The Grave

The end of our physical life here on earth is most often called death. At the instant of death the human trinity is divided. The physical body (the earthly material part), is most often put in the grave, that is, buried in the ground.

In the Bible, where we end up after the event of death is spoken of in various ways. Some words used are Sheol, Hades, Hell, asleep, Paradise, Gehenna, grave, Tartarus and for the future Lake of Fire. Some of these words are Hebrew and some are Greek. The Hebrew refers to the Old Testament and the Greek words to the New Testament.

First lets start with the word “grave” (geber). This a place to put the corpse or body of one who has died. Normally the grave is about six feet deep. This term concerns the condition of the physical body when life as we know it ceases.

Words pertaining to the Unsaved

Sheol-is the Old Testament Hebrew word for the Greek word “hell”. Refers to a condition after death. This is a location for the spirit and soul of the body to be held after death. Sheol does not refer to one who is going to heaven. In Lk. 16 the rich man was in Sheol and Lazarus and Abraham was in Paradise.

Hades-the Greek word for Sheol.

Gehenna-a place called Valley of Hinnom, outside of Jerusalem where garbage was burnt. This place was constantly burning and had a bad odor. This place also had wild dogs feeding and fighting at night and worms that never died. Jesus described this as a disgusting place where no one would want to be.

Lake of Fire-John describes this as a place where all unsaved will end up. A place of horrible anguish and suffering. Having to do with flames, torment, gnashing of teeth, with total separation from God.

Tartarus the original Greek term used one time in 2 Peter 2:4. This is to denote a particular place where the fallen angels are held captive in chains and darkness till the Great White Throne. Most versions just lump this term in with “hell”.

Another reason that there are so many terms describing the state of beings after death is that the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament was written in Greek. Because of this we have two words for the same meaning. Such as, the Hebrew word “Sheol” is translated in the Old testament to the word “hell”, “Grave” and “Pit”. All of these refer to a place where the soul and spirit goes after physical death.

The final conclusion is that all unsaved will end up in the “Lake of Fire”. And no matter by what name it’s called, it is not a place one will want to spend forever. Commit yourself to the Lord Jesus Christ while here on this side of death to chose heaven over hell. For “now” is the day of salvation. 2 Cor. 6:2.

Terms pertaining to the Saved.

Asleep is a term used only for the saved after death. Eleven times this Greek term (koimao) is used to denote the saved’s condition after physical death. This term is never associated with the unsaved.

Paradise is a term used to denote the location of the saved. In Luke 23:43 remember this is before the death of Christ, Jesus told the penitent thief, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise”. In Luke 16:22and 23 it is referred to as Abraham’s bosom. Again this was before Christ’s resurrection. In Mt. 27:52-53 where the saints that slept arose right after Christ did. 2 Cor. 12:2-4, Paul tells where he was “caught up into the third heaven. . .caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words. . .” Going up tells us that Paradise has moved locations. And in Eph. 4:8-10 tells us that Christ descended to lead the captives up far above all heavens. Ps. 68:18 tell us of this prophecy, “thou hast ascended on high, thou has led captivity captive. . .”

2 Cor. 5:8, Paul says, “to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”  Again in Phil. 1:23-24, Paul states, “having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

After Death part three is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

The Millennial Kingdom-prophets foretold of a kingdgom and reign of peace.  This kingdom of peace is for a people that have never known peace, the Jew or more specific Israel.  Prophets have been foretelling of this time for centuries, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, all the way up to the last prophet, Christ.  This kingdom is a promise that began in Genesis and continues all the way through Revelation.  This promise is for the Jews.  Israel has been waiting for this kingdom for several thousand years.  This kingdom is for God’s bride, Israel (Isa. 54:5).  Israel could also have been Christ’s bride, but His proposal was refused.

