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The Resurrections
Contrary to popular ideas, there will not be one general resurrection day.
Basically there are two resurrections when considered in relation to classes
of people involved, not chronology the resurrection of the just and the
resurrection of the unjust (Jn 5:28-29; Lk 14:14).
Between the death of the body and the resurrection, both the righteous and
wicked exist in a conscious state. The believer is in the presence of the
Lord during this time (2 Co 5:1-8; Phil 1:23) while the unbeliever is in
conscious torment (Lk 16:19-31).
THE RESURRECTION OF THE JUST
The resurrection of the just is also called the first resurrection and will
occur in several stages, not all at once. The dead in Christ will be raised
first at the rapture of the church (1 THESSALONIANS 4:16). The redeemed of
the tribulation period who die during that time will be raised before the
millennium (Rev 20:4). The redeemed of Old Testament times will also be a
part of the resurrection of the just. Expositors are divided over when they
will be raised, some believing that it will happen at the rapture when the
church saints are raised, and others holding that it will occur at the
second coming (Dan 12:2the writer prefers the latter view).
THE RESURRECTION OF THE UNJUST
As indicated above in discussing the judgment of the great white throne, all
unsaved people of all time will be raised after the millennium to be judged
and then cast into the lake of fire forever (Rev 20:11-15). At their
resurrection they will apparently be given some sort of bodies that will be
able to live forever and feel the effects of the torments of the lake of
fire.
Praying with you that you have repented and trusted in our Lord Jesus and
His Blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of your sins, and Christ Jesus has
entered your life, and by the Holy Spirit, given you eternal life. I John
5:11 13.
Ralph & Wilma Porter
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Last changed:
09/17/08
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