The Bible does not teach that anyone will have a second chance. Those who are called now to the knowledge of the truth and who have repented and received the Holy Spirit (those of the house of God, the Church) are now being judged (Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-27; 1 Peter 4:17). Those elect (chosen by God) who endure and remain faithful (Matthew 24:13, 22; Revelation 17:14) are promised to be raised in the "first resurrection" (Revelation 20:4-6), a resurrection to immortality at Christ's return (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17; 1 Corinthians 15:50-52). This is called a "better resurrection" (Hebrews 11:35).

But what about all those who died and never were called to salvation (John 6:44)? Billions through history have never heard the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12), much less made any commitment to Him.

By saying there is a first resurrection, there must also be a second. "But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished" (Revelation 20:5). This resurrection is further described in verse 12: "And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books."

Judgment in the Bible is a process, not just a sentencing. These will have a first chance to really understand the books—the Bible—and a first chance to choose and faithfully follow God's way and to be written in the Book of Life. This is a resurrection to physical life, with an offer of the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 37:1-14) and a chance for repentance even for Sodom and Gomorrah and Nineveh (Matthew 11:20-24; 12:41-42). Truly God is not willing for any to perish, but that all should come to repentance and salvation (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4).

For More Information: Fundamental Beliefs, chapter "The Resurrections"; What Happens After Death?; Heaven & Hell; God's Holy Day Plan, chapter "The Last Great Day"; The Resurrections doctrinal paper (www.ucg.org/papers/).