Yes, this means that Israel is not Christ’s bride.  When John the Baptist was saying, “repent the kingdom is at hand” (Mt. 3:2), Jesus was on earth.  when the apostles were sent out (Mt. 10:7) to (whom) Israel, saying repent the kingdom is at hand, Jesus was on the earth.  The King of kings was right there among them.  All Israel had to do nationally accept Jesus.  They refused, so the king left.  Consequently the kingdom has been postponed.  This time-out made way for the age of the Church.  This is an age that the prophets did not see.  This age is one of the great mysteries.  The mystery of the kingdom of heaven in the parables of Mt. 13.

God’s promises are always kept, so the kingdom of peace promised to the Jews will be an actual event.  Now a kingdom has to have a king, or a ruler.  The ruler of this peaceful kingdom is Christ.  The time for this kingdom is called the Millennium or the 1000 year reign and it’s capital is in the city of Jerusalem.  Christ’s rule will be over the entire world.  Yes, the entire world will be under the law of Christ.  He will rule with an “iron hand”, but this will be a justly and righteous rule.  Christ will rule supreme and none will challenge His decisions.

How does the kingdom affect us today?  First we must decide who we are, Jew or Gentile.  For the Jew, this kingdom is what they have been waiting for since Abraham and David.  The Jew sees there being two classification of people, ones that are Jews and those that are not.   The ones that are not Jews are called Gentiles.  Remember that the Jew did not accept the Messiah, and they were spiritually blinded.  They feel He hasn’t come yet.  They were/are expecting a king, a conqueror, and not a carpenter’s son.  The Jew does not accept the death, burial, resurrection or the Gospel of Salvation.  In one sense we can consider them still under the law.  For the Jew the law has not been fulfilled or replaced with grace.  Now there are a few Jewish exceptions who believe.  And what do we call the Jews that have believed?  Christians.  The same as the Gentiles that have believed.  Remember there are three classes of people in the Bible, Jew, Christian (Church), and the Gentile.  Jews that have accepted the Gospel of Salvation are now part of the Church.

By now you should have an idea who is Christ’s bride.  Right, the Christians.  Christ is the head and the Christians are the body.  The Christians are those who make up the “Church”.

What dispensation are we in today?  From Moses to the cross has been under the dispensation of law.  Since the resurrection we have been under the sixth dispensation called the Church Age.   Also known as the dispensation of the Spirit or the Age of Grace.  This is the time that has been set aside for the Church to be fulfilled.  This dispensation will end with the second coming of Christ.  The second advent will start the seventh dispensation the one of “The Kingdom”.

The Kingdom (part two) is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

 

AFTER DEATH part two

 

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR BODY?

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR SOUL?

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR SPIRIT?

WHY MUST WE DIE?

Therefore, we can see that we are made up of three things, body, soul, and spirit.

 Body–

man is different than plants or animals. Plants, animals and man have a state of being, meaning that they have life, a physical body, what one would see if they looked into a mirror. Soul–

Man and animals have a consciousness, being aware of our surrounding and feelings. Spirit

–a vacant or empty room inside ones heart until he is reborn and the Holy Spirit comes there to dwell.

There are two classes of people, those that are Christians (saved), and those that are not, (sinners). Both these classes are represented in Luke 16:19-31, Lazarus and the Rich Man.  This is a story not a parable, and it answers many questions about what occurs after what we refer to as death.  Some answers from this story are;

1. Both the sinner and the saved dies.

2. Both have a specific place to go after their physical death.

3. The physical death does not mark the end, therefore life or state of being is eternal for both.

4. Here they could talk, feel, see, touch, thirst and had a recognizable form or body.

5. This physical body must die, for it will not withstand eternity. At the first resurrection, the one for a Christian, this physical body will have to be changed to a glorified body liken to that of Christ’s resurrected body. A spiritual body with Flesh and bone, no blood, Luke 24:39. This body will then live forever with Christ.

As for the sinner, just like the rich man, his physical body will also pass away at death. Later he will be resurrected for the judgment. After the judgment the sinner will be cast into hell–here the physical body cannot endure the flames and the physical body must die again (Therefore, the second death).

