two Resurrections?

If we were immortal, then we wouldn't need a resurrection. But since we're mortal -- we die and need a resurrection. But why are there two resurrections? "God is not the author of confusion" (I Cor. 14:33). "But every man [will be resurrected] in his own ORDER" (1 Cor. 15:23). True, faithful Christians will be the FIRST raised to immortality at the second coming of Christ (1 Cor. 15:49-53; 1 Thes. 4:14-17). The resurrection of the "rest of the dead" (the blind unsaved) back to mortality will take place AFTER the Millenium (Rev. 20:11-15) -- two resurrections. Paul affirmed "that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust" (Acts 24: 15) -- two resurrections. And Jesus Christ said: "For the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of LIFE [eternal]; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation [JUDGMENT]" (John 5:28, 29) -- two resurrections. Daniel said the righteous would "awake ... to everlasting LIFE" (Dan. 12:2). "And they that be wise (literally "teachers" of righteousness) shall SHINE as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the STARS for ever and ever" (Dan. 12:3). But the wicked will "awake" "to SHAME and everlasting contempt [or ABHORRENCE]" (Dan. 12:2) -- two resurrections. "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be STUBBLE: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch" (Mal. 4:1). "And ye [the righteous] shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ASHES under the soles of your feet" (Mal. 4:3).

Souls Die

We are told, "The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Gen. 2:7).
Man was created a "living soul" (Hebrew, nephesh), but it does not say that man was created an immortal soul. Instead, scripture shows us that man was mortal -- that he would "die" (Gen. 2:17). This word nephesh (translated as "soul") is also used throughout the Hebrew Scriptures to refer to the lower creatures God had created. Can the soul die? "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezek. 18:4, 20). In many instances the Bible speaks of souls being killed, of them dying and perishing.
When the New Testament writers quoted the Old Testament passages where the word nephesh ("soul") was used, they used the Greek equivalent, psuche, meaning "a living being," identical in meaning to the Hebrew word nephesh. Notice what Jesus said regarding the soul (psuche): "Fear him [God] which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell [Gehenna, the lake of fire]" (Matt. 10:28).

Mortal Man

Job, quoting Eliphaz, wrote: "Shall mortal man be more just than God?" (Job 4: 17.) And in Deuteronomy we are told that it was possible for a man to "smite him [his neighbor] mortally that he die" (Deut. 19: 11). "Mortal" means that which can die. In the New Testament Paul taught that a Christian should not let sin rule in his "mortal body" (Rom. 6: 12). He also spoke of a Christian's "mortal body" being quickened or made alive (Rom. 8:11). At the resurrection "this mortal must put on immortality" (I Cor. 15:53,54). Paul spoke of Christians' bodies as "our mortal flesh" (2 Cor. 4:11). But he added that the time is coming (in the future) when our "mortality" will be "swallowed up of [eternal] life" (2 Cor. 5:4). Paul was also inspired to pen a promise of immortality: "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, [they will be granted] eternal life" (Rom. 2:7).

Did you notice that man must seek, as a gift from God, immortality. Why? Only God has immortality to give: "Who only [referring to the King of kings - verse 15) hath immortality" (1 Tim. 6: 16). "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever" (1 Tim. 1:17). Eternal life or future immortality was nowhere offered to ancient Israel or to anyone else during the Old Testament period. But God's grace, His free gift of eternal life, "is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (2 Tim. 1:10).

Death is Like Sleep

What happens to man at death? Does he go to the grave to "sleep" until the time of the resurrection? David was inspired to write: "His [man's] breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish" (Ps. 146:4). This scripture reveals that man ceases to think at the time of his death. David's son Solomon revealed that "there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave [sheol], whither thou goest" (Eccl. 9: 10).

Man is mortal. He will die. In death he is as one who is "asleep," awaiting the resurrection. There is absolutely no mental or physical activity in the grave! (Ps. 6:5; 115: 17.) Numerous resurrections (back to a physical life) are recorded in the Bible, but there is not one word about the dead having had any knowledge of what occurred during the interval when they were dead. Lazarus had been dead "four days" (John 11:17), but was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ. And he had no knowledge or consciousness during that period of time -- rather he was as one in a deep sleep -- in a state of unconciousness. Christ said: "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep" (verse 11).

What Is Man's Hope?

Man has no other hope held out to him -- other than the hope of the resurrection. According to the Bible, this is man's only hope.
The resurrection, as shocking as it may seem, is Old Testament theology as well as new.

David wrote of the resurrection: "My flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell [sheol, the grave]; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One [Christ] to see corruption" (Ps. 16:9, 10). The Apostle Peter, commenting on this very scripture, said: "Let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried.... He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption" (Acts 2:29, 31).
Christ's "soul was not left in hell [Greek, hades - the grave]," and His body did not decompose. It was buried in a rock-hewn tomb at a cool time of the year; and it was resurrected before decomposition set in, before it began to decay or putrefy.

