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The Three Resurrections

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The Three Resurrections

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The Three Resurrections

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What happens after death? How can we know? Is there a reliable source that informs us of our design and final destiny as well as the process for reaching it?

Sermon Notes

A partial list of notes and Scriptures used:

Hebrews 6:1 Hebrews 6:1Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
American King James Version×
  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,
Hebrews 6:2 Hebrews 6:2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
American King James Version×
  of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

(Acts 26:22 Acts 26:22Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue to this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
American King James Version×
)  Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—
(Acts 26:23 Acts 26:23That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light to the people, and to the Gentiles.
American King James Version×
)  that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles."

(Colossians 1:18 Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
American King James Version×
)  And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Revelation 1:5 Revelation 1:5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. To him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
American King James Version×

(Joh 3:13)  No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.

(Acts 2:29 Acts 2:29Men and brothers, let me freely speak to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us to this day.
American King James Version×
)  "Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
(Acts 2:30 Acts 2:30Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
American King James Version×
)  Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,
(Acts 2:31 Acts 2:31He seeing this before spoke of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
American King James Version×
)  he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.

(Acts 2:34 Acts 2:34For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he said himself, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit you on my right hand,
American King James Version×
)  "For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,
(Acts 2:35 Acts 2:35Until I make your foes your footstool.
American King James Version×
)  TILL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES YOUR FOOTSTOOL." '

THE FIRST RESURRECTION
1 - iT TAKES PLACE AT THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST, at the sound of the seventh trumpet.
2 - It is a resurrection to Immortality.
Rev (Revelation 20:5 Revelation 20:5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
American King James Version×
)  But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
(Revelation 20:6 Revelation 20:6Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
American King James Version×
)  Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
Hebrews 11:32 Hebrews 11:32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
American King James Version×
  And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets:
Hebrews 11:33 Hebrews 11:33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
American King James Version×
  who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Hebrews 11:34 Hebrews 11:34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
American King James Version×
  quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
3 - Only the dead in Christ and those in Christ who are alive at His coming are in the first resurrection.
4 - The sedond death has no power over those in the first resurrection.
5 - Those in this resurrection are called the "first Fruits".

(Matthew 24:29 Matthew 24:29Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
American King James Version×
)  "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
(Matthew 24:30 Matthew 24:30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
American King James Version×
)  Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
(Matthew 24:31 Matthew 24:31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
American King James Version×
)  And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
(Revelation 20:4 Revelation 20:4And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark on their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
American King James Version×
)  And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
(Revelation 20:5 Revelation 20:5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
American King James Version×
)  But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

(Luk 20:34)  Jesus answered and said to them, "The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage.
(Luk 20:35)  But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage;
(Luk 20:36)  nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
Resurrected to IMMORTALITY and eternal life.

(Php 3:20)  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
(Php 3:21)  who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
(1Th 4:13)  But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.
(1Th 4:14)  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
(1Th 4:15)  For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
(1Th 4:16)  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

(1Th 4:17)  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 thus we shall always be with the Lord.
(1Th 4:18)  Therefore comfort one another with these words.

(Revelation 2:11 Revelation 2:11He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death.
American King James Version×
)  "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." '

(Revelation 20:6 Revelation 20:6Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
American King James Version×
)  Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

(Romans 8:22 Romans 8:22For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.
American King James Version×
)  For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
(Romans 8:23 Romans 8:23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
American King James Version×
)  Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

THE SECOND RESURRECTION
1 - It does not take place until after the 1,000 years are over.
Revelation 20:4 Revelation 20:4And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark on their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
American King James Version×
  And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:5 Revelation 20:5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
American King James Version×
  But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
" the Rest of the Dead " resurrection a thousand years later... We call it second as it is easier to keep track.

2 - It is a resurrection to MORTAL Life.
(Ezekiel 37:5 Ezekiel 37:5Thus said the Lord GOD to these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live:
American King James Version×
)  Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.
(Ezekiel 37:6 Ezekiel 37:6And I will lay sinews on you, and will bring up flesh on you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the LORD.
American King James Version×
)  I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the LORD." ' "
(Ezekiel 37:9 Ezekiel 37:9Then said he to me, Prophesy to the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus said the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.
American King James Version×
)  Also He said to me, "Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live." ' "
(Ezekiel 37:10 Ezekiel 37:10So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up on their feet, an exceeding great army.
American King James Version×
)  So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.
(Ezekiel 37:13 Ezekiel 37:13And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,
American King James Version×
)  Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves.
(Ezekiel 37:14 Ezekiel 37:14And shall put my spirit in you, and you shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall you know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, said the LORD.
American King James Version×
)  I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it," says the LORD.' "

3 - God will give those ion this resurrection the opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit and receive eternal life..
4 - Thou they will have a second mortal ife, they will have the ir frist opportunity for salvation.

(Ezekiel 36:26 Ezekiel 36:26A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
American King James Version×
)  I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
(Ezekiel 36:27 Ezekiel 36:27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my judgments, and do them.
American King James Version×
)  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.
(Ezekiel 36:28 Ezekiel 36:28And you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.
American King James Version×
)  Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.