After Death part two is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

Once you pass through that “toll gate” of death, what then??? What does the Bible tell us about the other side? This topic does concern Bible prophecy for it is telling the future of all who die.

The Human Trinity

First the world is divided into two categories of those things that are alive and those that are not alive. Plants are alive, but do not realize that they have life. Animals are alive and realize that they are alive, but do not have in innate conscious of God. Humans have all three.

Gen. 1:26, “God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. . .”. We are comprised of three things, just as there is a divine trinity, a satanic trinity there is also a human trinity. The human trinity is made up of (1) the physical body itself, (2) a soul and (3) a spirit. 1 Thess. 5:23. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In Gen 2:7 First God made the body of man, then breathed the breath of life into him and then man became a living soul. The body is materials of this earth. The soul and spirit are from God. Spirit is life and the innermost part of man. The soul is the conscious and works between the spirit and body.

The physical bodyis the part of man is made up of flesh, bone and blood. It is that part which we see when we look into a mirror. The same part we see when we look at one another. It is that part we see when we look into the casket. It is the part that is put into the grave.

The spirit part of man is one that God breathed into Adam. It is life, Lk. 8:55, “And her spirit came again. . .” Do not confuse the spirit of man with the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit). Notice the capital letter. Remember that the Holy Spirit gives life, but just because you have life that does not mean that you have the Holy Spirit in your life.

In the Garden of Eden, the spirit of man is the part that allowed communication between God and Adam. This direct communication was lost because of sin. This part remains as an empty “room” for all those unsaved today. The Bible tells us that the natural man cannot communicate with God. This is because when God looks at the natural man he sees the sinful nature of man. The natural man does not seek God, he knows of God, but does not seek Him. 1 Cor. 2:9-16 tells us that it is the Spirit of God that teaches us the things of God. We do not receive this Spirit until we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. Verse 14, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him. . .”.

This empty place is the “room” where the Holy Spirit indwells or lives once you become a Christian. You are now able, once again, to communication directly with God just as Adam did before his sin. The veil to the Holy of Holies has been “rent in twain from the top to the bottom”, Mt. 27:51.

The last part of the human trinity we will speak of is the Soul. It also was given to man from God. This is where one realizes that they are alive. Has awareness of surroundings and has the innate awareness of God Himself. Romans 1:19-20 tells us that God has shown man of Himself and that man has knowledge of God and is without excuse. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse;”.

These three parts make up the human trinity. Physical body, soul and spirit. How they interact depends on who is in control, God or man. God gave all these to man. It is up to man, (for now) to choose his Lord and master while on this side of death. Once we pass through the “toll gate” then God gives all judgment to the Son.

After Death part one is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

I understand and even have been told face to face that God is a loving God and will not send any to hell, sheol, hades, Gehenna, lake of fire or what other name you choose for this place. I am telling you right now that this is a given, that if you are not saved then you are unsaved. All unsaved will be emptied into the lake of fire and this is not my word this is God’s word. Rev. 20:15, “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” All of this judgment has nothing to do with God being a loving God, it has to do with God being a just God.

God being a loving God has offered salvation to the world through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, John 3:16. God has made this offer so simple that when anyone has the ability to understand right from wrong, then they are also smart enough to follow His salvation plan. This is not a plan that man deserves. God gives salvation through His mercy and grace. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that God’s will is that none perish. People often quote this part and misrepresent this Scripture by saying that God is not going to send any to hell, but rarely do they think about the rest of that verse. When put in context this is not a verse of love.

Lets look at the WHOLE verse, “The LORD is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” This verse is not one of love, this verse is one of warning.

This verse tells us that God gives His promise. A promise means that one is giving their word that something WILL happen. God always keeps His word.

The next phrase tells us that God puts up with a lot, BUT there is an end. This end is God’s judgment and wrath. God warns that He really does not want to punish any so all one has to do is “come to repentance”.

No where in this verse does God imply that He is not going to punish those who chose not to repent. Matt. 12:30, “He that is not with me is against me;” and Mark 9:40 “For he that is not against us is for us”. These two verse tell us that any who are not for God is against Him. And any that are against God will be cast into the lake of fire.