Christ's Resurrection

Christ's resurrection was, in fact, a type of the resurrection which God promises to all those who faithfully obey Him. The Apostle Paul was inspired to write: "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken [enliven] your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you" (Rom. 8: 11).

Resurrection Taught in Old Testament

Job clearly revealed his faith in a coming resurrection. He asked: "If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou [God] shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands" (Job 14:14, 15). Yes, Job knew the time was coming when his Creator would call him from the grave and clothe him with eternal life. "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh [Hebrew, without or apart from my flesh] shall I see God" (Job 19:25, 26). He knew he would some day be resurrected to see his Redeemer.

Isaiah also believed in the resurrection: "Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead" (Isa. 26:19).

Ezekiel also prophesied of a coming resurrection when the "whole house of Israel" will be restored to life. His vision of a "valley which was full of bones" is well known: "O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: and I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord" (Ezek. 37:4-6). Furthermore, God says through Ezekiel: "Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel" (verse 12).

Daniel also foretold a coming resurrection when "Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt" (Dan. 12:2). An angel appeared unto Daniel and told him: "But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest [in the grave], and stand [stand up in a resurrection] in thy lot at the end of the days" (verse l3). The word "resurrect" literally means "to stand again from below" - re (again); sur (below); rect (to stand).

Hosea also believed in the resurrection: "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction" (Hosea 13:14).

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews gives a long list of faithful servants of God who, during Old Testament times, obeyed God and often would not accept deliverance from a horrible death "that they might [through their martyrdom] obtain a better resurrection" (Heb. 11:35).

Abraham had faith "that God was able to raise him [his son, Isaac] up, even from the dead" (Heb. 11:19). Abraham knew that God had promised the Holy Land to him and his children as an everlasting possession. The only way Abraham could receive the fulfillment of this promise was by a resurrection from the dead. "For he looked for a city [in which he and other faithful ones would dwell -- after their resurrection] which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (verse10). Abraham knew he would be raised from his grave and would someday dwell with God and with other glorified humans in New Jerusalem, in the new earth, where there would be no more sin, sorrow or death to mar eternal happiness.

Moses prophesied of the saints being glorified in a resurrection at the second coming of Christ when they will be united with Him. "The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints; from his right hand went a fiery law for them. Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; everyone shall [in the future] receive of thy words" (Deut. 33:2, 3). There were not "ten thousands of saints" with Moses at the time when God gave Israel the Ten Commandments at Sinai. Only Joshua and Caleb were permitted to enter the Promised Land. Moses, Aaron and Miriam were also saints, but the vast majority of the Israelites were carnal, faithless, stiff-necked and totally rebellious. They were anything but saints. The prophecy refers to the time of the second coming of Jesus Christ, when many thousands of saints will be resurrected from their graves (Israelites and Gentiles) and will be joined unto Christ, as His Bride. Then Christ will give them His law to teach all nations in the Kingdom of God (see I Thes. 4: l3-18).

Man's Only Hope

The Encyclopaedia Britannica, commenting on Daniel 12:2, says: "It should be noted that it is not the immortality of the soul that is spoken of but the resurrection of the dead, who have remained dead ('sleep in the dust') until the end-time (when 'your people shall be delivered'). This remains the hope and expectation normative in Judaism and Christianity ("Eschatology," 14th edition, 1973, VIII, p. 696). You will search the Bible in vain to find any other teaching. The Bible teaches the resurrection -- not the immortal soul.

The First Resurrection

"Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen O, God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him" (lsa. 64:4). "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 [or abhorrence]" (Dan. l2:2). "The hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth: they that have done good unto the resurrection of life [eternal]: and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation [judgment]" (John5:28,29). Paul told Felix "that there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust" (Acts 24:15). As Paul "reasoned of righteousness temperance and judgment to come," the unjust Felix trembled (verse25). Paul did not say the just and the unjust would rise up at the same time.

Paul wrote at length regarding the resurrection(s) in I Corinthians15. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order; Christ the firstfruits: afterward they that are Christ's at his [second] coming.Then cometh the end" (verses 22-24). What is meant by "the end"? Paul was referring to the end of the one-thousand-year reign of Christ and the saints on this earth. Then the second resurrection occurs (see Rev. 20:1-12).
Jesus Christ is depicted in Revelation 19:11-21 as coming on "a white horse" and then "he shall [in the future] rule them [the nations] with a rod of iron" (verse 15).
The resurrected saints (joined by the living saints) will be caught up to meet Christ in the air at His second coming, and they as kings and priests will "reign on the earth" (Rev. 5:10). To these saints Christ promises: "He that overcometh and keepeth my works ... to him willl give power over the nations: and he shall rule them [under Christ] with a rod of iron" (Rev.2:26,27).