Deuteronomy 29:1 Deuteronomy 29:1These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb.
American King James Version×
  These are the words of the covenant which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant which He made with them in Horeb.
Deuteronomy 29:2 Deuteronomy 29:2And Moses called to all Israel, and said to them, You have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land;
American King James Version×
  Now Moses called all Israel and said to them: "You have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land—
Deuteronomy 29:3 Deuteronomy 29:3The great temptations which your eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles:
American King James Version×
  the great trials which your eyes have seen, the signs, and those great wonders.
Deuteronomy 29:4 Deuteronomy 29:4Yet the LORD has not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, to this day.
American King James Version×
  Yet the LORD has not given you a heart to perceive and eyes to see and ears to hear, to this very day.

John 6:44 John 6:44No man can come to me, except the Father which has sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
American King James Version×

(Acts 4:12 Acts 4:12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
American King James Version×
)  Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
(Joh 5:28)  Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice
(Joh 5:29)  and come forth— those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. [gk. krisis - process of investigation]
vs, Krema

(Hebrews 9:27 Hebrews 9:27And as it is appointed to men once to die, but after this the judgment:
American King James Version×
)  And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,
(Hebrews 9:28 Hebrews 9:28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and to them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin to salvation.
American King James Version×
)  so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

1. krisis (G2920) primarily denotes "a separating," then, "a decision, judgment," most frequently in a forensic sense, and especially of divine "judgment." For the variety of its meanings, with references, see CONDEMNATION, B, No. 3.
Notes: (1) The Holy Spirit, the Lord said, would convict the world of (peri, "in respect of"), i.e., of the actuality of, God's "judgment," Joh_16:8, Joh_16:11. Cf. 2Th_8:5. (2) In Rom_2:5 the word dikaiokrisia, "righteous judgment," combines the adjective dikaios, "righteous," with krisis, the two words which are used separately in 2Th_1:5.
2. krima (G2917) denotes the result of the action signified by the verb krino, "to judge"; for its general significance see CONDEMNATION, B, No. 1: it is used (a) of a decision passed on the faults of others, Mat_7:2; (b) of "judgment" by man upon Christ, Luk_24:20; (c) of God's "judgment" upon men, e.g., Rom_2:2, Rom_2:3; Rom_3:8; Rom_5:16; Rom_11:33; Rom_13:2; 1Co_11:29; Gal_5:10; Heb_6:2; Jam_3:1; through Christ, e.g., Joh_9:39; (d) of the right of "judgment," Rev_20:4; (e) of a lawsuit, 1Co_6:7.
3. hemera (G2250), "a day," is translated "judgment" in 1Co_4:3, where "man's judgment" (lit., "man's day," marg.) is used of the present period in which man's mere "judgment" is exercised, a period of human rebellion against God. The adjective anthropinos, "human, belonging to man" (anthropos), is doubtless set in contrast here to kuriakos, "belonging to the Lord" (kurios, "a lord"), which is used in the phrase "the Day of the Lord," in Rev_1:10, "The Lord's Day," a period of divine judgments. See DAY.
4. gnome (G1106), primarily "a means of knowing" (akin to ginosko, "to know"), came to denote "a mind, understanding"; hence (a) "a purpose," Act_20:3, lit., "(it was his) purpose"; (b) "a royal purpose, a decree,"

(Matthew 10:15 Matthew 10:15Truly I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
American King James Version×
)  Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!
(Matthew 12:41 Matthew 12:41The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
American King James Version×
)  The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.
(Matthew 12:42 Matthew 12:42The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
American King James Version×
)  The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.

(Revelation 20:7 Revelation 20:7And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
American King James Version×
)  Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison
(Revelation 20:8 Revelation 20:8And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
American King James Version×
)  and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea.
(Revelation 20:9 Revelation 20:9And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
American King James Version×
)  They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.
(Revelation 20:10 Revelation 20:10And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
American King James Version×
)  The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
(Revelation 20:11 Revelation 20:11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
American King James Version×
)  Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.
(Revelation 20:12 Revelation 20:12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
American King James Version×
)  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.
(Revelation 20:13 Revelation 20:13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
American King James Version×
)  The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.

Daniel 7:9 Daniel 7:9I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
American King James Version×
  "I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire;
Daniel 7:10 Daniel 7:10A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
American King James Version×
  A fiery stream issued And came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened.
The books  Ezra 6:18 Ezra 6:18And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
American King James Version×
of the Bible

(Revelation 20:12 Revelation 20:12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
American King James Version×
)  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.

Book of Life open and available to these people if they live by the instructions of the books.

(Revelation 20:13 Revelation 20:13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
American King James Version×
)  The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.
51'


THE 3RD RESURRECTION
The "sea and death and hades delivered up resurrection"
3rd is not labeled as such in the Bible
1 - it is a resurrection TO DEATH.
2 - The unrepentant wicked are in this resurrection and they will be burned up.
3 - Thi is THE SECOND DEATH.