These are all Bible Prophecies that are God’s promises to man. Everyone will be judged according to their works and after the judgment one will be rewarded for their works. Then one will take his rewards and live in eternity in the place they have chosen, heaven or lake of fire. Forever with God or forever separated from God. Remember that God wants all to chose and accept His plan of salvation.

God says that no one deserve to go to heaven. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death. . .” But through His love He gives a door that one can chose to walk through to get there. “. . .but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.” All are going to the lake of fire unless they chose Christ.

If we tell our child that, nothing good can come out of an addiction to drugs and the child chooses to go down that path anyway. When destruction comes we can say that they were warned and it was their choice to chose drugs. . .

It is not God’s choice to send us to the lake of fire, it’s our own choice.

The very next judgment is called the Bema Judgment. This is for the Church, that is, the raptured Christians. It will occur in the air. This judgment will happen before the Tribulation period. This is part of the First Resurrection. (See other writing for more on the First Resurrection and Judgments.) It is your choice whether or not you want to be here in the first resurrection or in the second at the Great White Throne Judgment.

Christ is the Judge But It’s Our Choice part two is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

Why will Christ be the “Judge” at all judgments? Because God appointed Him to this position.God also told us that Christ would be the judge, jury and executioner.

Matt. 28:18. “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” After the resurrection of Christ, some say He was given a new name. But actually His name was returned back to His former title and position. The title of LORD, Lord of Lords, ruler of all things. Also the power to carry out all His judgments.

Philippians 2:9-11. “Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

John 3:35. “The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.”

           5:22. “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.”           5: 27-29. “And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man. . .’ Not only judge, but  the  executioner as well.

Rom. 14:10-12. “. . .For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So, then, every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”Hopefully, this will end any notion about one not being accountable for his works in this world. Rev. 20:12, “. . .And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” In 2 Cor. 5:10 it explains that all will be judged. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” Romans 14:10 “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” And Rom. 1:18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hole the truth in unrighteousness,”.

Christ is the judge, jury and executioner for all.

this will continue in part two.

Christ is the Judge But Its Our choice part one is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

The purpose of this series has been to bring out the truth about restorations and resurrections. Trying to point out the differences. From restoring physical life to restoring spiritual life. Even the restoring of a nation from a remnant.

A Restorations of natural man means to breathe life back into the SAME physical body that was dead. It happened to some in biblical times as Christ, Paul, Elijah and others prophets called people back from death to return to their physical world. These would die again. Another restoration we spoke of was when Israel would be restored to their homeland.

The resurrection from death unto life when a person is re-born. This is a spiritual re-birth, not a physical one.

Differentiating between the first and second resurrection and how many we have. “The Resurrections” have tried to develop a better understanding about what happens after death. Illustrating that death is just the toll gate to eternity.

Quickly, at death the physical body and spirit separate. The physical body goes to what we refer to as the grave. And the spirit or what some refer to as the “soulish” body goes on to one of two places. The unsaved goes to where the rich man is in Luke 16. The saved went to a place called paradise, that was where Lazarus and Abraham were. But Christ emptied that paradise at His resurrection. Now the saved go to a new paradise to be with Christ. Paul said in 2 Cor. 5:8 that to be “absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord”. Here now resides the “soulish” or “spiritual” body upon which age and death has no effect.

The Sadducees claimed not to believe in a resurrection, but yet tested Jesus with the question concerning the resurrection (Mt. 22: 23-33, Acts. 23:8). But Jesus, Daniel, Isaiah, Paul, Peter, David etc. all spoke of the resurrection of the dead. You will have to chose whom to believe.

We also found out that after a resurrection one would immediately proceed to a judgment. The saved to a Bema Seat and the unsaved to the Great White Throne. After the judgment comes eternity, the saved would be with Christ and for the unsaved, to the lake of fire and the second death.