The Timing

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thes. 4:14-17). This is the first part of a two-part first resurrection. Our Lord will come "as a thief in the night" secretly (2 Pet. 3:10) to "take" (Gen. 24:4) a Philadelphian bride (Leah -- Gen. 29:23) and the wedding will occur "at the last trump" (1 Cor. 15:52) on the Feast of Trumpets. After a seven-year honey-moon (Gen. 29:27; Judges 14:12), He will return "from the wedding" (Luke 12:36) "with" (1 Th. 3:13) her to marry a Laodicean bride (Rachel -- Gen. 29:30) on the "great trump" (Matt. 24:31) of the Day of Atonement and "every eye shall see him" (Rev. 1:7). "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" (Matt. 24:31). But where will Christ go for the seven-year honeymoon? He takes her to his Father's house (John 14:2-3). "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and RECEIVE YOU unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:2-3). The Jewish custom is to steal her away. Then he will return "from the wedding" (Luke 12:36) with her to earth. "And the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee" (Zech. 14:5). "And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives" (Zech.14:4). "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded. . . and they lived and reigned [ruled] with Christ a thousand years" (Rev.20:4).

"And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one" (verse 9). Christ will return to stand on the Mount of Olives. Nearly two thousand years ago, His angels told the disciples that Christ would return to this earth just as He left it -- and He had been standing talking with His disciples atop Mount Olivet just before this promise was given (Acts 1:4-12). "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (1 Cor. 15:50-53). "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [referring to those martyred -- verse 4] is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years" (Rev. 20:5, 6).

Your Guarantee

It is "they who are Christ's at his coming" who will be in the first resurrection (1 Cor. 15:23). But who are "Christ's"? Paul said: "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Rom. 8:9). "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the [begotten] sons of God" (verse 14). God's Spirit in us is like a seed that is developing into godly character. Paul continues: "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken [make alive] your mortal bodies by [the power of] his Spirit that dwelleth in you" (verseI 1). There it is! If we have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in us when we die, then we will be resurrected through the power of that same Spirit -- at the second coming of Jesus Christ. Paul then explains that we are earnestly waiting for that time when we shall be born as spiritual beings into the family of God. Rernember, Christ said: "Ye must be born again" (John 3:7).

Paul explained this soon-coming new birth: "For the earnest expectation of the creature [man] waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God" (Rom.8:19). That is what the true Christian waits for -- earnestly longing for the time when he will be born into the family of God -- as a divine glorified son of God.

He continues: "Even we ourselves groan within ourselves waiting for the adoption [sonship] to wit [in other words], the redemption of our body" (verse 23). Paul suffered "the loss of all things" (Phil. 3:7-8), "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection.... If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead" (verses 10,11). He then went on to explain that "our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven" (verse 20). And it is from there -- from heaven -- that we "look for the Saviour." "Who [meaning Christ] shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself" (verses 20,21).

What Wlll We Be Like?

"It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body" (1 Cor.15:44). "Beloved, now are we the [begotten] sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2).

What kind of body did Jesus have after His resurrection? He appeared repeatedly after He was risen. "He shewed himself alive after his passion [suffering] by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days" (Acts 1:3). He was seen by Peter, by the twelve, and by "above five hundred brethren at once.... After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. "He was seen by numerous women, and lastly by the Apostle Paul (1 Cor. 15:5-8). After His resurrection Christ was, generally speaking, easily recognized. Christ met with the two Marys. "And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him" (Matt.28:9). Doubting Thomas even felt Christ's side and the nail prints in His hands to prove to himself that Jesus was real -- and not an apparition (John 20:24-29).

On another occasion He appeared suddenly in the midst of the disciples: "But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spir- it. And he said unto them... Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have" (Luke 24:37-39). Christ had a glorified, spiritual body, but he was not "a spirit." Then the disciples gave Christ "a piece of broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them" (verses 42,43). Notice also that Christ spoke of drinking in the soon-coming Kingdom of God: "l will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come" (Luke 22:18). So Jesus Christ manifested Himself in a physical form after His resurrection. He could suddenly appear to the disciples when they were assembled behind closed doors (John 20:19). He could also just "vanish" out of their sight (Luke 24:31). Furthermore, Christ could travel astronomical distances at lightning speeds -- probably at the speed of thought. It was on the first day of the week that Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, but she was commanded: "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father" (John 20:17)

Later that same day, the two Marys did touch Him ("held him by the feet" -- Matt. 28:9), thereby proving that He had travelled to heaven and back that same day.
If human beings were able to travel at the speed of light (186,000 miles per second) it would take them more than four years to travel to the nearest star. (And the Bible implies that heaven is further away) Yet Christ could flash to heaven and back -- undoubtedly at the speed of thought -- annihilating time and space.

The Saduccees "which deny that there is any resurrection" asked Christ a trick question: "Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven [brothers] had her to wife" (Luke 20:33) Christ answered "They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage" (verse 35). He didn't say that there would not be sex differences in the appearance of "men" and "women." But there will be no sexual function of reproduction in the resurrection.

