Bible prophecy teaches about, not just one, but three future mass resurrections. If you think everyone goes to heaven or hell when they die, then it’s time to understand what the Bible says about God’s genius plan to use multiple resurrections to "raise" up children like himself—with nearly all coming to understand that only his way of love works and to choose to live for eternity with him on earth in harmony.
When the Bible Sounds "Wrong"
Have you ever read the Bible and noticed how what you're taught by Christianity or at church makes the Bible sound "wrong" at times? You can literally be reading the Bible and thinking, "that can't be right, because every Christian knows this instead..."
Want an example? Read this passage about events at Jesus' return to reign:
Revelation 20:1-4 (HCSB) —1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for 1,000 years. 3 He threw him into the abyss, closed it, and put a seal on it so that he would no longer deceive the nations until the 1,000 years were completed. After that, he must be released for a short time. 4 Then I saw thrones, and people seated on them who were given authority to judge. I also saw the people who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of God’s word, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and who had not accepted the mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with the Messiah for 1,000 years.
"What's that? They are just coming back to life when Christ returns? That can't be right because everyone knows the righteous all go to live in Heaven when they die..."
Isn't it bizarre to find ourselves arguing with the Bible? Yet when you have always been taught something to the point you "know it," statements to the contrary are just going to sound wrong at first, even if those statements come from the Bible!
Who Needs the Resurrection, Anyway?
Indeed, the resurrection seems pointless or superfluous in the context of Christian teaching. Christians generally believe that people go to either heaven or hell immediately upon death. In either case, they spend eternity there and that's that. If that's the case, what does God need to have a resurrection for?
In the New Testament you will find 40 references to the "resurrection" of the dead. The Book of Hebrews and Paul call the resurrection a foundational teaching (Heb 6:1-2; 1Co 15:14). Peter called the fact of the resurrection the reason for our faith (1Pe 1:3).
Obviously, somebody is wrong; either the Bible or the popular Christian teaching. Whichever it is, neither alternative is going to give you a warm, fuzzy feeling.
Because of the cognitive dissonance, or mental stress that holding these two opposing teachings creates, most perplexed readers try not to think about it. They move on to another part of the Bible, one with hopefully less difficulties. That's understandable as this dilemma seems impossible to resolve for most. The reality is that few Christians are tenacious truth seekers like many who seek out and return to my studies. They would rather be comfortable and "fit in" than be awkward and hold a minority truth that gets them funny looks or rejection. They are not equipped to succeed spiritually in this present world deceived by Satan (Rev 12:9) when falsehood is widespread and truth is hidden and must be dug for. (God knows this, loves them as they are and has a plan to include them in salvation as we'll see below.)
Before you decide which teaching to accept on this question, let's cover the key verses on the resurrection. You will see that the resurrection is bigger and more exciting than you ever imagined. It even reveals the incredible compassion and wisdom of God in how he will deal with "the lost."
Three Future Resurrections
There is not just the one resurrection taught in Bible prophecy that most Christians have heard of. There are a total of three future "mass" resurrections. I say mass resurrection to differentiate from individual resurrections like when Paul raised Eutychus from the dead after he fell asleep during his teaching (Acts 20:7-12). While individual resurrections can happen whenever someone has the faith to pull it off, the three mass resurrections have a predetermined, fixed schedule and purpose in God's plan to raise up humanity in his image.
- "The First Resurrection" (Rev 20:4; 1Co 15:23) — This is the resurrection we read about above in Revelation 20:4 where the saints "come back to life" to reign with Christ at his coming. It's the simplest one to understand: only "the dead in Christ," or the righteous, are in this resurrection (1Th 4:16). They rise up on the day of the Rapture (Tishrei 1/Day of Trumpets) at Christ's Second Coming. They continue on up to heaven for the marriage supper of the Lamb. They return ten days later on Tishrei 10/Yom Kippur/Armageddon to reign for 1000 years with Christ. (Tishrei 1 - Tishrei 10 = ten days). This is a time of peace because God's Word fills the earth (Hab 2:14) and Satan, his demons, and their associated deception are removed (Rev 12:9; 20:2-3). God's loving way of peace will be taught and practiced by nearly all.
