ABOUT FIRST RESURRECTION (4)

0. Introduction

a) What is the FIRST resurrection of the dead taught in the Bible? When does it occur? Who is in it? What did Jesus teach about it? What is the order in which the dead are resurrected? In Hebrews 6 we find one the foundational doctrines of Christianity - the resurrection.  

i) "Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." (Hebrews 6:1-2).

b) In this we will examine what happens, in God's great plan, to those who die faithful to God.

1. An order

i) For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the first-fruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father (1Corinthians 15) 

a) There is a time order to God's plan for all man. Jesus is the first person resurrected, followed by the dead in Christ at the second coming (1Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1Corinthians 15:51-56; Matthew 24:29-31; Mark 13:24-27). After the millennium there will be a second resurrection of all those who never heard or never fully understood the gospel (Revelation 20:5). Then God will bring back to life those who knowingly reject his way of life and refuse to repent in order that they mercifully be put out of their misery forever (Revelation 20:14-15).