Can those who are resurrected be killed? "Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection" (verse 36). Where did the Sadducees go wrong in their reasoning? Christ told them: "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God" (Matt.22:29). If people really understood the Word of God better, and if they understood how powerful God is, then they would realize that it is very easy for Him to resurrect" all that are in the graves." In the resurrection we shall be "as the angels of God in heaven" (verse 30). Christ did not say we would be angels, but we will be like angels in that we will be immortal and will possess powers and glory now only shared by God and the holy angels. No, we will not be angels, but we will be the literal "children of God." The Bible shows that angels are sons of God by creativc fiat but they are not and can never become the actual begotten and finally born sons of God.

But we are to be born of God -- born into His family. Then the resurrected, glorified, immortalized saints will live in eternal happiness forever and ever: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain" (verse 4). These sons of God, then born into the very God family, will "inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son" (verse 7).

Will they ever have to suffer any more evil trials? "And there shall be no more curse ... and his servants shall serve him" (Rev. 22:3) What will they do throughout eternity? Just sit back and bask in idleness, ease and luxury, and lapping up never-ending rivers of pleasures?

No, they will be busy."And they shall reign [rule or govern] forever and ever" (verse 5). And remember, "his servants shall serve him" -- throughout all eternity (verse 3). Then will come to pass the inspired words of Hebrews 2:8: "Thou hast put all things under his [man's] feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him." We should strive to be in that "first resurrection" (Rev. 20:6). It is spoken of as "a better resurrection (Heb. 11:35) Those who rise in that resurrection will be wonderfully blessed of God!

Two Resurrections

The Bible actually teaches there will be two resurrections -- not just one. What are the two different resurrections, and when will they occur? Who will take part in them? And with what body are the dead to be raised? Will those resurrected have bodies identical to their physical bodies in this life? Will they have flesh-and-blood bodies, or glorified, divine bodies, not subject to death? What will we be like in the resurrection? Comparatively few will be privileged to take part in the first resurrection to immortality. But untold billions will be surprised to find themselves rising up in a resurrection to mortality. Why would God resurrect countless billions back to a mortal life? There will be a proper "order" or succession of resurrections. "But every man [will be resurrected] in his own order" (1 Cor. 15:23). True, faithful Christians will be the first raised to life, and they will be resurrected to immortality at the second coming of Christ (see 1 Cor. 15 :49-53; 1 Thes. 4:14-17).

Resurrection of the Unjust -- "the Common Herd of Untutored Rabble"

But what about all those who are not resurrected at the second coming of Jesus? Will they remain forever dead, or will God also resurrect them at a later date? And will they be raised back to life merely to be flung into the lake of fire? What about all the unsaved multitudes reared under Communistic atheism, who have no Bibles, and have never heard the name of Christ or understood the gospel? What if a missionary gets a flat tire and doesn't reach the native village in time to save the heathen before he dies?

Some say these multitudes will have a second chance. But have they really ever had a first chance to know Jesus Christ as Saviour? Revelation 20:5 begins to give the answer. "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection." The·expression "this is the first resurrection" is parenthetical and refers back to those in verse four who are raised to immortality at Christ's coming to become rulers with Him as kings and priests on the earth during the millennium.

Paul affirmed "that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust" (Acts 24: 15). And Jesus Christ said: "... For the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life [eternal]; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation [or, better translated, judgment]" (John 5:28, 29). "Most Christians believe that on the last day of the world all the dead will come to life. They call the day Judgment Day, because God will judge everyone" (World Book Encyclopedia, 1972 edition). But let us not fall into the common error of assuming that Paul and Christ meant the "just" and the "unjust" would be resurrected at the same time. We have seen that John wrote of a "first resurrection" and a "second resurrection." Since all the "just" or righteous dead are resurrected at the second coming of Christ, leaving the "unjust" dead in their graves, are all these unjust dead eternally lost - without any hope of ever having an opportunity to live again and obtain immortality?

A Resurrection of Mortals

Are the unjust ones merely to be resurrected so God can fling them into the lake offire to be burned up? What did Christ mean when He said that "they that have done evil [will be resurrected], unto the resurrection of judgment"? (John 5:29.) Who are the "unjust" ones mentioned by Paul in Acts 24:15? Are those who died in sin really fully accountable for their actions in their "first life"? Have they ever had a chance for eternal salvation? Countless billions are yet to be brought back to a mortal life to have their "first chance" to receive salvation. Think for a moment. Could the untold billions who have lived and died possibly have received salvation? Have the vast majority ever had a chance to understand the Bible? Have they, then, really rejected salvation? No! Many individuals have lived their entire lifetimes without ever seeing a Bible or even hearing the name of Jesus Christ. Are they forever doomed simply because they did not have the Word of God, and did not know that Christ is the Saviour of all mankind? What nonsense!