- The Resurrection of the Lost (Eze 37:1-14=Rev 20:5a) — After the Millennium is over and after Satan's release, rebellion and destruction soon after, the "rest of the dead" come back to life (Rev 20:5). Since all the righteous came up in the first resurrection, "the rest" could only be the lost. This is all those who lived and died since Adam but did not hear or become convinced by God's Word/will and adopt it (Lk 8:21). Rather than being summarily damned to hell for all eternity for their ignorance, skepticism or deception regarding salvation (as Christianity teaches), they come up in physical bodies again as Ezekiel's famous "Valley of Dry Bones" vision literally portrays for all humanity through the example of the nation of Israel (Act 10:34-35). This resurrection is the secret to God's plan to save everyone. It gives a second chance to all those who died before the age of accountability (like aborted babies), the mentally handicapped, and to the many individuals who lived and died without ever hearing or adopting God's word. Satan's deception today makes it very hard to find the truth and live it through persecution and trials. God does not penalize us for not making it in this evil world; instead, he rewards us greatly if we do make it now, against the odds. We get to rule for 1000 years with Christ (something those in the second resurrection do not get to do). Most won't be radical enough to pull this off and will need a world without Satan's deception to see the superiority of God's way to gain salvation. "How many billions of people will live on the earth after the resurrections and how will they be accommodated and fed?", some ask. The Bible does not specify, but just from the information already covered in this article, it's easy to answer.
- There are 1000 years of great peace and prosperity to prepare for their arrival with housing and training centers.
- There will be millions of glorified saints and the angels to do the work with great divine capacity.
- By the end of the Millennium, there will be billions of people also on earth to help prepare and to receive them.
Given all that and a big earth to spread them over, I don't see a problem with a literal second resurrection to flesh of all the wicked just as Revelation 20:5 and Ezekiel 37 describe.
- The Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:11-13=1Co 15:24) — This resurrection comes sometime after the second resurrection; exactly how long after is not revealed. It would make sense if it came after everyone in the previous resurrection finishes their second life of learning God's ways, perhaps within 1000 years. Regardless, Revelation says all the dead come up to stand before Christ on his great white throne and are judged according to the books and their works (Rev 20:13). This is for everyone else who lived and died since Adam and missed the first resurrection. (Those who were already glorified in the first resurrection do not stand in this judgment.) At this point, everyone who became righteous after the first resurrection is given eternal life. Those few who still remain "wicked" or in rebellion to God after their two lives receive death in the lake of fire for eternity (Rev 20:15). This is the end of the phase of mortal flesh and blood humans (Rev 20:14-15) and the end of death, too. Only glorified humans remain and they all live in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:8; 22:15).
Heaven or Hell Upon Death?
You may have noticed in the passages above that when someone dies, it does not say they go on living in either heaven (or even in hell). They wait until one of the first two resurrections (which one of course depends on their status as righteous or wicked, respectively). That means they are not alive and waiting until then.
Where do they wait? The Bible indicates that the souls of the dead do go to heaven, returning to God "who gave the spirit" (Ecc 12:7). However, it also indicates that while we are "present with the LORD" we are not conscious but "resting:"
Revelation 6:9 — When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.
Notice that even exalted martyrs are revealed to be "resting" under the altar in heaven, not walking around and playing harps or talking with Jesus. They seem to be revived in order to speak for a brief moment at the 5th seal, and then are told to "go back to resting."
This is what the consensus of the verses on the afterlife tells us. Our reward at death is not to go immediately to stay in heaven consciously, but to wait in suspension (Rev 6:11) for the first resurrection and then to rise (Rev 20:4) and rule on the earth (Mt 5:5) after a short ten-day visit to heaven (Rev 15:2).
That may be disappointing news for most, but before you get upset, consider the silver lining. This also means that unsaved people do not go to hell upon death, either. The wicked await a resurrection, as well. The difference is they get a second chance in the flesh without Satan's deception rather than getting glorified. They can upgrade to a glorified, spirit body at the Great White Throne Judgment if they learn God's way and adopt it before they die in their second life.
"Depart From Me, I Never Knew you!" - Jesus
Jesus predicted that he will tell many sincere believers to basically "get lost" instead of welcoming them into the Kingdom. So...who are they and what did they miss or do wrong? In this study, get those answers and the one requirement for salvation Jesus taught (that Christianity misses) so that you can make sure you don't hear these dreaded words yourself!