 

In conclusion in 2 Peter chapter 3 we are told about the last day scoffers where they forget the past, make fun of the future and live just for today. Here and in Matt 18:14, you will find that the Lord does not want any to perish and again in Ezek. 18:23. God gives chance after chance, but sure is the day of judgment. When it arrives it will be sure and immediate.

I will leave you with this final thought. The same that Paul asked of Agrippa in Acts 26:8. “Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?”Restorations, First Resurrection, Second Resurrection, Great White Throne Judgment, lake of fire, second death, rich man and Lazarus, Abraham’s bosom, Biblical Prophecy,

Resurrection Bible Prophecy Summary part 7 of 7 is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

The second resurrection includes the resurrection of damnation, the Great White Throne Judgment and the second death. There are several events to the first resurrection, but only one event for the second. As always the truth about these resurrection lies in the study of the Scripture. Not all questions are answered, but some answers are overlooked by many. Through the utilization of the Holy Spirit, prayer and diligent focus can many Scriptures be opened to the true seeker.

The Bible usually speaks of the two resurrections in the same text using opposite terms. Just and unjust, life and damnation, good and evil, etc. John 5: 28 says “all” will be resurrected. And in verse 29 “And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”

In 1 Cor. Chapter 15, Paul answers questions to the church at Corinth about the resurrections. He re-assured them of many resurrections to come. The question Paul answered here was if the resurrection had already happened or was going to be a future event. The one question not answered here is when. But Paul did enlightened us as to the order of the resurrections.

Both Paul and Peter tell us that the saved will be resurrected first and the unsaved last. 2 Peter 2:9, “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” We can deduct from this that the resurrections will occur at different times. Also that the “godly” will be first and before the temptation. The Bible says that all will be resurrected and that all will be judged. And I believe that the judgment begins immediately after resurrection.

The Resurrection of the Damnation, unjust or wicked is found in Dan. 12:2; John 5:28; 2 Peter 2:9; Rev. 20:5-15. It is the last of the resurrections and commonly known as the second resurrection. It’s for all who have not been previously resurrected and judged, now it’s their turn. Remember that God gave all judgment to the Son. John 5:22. And Christ will judge these unsaved on the basis of their works at the last judgment which is called Great White Throne Judgment. Works consist of deeds, words, and thoughts. Notice that you are not judged for sin. That debt has already been paid.

The Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20: 11-15). This topic is fairly large and cannot be fully covered here. I will deal with this subject individually at another time, but for now I want to just emphasize some main points.

1. This is the last resurrection event, the Great White Throne Judgment will be for all that have not previously been resurrected and judged. (John 5:28-29)

2. This will take place after the Millennium Age. (Rev. 20:7)

3. This Great White Throne Judgment will be for the unsaved. Remember salvation is by grace not works. But judgment will be based on works. (Rev. 20:12)

4. It will not take place on earth nor in heaven. (Rev. 20:11)

5. Anyone ever born will be here. (1 Thess. 4:17)

6. Christ will be the Judge. (John 5:22)

7. There is a set of books for judgment

8. All who are not found in the “Book of Life” will be cast into the “Lake of Fire” (Rev 20:15).

The Great White Throne is the last judgment which means that the last resurrection has just occurred. We are told by many that the only ones appearing at the Great White Throne will be the sinner. According to the Bible that is not true. Everyone that has ever been born will be there. Of course, the unsaved will be there as they have not been judged yet. Christ will be there since He is the judge, and He was also born. All Saints were born and they will be there, for we are to be ever with the LORD.

But I believe that there will be others at the Great White Throne Judgment that have lived during the Millennium. During those 1000 years many were born and some died. It does not make any sense to me that out of the billions of people that will be present at one time or another during the Millennium that every single one of them will be unsaved.

Lets consider a few things that happened during that 1000 years up to the Great White Throne. First, Who comes into the Millennium? Only the Saints? No! There are going to be many who has survived the Great Tribulation and they will go into the Millennium. Many babies are going to be born, and since Saints cannot be the parents, then there has to be unsaved present. A baby has to be born before he can die at the age of 100 years (Isa. 65:20). These ones born in the Millennium Age still have the first Adam nature as well, the sinful nature and will require salvation. This Millennium is God’s last chance for man to repent and come to Jesus as their Savior.