What Constitutes a "Chance"?

Could countless billions of Hindus, Buddhists, Confucianists, Taoists, animists and others who have not known about Christ and salvation be held guilty or account- able to God for not having received that vital knowledge? Or is it possible that they could receive salvation through some other person, or by a different way? Peter emphatically answers: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4: 12). Human beings can only be saved if and when they learn of Jesus Christ as their Saviour who died for them, and then accept that supreme sacrifice in payment for their personal sins. Christ said: "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture" (John 10:9). He made it abundantly clear that anyone who "entereth not by the door [Christ] into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber" (verse 1).
There is no other "door" by which we can enter the Kingdom of God.

Can You Have a Second Chance?

Someone will ask: "Do you mean to say that God will resurrect men back to a mortal life, and give them a second chance?" No, this is not what the Bible teaches at all. But the scriptures plainly reveal that the time is coming when God will raise the "unjust" dead - those who through no fault of their own were deceived and never understood the way of salvation -- and will at that time reveal His plan of salvation to them. Since it is "impossible for God to lie" (Heb. 6: 18), and "the scripture cannot be broken" (John 10:35), therefore, whatever God promises in His Word, He will do. God's Word plainly says: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9). It is not God's will that heathen animists, pagan idolators or other sincere people who may practice a false religion, should perish. A loving Creator wills that "all should come to repentance" -- in His own time and way. The Apostle Paul was also inspired to write that God our Saviour "will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (I Tim. 2:4). He then went on to show that "there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (verses 5, 6). It is God's responsibility to grant people the knowledge of the truth. The vast majority who have ever lived and died were, through no fault of their own, deprived of this knowledge which could have made salvation possible in their first life-time. It therefore becomes imperative that God give them their first real chance to hear, understand and follow God's way of salvation. But how? By raising them from the dead to renewed physical life in a second resurrection.

But millions of Christians erroneously believe that when one dies in sin he is lost forever. Many feel under a burden to see that Christ is preached to the heathen in Africa, Asia and other parts of the earth -- because they think that if these pagans die in sin, they will miss out on salvation forever. One scripture oft quoted to prove that a person who dies in sin is forever doomed is Ecclesiastes 11:3. "If the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be." This scripture, referring in context to certain instructions Solomon was giving with regard to the importance of making the most out of an uncertain and relatively short human lifetime, has nothing to do with any resurrection. Solomon does not say that if one, through no fault of his own, dies in sin, he will never have a chance to repent and receive salvation.

What Is Judgment?

In John 5:29, Jesus Christ spoke of "the resurrection of damnation. " Nearly all modern translations correctly render this last word as "judgment" rather than "damnation." But what does it mean to be resurrected to judgment? Most Christians misunderstand. They think of "judgment" as only a time when a sentence is passed -- rewarding the righteous or condemning the guilty. But that is a false concept. Notice what the Apostle Peter wrote: "For the time [beginning nearly 2,000 years ago] is come that judgment must begin at the house of God" (I Pet. 4:17). What did he mean? He did not mean just condemnation had begun at God's house, the Church. Rather he referred to the fact that God is now judging Christians. We are now having our chance, and we will never have another. "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" (Heb. 2:3.) See also Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-29. God holds every Christian strictly accountable for his actions. He is now judging every believer according to His Word. But the vast majority of mankind, to this very day, do not understand or believe the truth of God. They have been deceived by the devil (Rev. 12:9). And it is God's responsibility to someday see that these deceived billions become undeceived and are given their chance for salvation -- for He is not willing that any perish! When Christ said some would come forth in a resurrection to "judgment," he meant they would be raised up from their graves to a time when they would learn the truth and have their opportunity to walk in it. Then God will render a decision -- a verdict -- for each, on the basis of how they do.

Judgment of Unjust Sodom

Jesus made a number of amazing statements in which he said that the peoples of Sodom, Gomorrah, Tyre, Sidon, Nineveh and those living in Christ's day will all rise up in the judgment together. Mercy will be shown to all, but the Gentile cities will find their judgment period more bearable than those who personally heard the teachings of Jesus Christ and yet rejected Him and His gospel. Christ solemnly affirmed: "Verily I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city [which rejected His teachings]" (Matt. 10:15). To those cities who saw His miracles, Christ said: "But I say unto you [people of Bethsaida and Chorazin], It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you" (Matt. 11:21, 22). Then Jesus warned Capernaum that if the mighty works done by Him in that city had been done in Sodom, Sodom would have existed to that very day. "But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, in the day of judgment, than for thee" (verse 24). Furthermore, Christ made a similar pronouncement regarding Nineveh: "The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here" (Matt. 12:41). Jesus then explained that "The queen of the south [Queen of Sheba] shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it; for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here" (verse 42). What did Jesus mean? Just this. The Queen of Sheba, the peoples of Nineveh, Tyre, Sidon, Sodom and Gomorrah will find repentance easier in their "day of judgment" than will those who rejected Christ and His gospel message.