(Revelation 20:13 Revelation 20:13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
American King James Version×
)  The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.
Matthew 25:31 Matthew 25:31When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory:
American King James Version×
  "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.
Matthew 25:32 Matthew 25:32And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats:
American King James Version×
  All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.
(Matthew 25:46 Matthew 25:46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
American King James Version×
)  And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
58'

(Hebrews 10:26 Hebrews 10:26For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins,
American King James Version×
)  For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
(Hebrews 10:27 Hebrews 10:27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
American King James Version×
)  but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

Comments

  • Edwin123
    In case of an imminent case of death and being in the process of following God’s Law and having been fasting and praying for a time or so, can you baptize yourself, is this possible ?
  • Skip Miller
    Hello Maximino, This question seems to imply that there is absolutely no way that a true minister of Jesus the Savior could be contacted to perform this important highly symbolic ceremony. If that is so (that a true minister cannot be found) I would think that our heavenly Father and His Son Jesus would understand the dilemma and accept the desire as being sufficient. But please understand, Baptism is only the beginning !!!! It is NOT as the Roman Catholic Church seems to me to teach : a "ticket into heaven." When we are baptized we have all our past sins forgiven but then we are to live a strenuous life of overcoming. Scripture does list a couple of instances that seem to be exceptions to the rule but completely immersing yourself in water to simulate Baptism seems to me to be "overboard." Please consider what I have said. UCG has ministers all over this world.
  • lauferrodney
    What happens to a person or people that long to be baptized but have not been at the time of their death? Are they doomed for the 2nd death?
  • Steve Johnson
    No. Those who have not been baptized and had hands laid upon them in order to receive the holy spirit, will definitely have their first opportunity at sometime in the future (1 Timothy 2:3-4). But if God is drawing you to Him now (John 6:44), you should seek out a true church of God minister for counseling and baptism -- and possibly be a part of the better resurrection (Hebrews 11:35).
  • Edwin123
    Well, hello everyone I Think,(I’m new here) that the question was about baptism and the possibility of not having a Minister to baptize you, and all of this, happening possibly in a very dangerous situation or so I think and not: What resurrection is better, because we all Christians in The Churches of God, know or should know which is the better resurrection. Now if you have but a very short period of time to live: Can you baptize yourself at home using the bathtub, or in any other circumstances? According to what I know ... I don’t think that this is possible, or is it? Thanks for clarifying this question, that I’m also asking. Edwin123
  • lewis
    Hello Maximino. This is an interesting question that many people think of. There is no example in the Bible of someone baptizing themselves. Even Jesus Christ was baptized by someone as an example for us. Also, after a person has repented and is baptized, an elder of the Church must lay hands on them and pray and ask God to give that person His Holy Spirit. Baptism is very personal, between an individual and God, but God work’s through people to serve other people. Jesus sent out His disciples to make more disciples and to baptized those disciples in His name. If a person baptized themselves, they are taking that authority into their own hands when it wasn’t given to them.
  • ChristopherL
    Man does nothing in your baptism unless you are ignorant and in this case it's necessary. Baptism is between God the father the Holy Spirit and yourself. This other person in a baptism is for the unknowing and ignorant for baptism. If you know already then you may baptize yourself rather than going without a baptism. In many ways it's probably more personal and spiritual, however, watch whom you speak with in churches as many will willingly condem you for doing so but remember this isn't about them it's about Christ God Holy Spirit and you. You'll know if it's ok by the Holy Spirit within. But should you feel bullied and shamed by some of the self righteous members just ask someone to do it with you and save yourself the headaches.
  • timpebworth
    If someone has not been baptized and received the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands, they cannot be in the 1st resurrection. However, I would not call being in the 2nd resurrection “doomed”. Those in the 3rd resurrection are the ones doomed as they have received, but later rejected God’s Spirit. The book of Hebrews speaks of a “better” resurrection, that is the 1st resurrection, so in that since people in the situation you describe are missing out on this better resurrection. If someone believes God is calling them, they should respond to that call with urgency.
  • djhixson
    what happens to the people made mortal in the second resurrection, do they stay mortal if they accept Christ or do they become spiritual? What about if some reject Christ?
  • timpebworth
    The Bible doesn’t outline specifics on this point, so we quickly move into the realm of speculation. We do know however from Revelation 20:12 and then verse 15 that this “second resurrection” judgment (or process of investigation) must end either with the person’s name being written in the Book of Life (which would imply a transformation from mortal life to spirit life similar to the first resurrection as described in I Thessalonians 4:17) or ultimately being thrown into the lake of fire (a fate similar to those in the third resurrection). Given that the term “second death” is used to describe the ultimate punishment by fire from which no redemption is possible, it is not likely that someone in the second resurrection would die a second time (the first time being when they first had mortal life) and then be resurrected spirit. This is such an interesting subject and one that gives me a lot of hope. Thank you for the follow-up question.
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