Second, how many people will be there? Rev. 20:8 tells us that “the number is as the sand of the sea”. Each of the unsaved here is a candidate for salvation.

(1.) With the innumerable amount of Saints there preaching, judging nations even judging angels. Having a glorified body must very impressive to someone who just has a physical body. Surely with all these things going for us, that at least one of the Saints will be able to lead at least one sinner to Christ in 1000 years. And remember that Christ, our Savior is right there ruling the entire world. Think of the multitude of evangelists there trying to win souls, Billy Graham, Billy Sunday, Peter, Paul and millions of other Saints. I will be extremely difficult to convince that not one will be saved.

(2.) Or if perhaps during the entire 1000 years one child may die before they reach the age of accountability? Neither does it make any sense that not any children will be born at the end of the age and still be under the age of accountability at the time Gog and MaGog II.

(3.) what about all the people coming to seek Christ’s paths and ways in Isa. 2:3. “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”

It will only take just one person to turning to Christ in any of these three scenarios. Just one, out of all the billions of people there to make sense for the “Book of Life” to be present in Rev. 20:12.

in addition to address another misconception about the Millennium Age. If you think that we are just going to be lying around eating grapes at feasts and parties during the Millennium, then you are getting your information from the wrong book. The great Commission does not end with the great tribulation. Re-read Mt. 28:19-20 and pay particular attention to the very last phrase, “even unto the end of the world.” This means the Great White Throne, for this is where man no longer has any control. Christ will ultimately take over completely. Up until this time Christ has been open to man’s talk and questioning, even during the Millennium, Mt. 7:21-23. Christ is no longer acting as a man, mediator or high priest, or king keeping the peace. Christ is now the ultimate judge, this the finish line for sin. Christ will completely and forever separate good from evil. Amen

Sidebar: I am reasonably sure that there will be a lot of lawyers there at the Great White Throne Judgment. But I do not believe Christ is going to let them yell “Objection, Christ your Honor”. And the lawyer require Christ to prove that He is telling the truth. Showing the Book of Life, and saying, “now you look through all the billions of names and you will see that your name is not there”. And if that didn’t work then they might try filibustering or perhaps question His right to judge, or even to question His authority. And that is definitely not going to happen. Any questioning of God has stopped. Even in Job’s elevated state with God, he was not allow to question God’s judgment. People are not going to be questioning Christ, they are just going to be listening and be on bended knees.

There have been thousands of years that questioning could have and did occur, but here at the Great White Throne man has already expended his last time out it is as if he has died again and can no longer change his mind to be saved or not.

The second death. The eternal state of the wicked. First of all lets discuss what eternal means. What does eternal mean for the Christian? Some words used to describe it is forever, everlasting, without end, etc. Why would eternal mean one thing for a Christian and another for unsaved? So when the Bible tells of those being put into the Lake of Fire “shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.”, why should we think in terms other than eternal.

We have a first death which is the physical death of the physical body because of Adam’s sin. “For as in Adam all die,” 1 Cor. 15:22. And in Rom. 5:12 “and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned.”

After death the next thing that happens to the physical body is its resurrection. For the Saved Christ said, once resurrected “neither can they die any more;” Luke 20: 35-36. But for the unsaved, just the opposite, they have a second death. The resurrected body of the unsaved, that which they have while they are going through the judgment will be stripped away and they will be returned to the state of the rich man in Luke 16. All death, hades, and unsaved will be emptied into the lake of fire. Rev. 20: 14-15. The process of taking away the resurrected body, emptying into the lake of fire, and being forever banished from God is known as the second death. The everlasting torment and gnashing of teeth is what we now refer to as hell. It would be like being cast into and confined on the interior of the Sun, the body would burn away quickly, but with no escape the eternal “soulish” body like the rich man had would forever feel the heat.