Resurrected Israel's Judgment

Jesus Christ was not preaching a "new doctrine" when He spoke of the resurrection of the peoples of Sodom and Gomorrah. It was clearly indicated, if the people only had eyes to see, in the 16th chapter of the book of Ezekiel. Much of the chapter relates to the people of Jerusalem (verse 2). It details their abominations, calling Samaria the "elder sister" of Jerusalem, and Sodom her "younger sister" (verse 46). Then God points out that the sins the people of Jerusalem had committed were more abominable than those of her sisters -- Sodom and Samaria. Finally, Ezekiel prophesies of the time when the Sodomites, Samaritans and the people of Jerusalem will all be brought up out of their captivity in death and will finally receive salvation. "When I shall bring again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, then will I bring again the captivity of thy captives in the midst of them" (verse 53). The peoples of Sodom and Gomorrah have been held captive in the grave for nearly four thousand years. But through Christ's death and resurrection all of those held captive in the grave will be released. "When he [Christ] ascended up on high [at His resurrection], he led captivity [death] captive" (Eph. 4 :8). Christ was held captive in the grave for three days and nights, but at His resurrection He "led captivity captive." He will do the same for all mankind in due time by resurrecting "all that are in the graves." When God resurrects the peoples of ancient Sodom, Samaria and Jerusalem , they will "return to their former estate" - meaning that God will place them in the land where they once lived (Ezek. 16:55). Ezekiel also prophesied elsewhere of a coming resurrection of all the dead Israelites of past centuries. The prophet first sees them as long dead in a "valley of dry bones" (Ezek. 37:1-10). "Then he [God] said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel . . . . Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves" (verses 11-13). Then God promises He will put His Spirit in them (giving them the prerequisite for salvation) and will place them in their "own land" (verse 14).

Mercy Upon All

Even the Apostle Paul prophesied of a coming resurrection for carnal Israel. Paul wrote: "God hath not cast away his people [Israel] which he foreknew" (Rom. 11:2).
Paul explains that the majority of Israel are spiritually blinded (verse 7). And who is responsible? "God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear" (verse 8). Why? "For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world" -- it makes possible the salvation of the Gentiles! -- "what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?" (Verse 15.) Yes, they are to be raised from the dead and given life by the God who loves them and all humanity. Paul calls this a "mystery" -- "that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved" (verses 25, 26).

What Paul is saying is simply this: God has determined to call and choose only a limited number from Israel in this age. He is not trying to save all Israel now! He therefore calls those Israelites whom He wills, but allows the rest to remain blinded so that He can call a number of Gentiles to fulfill His purpose. "For as ye [Gentiles] in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their [Israel's] unbelief: Even so have these [unbelieving Israelites] also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all" (verses 30-32). When the Apostle Paul understood the mystery of God's great master plan, he was filled with praise: "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Verse 33.) God is not trying to save the whole world now! Rather, He has allowed Satan to deceive the world with his false teaching (Rev. 12:9). He must prove to Satan and to man that Satan's way produces bad results!

Great White Throne Judgment

Just what is the Great White Throne Judgment? The resurrection of the righteous will take place at the coming of Christ (1 Thes. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:53), [the resurrection] of the unsaved at the Great White Throne Judgment after the Kingdom Age (Rev. 20 : 11-15). God is great, merciful, loving, not willing that any should perish. He wills that all come to the knowledge of the truth and to true repentance. But He knows it is better that most people come to this knowledge of the truth in a better world than ours. That is why these people will be raised up in the second resurrection -- a resurrection to a mortal, fleshly, earthly existence.

Here is how it is depicted in the 20th chapter of Revelation. "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it.... And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God" (Rev. 20:11, 12). "The books [Greek, biblos - books or Bible] were opened" (verse 12). This means that those raised up at that time will have the books of the Bible opened to their knowledge and understanding. And also the "book of life" will be open so their names can be written in it when each repents of his sins, accepts Christ as personal Saviour, and receives God's Holy Spirit. Then they will be judged "according to their works" (verse 12). Thus we see the "rest of the dead" raised to life, standing before God to be judged -- but not to be condemned, as so many falsely assume. God will then judge those "unjust" dead, who are at that time raised to life, just as He now judges His own house -- His Church (I Pet. 4:17). The book of life will be opened so they can all receive eternal life, if they will!

We have seen that the first resurrection will take place at the second coming of Jesus Christ and will include only the "just," who will be raised to life and clothed with immortality at that time (1 Thess. 4:13-18; I Cor. 15:53). After Christ's one-thousand-year rule, God will resurrect those who in past ages died in sin and ignorance, but who (through no fault of their own) never had a chance for salvation -- in many cases never heard of Jesus Christ or saw a Bible in their entire lives. Or if they did hear or see, they were spiritually blinded (see Rom. 11:7). These deceived billions did not ask to be born into a world of ignorance and superstition; and since "God is not willing that any should perish," it is His responsibility to see that they are raised up and given a knowledge of the truth (2 Pet. 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:4-6).

