The following summary forms the conclusion of the doctrinal paper on "The Resurrections" recently posted to the UCG Web site at www.ucg.org/papers . The paper goes through the scriptural basis for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the first resurrection, the second resurrection and the third resurrection, with an appendix on "Lazarus and the Rich Man."
1. The first resurrection is only for the dead in Christ. It is a resurrection to immortality. The wicked are not in this resurrection. Those who never had an opportunity for salvation are not in this resurrection.
2. There is another resurrection to mortal life; therefore, it cannot be the first resurrection. Since God offers His Holy Spirit to them, they will have an opportunity to receive salvation. The wicked cannot be in this resurrection, as God will not be giving His Holy Spirit to them.
3. The only time the wicked can come up in a resurrection is at a separate time. It cannot be in the first resurrection. Nor can it be in the one where God offers salvation to those who never had an opportunity. This resurrection is for the purpose of final judgment on the wicked who will be destroyed along with the earth.