All will be resurrected, some to life and some to the second death, and all will be judged by Christ as to their works here on earth. It’s your choice where you prefer to spend eternity. But rest assured that it WILL be in heaven or the lake of fire. The Bible tells us that “now is the day of salvation” 2 Cor. 6:2 because now is all you have. The past is gone and the future may not come for you. Repent of your sins, and ask Christ to come into your heart and be your Savior and Lord. Then let someone know about your decision to follow Christ.

The Second Resurrection Bible Prophecy part 6 of 7 is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

The First resurrection, up to this date, deals only with those who have died and gone to heaven. The first ever to do this in a glorified body was Jesus Christ Himself. Matt. 27:52-53. “And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints that slept arose. And came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.” Notice here that Christ was first, then the others.

Other Scriptures that tell us Christ was the first to rise in a glorified body is found in 1 Cor. 15:20. “But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that slept.” Col. 1:18. “And He is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead,. . .” Rev. 1:5. “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead. . .” and Rom. 8:29.

An extremely interesting verse is 1 Cor. 15: 23. “But every man in his own order; Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming.” I feel that this verse should have a comma after the word Christ and read, “Christ, the first fruits; afterwards. . .” With or without the comma this is a very key verse for explaining who are to be in the first resurrections.

Not only does this verse tell us that Christ is the first of the “first fruits”, it also tells the order of the first resurrections. Further more it tells us that the resurrections are not to be at the same time. Which means there is going to be more than one resurrection that falls under the heading of “First Resurrection”. The First Resurrection is somewhat like a football game, many quarters, but it is still the same game. Like mentioned in the paragraph above, the first resurrection has many events. We have already spoken about the first event of the series of “The First Resurrection”.

Now in 1 Cor. 15:35-54, Paul describes some of the major events that will occur at the second event of the first resurrection, the rapture. The rapture is where the Christ’s Church or bride is caught out. Paul tells the Church at Corinth that there are bodies made for living in heaven, and bodies made for living on earth.

He explains a “mystery” vs. 51, “Behold, I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.” Paul lets us know that we will all have to be changed to a “heavenly” body. One that will withstand existing for eternity and one that can adjust to heaven as well as earth. One that is not bound by the physical laws of this earth. A body liken to that of Christ’s resurrected body, called a “glorified” body (For more on the subject of bodies check out the writing “Our Different Bodies”).

A few years earlier Paul told the Church at Thessalonica about the second event of the First Resurrection. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. Paul tells them that he wants to explain this to them so they will know and be able to comfort each other. He tells them that just as Jesus was resurrected so will they be, the ones that have died will be first, afterwards the ones that are alive.

Vs. 16-17. “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall 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 so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Now this may be a good time to clear up the term “rapture”. All know that the word rapture does not appear in the Bible. But as you see in the verse above, “caught up” does. Now the Greek word here is “harpazo” which means to snatch or catch away suddenly. In Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language One of Webster’s stated definitions of rapture is “the carrying of a person to another place or sphere of existence”. As you can see the use of the word “rapture” is reasonable or as Mr. Spock on Star Trek might say, “seems quite logical to me”.

Now lets pick up on the third quarter or event of the first resurrection. This will be the ones saved during the tribulation, sometimes referred to as the tribulation saints.

I know that there are those who say no one is going to be saved during the tribulation, it is just a time of judgment. To them I say, you must be like Thomas Jefferson and only use certain parts of the Bible.

My Bible has Revelation in it. Chapter Seven of Revelation tells how “a great multitude . . .stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.” and verse 14 also repeats that ones were saved out of the great tribulation. Chapter 6 verse 9, 10 and 11. Acts 2:20, . . . At any rate “for me and my house” we’ll choose God’s word over man’s ever time.

Then Rev. 20:4-5. “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 for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.” This was for this saints, not for the wicked dead. So now all the saints have been resurrected.