After mentioning the second coming of Christ (Rev. 19:11-12), the Apostle John writes that a mighty angel will bind the devil and cast him into an abyss, where he will be unable to deceive the nations for one thousand years (Rev. 20:1-3). Then the saints who have been caught up to meet Christ at His return (1 Thess. 4:13-17) will then be given charge of this earth -- ruling with Christ for one thousand years. "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded ... and they lived [again] and reigned with Christ a thousand years" (Rev. 20:4).

Those who take part in this resurrection are greatly blessed by being privileged to take part in the "first resurrection" (verse 5). "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years" (verse 6).
When do the remainder of the dead rise? "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished" (verse 5). This verse plainly shows that others are to be resurrected one thousand years later.' Verses 11-12 (of Revelation 20) describe a coming resurrection and judgment of that portion of the "rest of the dead" who never had their chance for salvation. Verse 12 reads: "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books [Greek: biblos, books of the Bible] were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life."

When these billions are resurrected, God will open up the Bible to their understanding. They will be given their first real chance to repent, accept Christ as their Saviou'r and receive His precious Holy Spirit. Their names will then be written in the book of life. Now consider verse 13: "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell [Greek: hades, grave] delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works." Here is pictured the same resurrection period.

God is not willing that any perish, yet it is not His will to force the truth on anyone. He will not force salvation down anyone's throat. God offers salvation freely to all those who will receive it (Acts 2:21). And He has made every man a free moral agent - with the power of volition, the power to choose. Those who do not voluntarily accept God's offer and follow that way of life necessary to receive life eternal will not receive it. Those are the incorrigibly wicked.

These miserable beings will be sentenced by God -- and executed: "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" (verses 14,15). Therefore they will all perish! This resurrection (which will result in the second death) is vividly described in Luke's Gospel. A certain heartless "rich man" is resurrected to a horrible fate. "And in hell [Greek: hades, grave] he lift up his eyes, being in torments ... [And he said] I am tormented in this flame" (Luke 16:23-24). The wicked will all be cremated when God burns up the earth, turning it into the final Gehenna (see 2 Peter 3:10).

But what is the truth of this parable? The rich man is raised up out of his grave at the very end of the plan of God for humanity on earth. He has had no knowledge of the passing of time -- "the dead know not anything" (Ecd. 9:5). The "rich man" thought that his brothers were still alive (Luke 16:27, 28 -- but other scriptures reveal they, too, had died). He now realized that he had missed the boat; he had missed out on receiving salvation. There is now "a great gulf fixed" (verse 26) between him and those who are with Abraham in the Kingdom of God. It is now impossible for anyone to pass either way through this great gulf: impossible for those who are immortal to become mortal; impossible for the mortal ones to receive immortality.

Jesus said: "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in [the Kingdom of God], and shall not be able" (Luke 13:24). Continuing with the context, Jesus then goes on to picture Himself as One who refuses to answer the knock of incorrigible sinners who have previously rejected salvation (as shown by other scriptures). In verse 28 He says: "There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves [incorrigible sinners] thrust out [not able to enter the Kingdom]." When the time for the third resurrection arrives, everyone will have had his chance. Everyone's ultimate destiny will have then been "fixed" eternally. It will be forever too late for anyone who -- after receiving his chance for salvation -- sinned willfully, thereby rejecting eternal life. Those who rejected God and His way must then reap the consequences of that decision -- the second death, from which there will be no resurrection. How awful! How tragic!

'God is NOT in any sense a sadist. He is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Pet. 3:9; cr., I Tim. 2:4). But to those who refuse His mercy, He is a God of justice and judgment (Heb. 10:29-31). He wants those who leave Him with no alternative but to put them to death for eternity to know what He earnestly desired and wished them to achieve. So God is going to compel the incorrigibly wicked to see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God before they are eternally put to death (see Luke 13:28; 16:23). Since God made man a free moral agent with the power of volition, man must choose. God will insist that each human choose either His way or the devil's way, either life or death (Deut. 30:19). But God will not force any man to receive eternal life, nor will he arbitrarily consign anyone to death. All must choose, and reap the consequences of that choice.

What will happen if a person chooses the way of sin and suffering? "For the wages [reward] of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23). But the Bible speaks of two deaths: first and second. "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Heb.9:27). From the time of righteous Abel till this very day, even righteous humans have had to suffer the first death. But it is the second death that is final -- not the first (Rev. 20:14, 15). Notice how the Apostle Peter wrote that the wicked will perish in the lake of fire -- which will occur at the time when the earth is burned up and then made into a new earth, where the righteous will dwell forevermore: "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men" (2 Pet. 3:7).

