July 13
THE FIRST AND SECOND RESURRECTION / PART 2
According to Dr. Stephen Jones:
-"The apostle Paul clearly speaks of a single resurrection in which both “the righteous and the wicked”
are raised. This cannot be the first resurrection, wherein only those “blessed and holy” shall be raised. Paul
must be referring to the general resurrection of ALL the dead, small and great, including both righteous and wicked people—all
who did not inherit the first resurrection. Paul makes it very clear (as does Jesus) that in this general resurrection there
will be found both Christians and non-Christians. The Christians will be found written in “the book of life;”
the rest will be judged and “cast into the lake of fire.” And so it is clear that there will be Christians raised
in BOTH the first and the second resurrections. Those raised in the first will reign with Christ for a thousand years; the
others will miss this, yet will receive life (immortality) at that later time. Hence, the scriptures make a distinction between
the overcomers and the church in general." ( The Purpose Of Resurrection, Dr. Stephen Jones )
-Luke 12:35-50 sheds much light on the subject of resurrection, ruling and reigning, and judgment for the purpose
of correction. This passage speaks to us of three classes of people:
1. FAITHFUL SERVANT - made ruler over all that God has … those in the first resurrection (Revelation 2:26).
2. UNFAITHFUL SERVANT - appointed his portion with the unbelievers to be corrected … those in the second
resurrection ( 1st Corinthians 3:12-15 ).
3. UNBELIEVER - appointed for correction and purification … those in the second resurrection (Revelation
20:11-15).
-We must take note of these three classes of people. There are “overcomers”, “unfaithful servants”,
and “unbelievers”. We must also take note of their just retribution. The overcomers are rewarded with the first
resurrection, being given the privilege of ruling and reigning with Jesus Christ. The unfaithful servants and unbelievers
await fiery judgment for the purpose of correction. The unfaithful servant is saved like as by fire ( 1st Corinthians
3:12-15 ), and the unbeliever is cast into the lake of fire. Remember … Our God is a consuming fire! This fire is a
purifying, cleansing, and spiritual fire that consumes wood, hay, and stubble ( the carnality within man ). As well, take
note of the different levels or degrees of correction. Some are beaten with few stripes, and some are beaten with many stripes.
This is not talking about a literal beating, but is referring to heavy or light correction ( judgment ). This is the second
( general ) resurrection that includes just and unjust people.
According to Dr. Stephen Jones:
-"1st Corinthians 3:12-15 does not deal with the judgment of unbelievers. It deals strictly with
believers who have laid Jesus Christ as the Foundation of their “temples.” Once that foundation is laid, the man
is a Christian. Paul then discusses the works of the Christian in terms of what he builds upon that Foundation. He makes it
clear that Christians, at least some of them, will find their works judged by the fire of God. If his works are unacceptable,
he will still be saved, yet will suffer loss, for the fiery law of God will burn up all the dross. This passage is interesting,
because it shows there will be Christians in the second resurrection. Further, these Christians will be judged by the same
law, the “lake of fire” that will judge the unbelievers. The only difference is that they will be given Life after
their works have been tested and revealed in the fire, while the unbelievers themselves will be brought into a longer and
more severe judgment as prescribed in the law." ( The Purpose Of Resurrection, Dr. Stephen Jones )
-PRESS IN … FAITHFUL AND WISE STEWARD!-