That is up to this time, the beginning of the Millennium. (The word “Millennium” is not in the Bible either. The word Millennium is Latin for Thousand Years. )

Now for the fourth quarter of the first resurrection. During the Millennium there people will be born and also die. There are ones that have survived the tribulation. In other words many will be there who are not saved.

Yes, the saints will be there also, we are to be always with Jesus. What is our job in the Millennium?

In verse 6 of Rev. 20 we find that we are to be “priests of God and of Christ”. What is the job of priests during the Millennium? To be an intercessor between Christ and the unsaved people. We will be what Paul called ambassadors for Christ. Doing our Great Commission. It is only logical that out of millions of priests, ambassadors or saints working trying to bring the millions of unsaved to Christ, that at least one, will be successful.

So, now there has to be fourth quarter to the first resurrection. Rev. 20:15. “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” This is the same “whosoever” found in Acts 2:21; Rom. 10:13; John 3:15, 16; Mt. 10:32, 33 and so on. Whosoever is many times associated with salvation. Whosoever was not found, would one to believe that there was others that were found written there.

Reason would tell me that there would be no purpose to have the Book of Life there is all were going to the lake of fire. Is Christ going to parley with the unsaved whether or not their name is written there? Christ is not there to be a lawyer, He is the judge. Christ is only going to give the degree of sentence to the wicked.

The Resurrection in Bible Prophecy part 5 of 7 The First Resurrection is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

Now lets take a quick look at our Table of Contents for future events.

1. The rapture.

2. Tribulation part one.

3. Gog and MaGog I.

4. Great Tribulation part two.

5. Armageddon.

6. Millennium Age,

7. Satan being loosed for a short season.

8. Gog and MaGog II.

9. After this Satan will be cast into the lake of fire.

10. The fallen angels to join him there.

11. Second resurrection.

12. Great White Throne Judgment.

13. Second death.

14. Unsaved are put in the lake of fire.

This is just a very quick look at the sequence of events. To get more information about this individual events check in my other writings.

Rapture is the resurrection of the Church. 1 Thess. 4:13-18, There are no signs to foretell us of the rapture. Signs are for the Jews, not the Church. The word “rapture” does not appear in the Scriptures. E. L. Towns writes in his book Bible Answers for Almost All Your Questions, “It is from the word for ‘caught up’ (Greek harpazo) in the Latin translation [rapto] that we get our word rapture. The word in the original means ‘snatch,’ or ‘seize.” Paul also tells of the resurrection in the fifteenth chapter of 1 Cor. (For more on the topic rapture check out ” The First Resurrection part 5).

Tribulation part one. This is the first three and one-half years which the antichrist takes over as ruler and sets himself up as the king. A treaty of peace is made with Israel. The temple is rebuilt.

Gog and MaGog I. This war is one of the many wars and rumors of wars during the seven year period. The little horn will appear and take over three of the ten nations. But the countries of the North will have hooks put into their jaws and invade Israel and God will destroy their armies. Read James (Thru the Bible Commentary), Vol. 3, pages 512-517.

The Great Tribulation or the second three and one-half years. Which starts in the eleventh chapter of Revelation.

Armageddon is the battle that ends the tribulation period. God’s wrath upon the Jews is over now by Christ’s return and defeating the Satanic triad. Satan to be bound in the abyss and the false prophet and beast to cast into the lake of fire.

The Millennium Age is the Kingdom that is ruled by Christ Himself. For a period of 1000 years this earth will be without the influences of evil. At the end of the 1000 years Satan will be loosed for a short season.

Gog and MaGog II will be the battle between Satan’s army and Christ. Fire will come down for God and devour them.

Now starts the last judgments. First Satan will be sentenced to join his cohorts in the lake of fire. The fallen angels will also be sent here.

The second resurrection of all that have not been previously resurrected and judged.

This is the Great White Throne Judgment. This will happen in a place away from heaven and earth. All will be present here for the judgment for all that have not been previously judged.

The unsaved judged here will be sentenced to the second death and cast into the lake of fire.

Sequence of Events Now to the New Heaven in Bible Prophecy is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy