July 14
QUALIFYING FOR THE FIRST RESURRECTION / PART 1
-In light of the fact that there is a first and second resurrection, and that the first resurrection
is a better resurrection, the next logical line of thought would be:
1. How do I obtain a better resurrection?
2. How does one qualify for the first resurrection?
-Luke 14:12-14 states, … Then said He also to him that bade Him, When you make a dinner or a supper, call
not your friends, nor your brethren, neither your kinsmen, nor your rich neighbors; lest they also bid you again, and a recompense
be made to you. But when you make a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And you shall be blessed; for they
cannot recompense you: for you shall be recompensed at the resurrection of the just … As well, Matthew 18:21-35 sheds
much light on what qualifies a person to be raised in the first resurrection. This passage ( parable ) is about FORGIVENESS!
In light of Luke 14:12-14 and Matthew 18:21-35, we can see that an OVERCOMER is a LOVER and a FORGIVER. An overcomer is one
who does things for others, being motivated by the love ( agape ) of God, not expecting anything in return. As well, he is
one who FORGIVES ( releases others from their debt ) ALL PEOPLE!
According to Dr. Stephen Jones:
-"To attain the first resurrection, “the resurrection of the just,” one must know and practice the
principle of grace and agape love. This is the highest form of love, for it is the love of God. More importantly, he
who would qualify for the first resurrection must have the grace to hold no grudges. He must forgive from his heart the sins
(debts) of those who have transgressed against him. This is made plain in many of Jesus’ parables, most notably the
one in Matt. 18:21-35. There we find that God will cancel the debts (sins) of those who appeal to Him for grace. He must learn
the principle of the Jubilee, the cancellation of all “debt,” for this is the key to receiving one’s inheritance,
the promise of God." ( The Purpose Of Resurrection, Dr. Stephen Jones )
-WE ARE CALLED TO LOVE AND FORGIVE!-