God has decreed that He will not let this earth be destroyed until His great master plan for mankind on this earth is finished. This time of the destruction of the wicked is explained more fully by Peter: "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (verse 10). Furthermore, "all these things shall be dissolved" (verse 11) at the time of the perdition (annihilation) of the ungodly -- during the time of "the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat" (verse 12). What then? After the perdition (second death) of the wicked, God will make "new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth [only] righteousness" (verse 13).

John, after describing the destruction of the wicked (Rev. 20: 13-15), immediately mentions "a new heaven and a new earth" (Rev. 21:1). He then gives a glowing account of the peace, happiness, beauty and glory that will characterize this new earth. John was taken in vision to a "great and high mountain," where he was able to view "that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God" (verse 10). Notice that this indescribably beautiful city is not up in heaven, but is to be located right here on this earth. Again, John speaks of the "new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God" (Rev. 3:12).

Nowhere in the Bible is there a promise that man will, at death, rise up to heaven. Rather, the Scriptures plainly teach that the new Jerusalem will come down from heaven to this earth. Man will not go up to heaven to dwell with God; but God will come to this earth to dwell with men: "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God" (Rev. 21:3). The Bible is consistent. Jesus Christ plainly taught that man would eternally dwell here on this earth when He said: "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (Matt. 5:5). And David wrote: "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace" (Ps. 37:9, 11). But will man only inherit this earth during the millennium, and then go to heaven? "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever" (verse 29).

What will happen to the wicked? Will they, as some say, spend a while in hell (or in some other place) suffering for their sins, and then be taken to heaven to live for- ever? Long ago, the Prophet Daniel spoke of the wicked who would "awake" in a resurrection "to shame and everlasting contempt [or abhorrence]" (Dan. 12:2) . Malachi also spoke' of the end of these wretched beings who spurned eternal life: "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch" (Mal. 4:1).

What about the righteous? Where will they be? Daniel said the righteous would "awake ... to everlasting life" (Dan. 12:2). They will then become glorified sons of God -- living, serving their Creator eternally: "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" (verse 3). The righteous will then be made immortal.

But the wicked will be annihilated in the "second death." Malachi wrote of this triumph of the righteous over the wicked: "And ye [the righteous] shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet" (Mal. 4:3). Man's destiny is so great and glorious that few Christians have ever really grasped it. God, through His Word, repeatedly speaks of humans becoming sons in the very family of God. Even God's angels are servants of these heirs of divine sonship: "Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Heb. 1: 14)

Realizing the "high calling" which God has given us, the Apostle Paul wrote that Christians should "give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip" (Heb. 2:1). He then asked: "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" (Verse 3) The book of Hebrews is filled with warnings to the believer not to get careless and lose out on eternal salvation. Paul warns Christians not to let a "root of bitterness" trouble and/or defile them (Heb. 12:15). But the sternest warning in the entire Bible is in the tenth chapter of Hebrews: "For if we sin wilfully [with deliberate intent] after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries" (Heb. 10:26, 27).

The Apostle Paul then speaks of the severe ("sorer") punishment which will befall that wicked person "who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace" (verse 29). Truly, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (verse 31). Willful sin is NOT to be equated with "slipping," making mistakes, or occasionally falling down spiritually. But can a true believer draw back and be eternally destroyed? "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition [destruction]; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul" (verses 38, 39). We have seen that God is "not willing that any should perish."

Furthermore, God has ordained that there will be two resurrections: the first, to immortality at the second coming of Jesus -- immediately before the millennium begins. The second is to take place shortly after the thousand-year rule of Christ. Those who rise in the second resurrection comprise all the deceived multitudes who died without a saving knowledge of the truth. Those who had their chance for salvation and deliberately turned it down will suffer the second death. Remember, God will not force eternal life down anyone's throat. This is what Paul meant by an "order" of resurrections (1 Cor. 15:23). He simply meant that there would be a succession of resurrections, various ones rising at different times for different judgments. Let us remember that our Creator is a benevolent, loving God who wants to do everything possible for mankind. "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.... Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him" (Ps. 103:8, 13). Those who know the truth should strive with all their might to be in the first resurrection, the resurrection to eternal life, the "better resurrection" (Heb. 11:35).

But those who are not predestined by God to receive the saving knowledge of the truth now, will rise up in the second resurrection. They will then be given their first real chance to be saved. But those who reject that knowledge and that way to eternal life -- regardless of the age in which they were given the knowledge of the truth -- will suffer the "second death" in the lake offire. But the believer has a wonderful, eternal future ahead of him. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death" (Rev. 21:7, 8). Your eternal destiny -- your future -- is up to you! You can choose the way of God and eternal life, or you can choose Satan's way of lust, greed, strife and sin -- which will lead to total perdition -- to the "second death" in a lake of fire. Let each one of us make sure that we make the right choice.