If not, then they get the Bible's merciful version of hell: a short swim in the Lake of Fire. The key difference being that there is not eternal torment there. They are burnt up instantly and spared from suffering a wicked life that only brings misery. God is not a sadist but is merciful even to the wicked (Luke 6:35).
What about "Lazarus and the Rich Man?" (Luke 16:19-31) It is accepted as a parable drawing upon the pagan Egyptian concept of the afterlife to teach about the reversal of fortunes that happens in the next life. (Christianity did not introduce the concept of hell, but absorbed it from paganism into its traditions just as Judaism did.) Then why did Jesus use it? Why do pastors today tell stories about "Peter at the Pearly Gates" or other tales about people doing things that we know are not literal but are familiar and accessible for us? Because they work well to hold attention and teach an important lesson. Jesus used many "objectionable" tales like this, without regard to them having inaccuracy, dishonesty or unfairness. For example, the parable of the unjust steward or the day workers who were unfairly paid the same no matter how many hours they worked.
"Born Again" = Glorified = Spirit-Bodied (Not Saved in the Flesh)
While we're talking about the resurrection to a glorified body, we might as well correct a common misconception in Christianity about the term born again. Christians think they are already "born again" when they accept Jesus and are still in the flesh. However, when Jesus spoke of born again/from above he gave two clues about it. That you cannot see the Kingdom of God until it happens to you (John 3:3) and secondly, that being born again allows you to move invisibly like the wind (John 3:8).
Thus, if you as a Christian think you are born again already you need to ask yourself if you are seeing the Kingdom of God right now and if you are able to move invisibly like the wind? Obviously the answer is, no, and your definition of born again is incorrect.
Born again does not happen until the first resurrection/rapture when we get that glorified spirit body to replace our physical bodies. We literally are "born again, from above" (John 3:3) at that time. Those who are born again have eternal bodies for eternal existence. If you are still in a mortal body you are not born again.
Objection #1: "Absent from the body is to be present with the LORD" (2Co 5:8)
Even though the "soul sleep" while people wait for the resurrection is the literal teaching of the Bible, there are a few verses that people think contradict this teaching. One of the main proof texts Christians use to defend the idea of going to heaven to be with Jesus consciously upon death is this verse:
2 Corinthians 5:8 — We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
One way to answer this passage was already touched on above. The teaching of waiting for the resurrection does not contradict that we go to heaven when we die. It just denies that we are alive and conscious immediately then.
The other way to answer is more what I think Paul had in mind, what one actually perceives going from life to death to resurrection. When you sleep, you are faintly conscious of the passage of time. When you wake, you have a general idea if you slept minutes, hours or all night. But when you're dead, you "know nothing" (Ecc 9:5) including awareness of time. That means the very next moment of consciousness after you lose consciousness at death will be you in the resurrection! For the righteous like Paul, to say you'd rather leave your body and be present with the LORD sounds immediate because it will seem immediate in perception. That perception does not deny the fact that you wait completely unconscious for potentially thousands of years in between your last consciousness and your next consciousness. You just will have no awareness of any gap. You die and wake up (to your mind) immediately in the resurrection with Jesus.
Therefore, there does not have to be any contradiction in what Paul said and what the Bible teaches on the dead waiting unconscious for the resurrection.
Objection #2: "Man is appointed to die once" (Heb 9:27)
The other objection I hear all the time against the teaching of the second resurrection and second chance and therefore second death for some (most) people comes from what Hebrews says:
Hebrews 9:27-28 — Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.
This verse seems to say "we all can only die once." In isolation that would be a reasonable conclusion. However, in context, that's not what it's saying as I'll show below.
Some Die Zero Times
But first without any study of the context we can disprove that interpretation very quickly by considering what Paul says about what happens to the living at the 7th trumpet when Jesus returns:
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (HCSB) —16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord.
Do you see the problem with saying Hebrews teaches "everyone dies exactly once?" Paul contradicts this idea by revealing that some of the saints will never die. If we happen to be alive when Jesus returns, we will never taste death as we are "quickened" from flesh to spirit (1Co 15:51-52) and are caught up to heaven with Jesus.
In other words, Hebrews is only speaking of an "appointment" to die. Not everyone makes that appointment, and some die two or even three times (in the case of those very few who reject God after two lives and then die again after being raised to face judgment). "One death appointment" is a true statement for the sake of the argument he is making. We are mortal, will be judged and must have someone pay for our sins if we are to go on.
Then what does "once" mean? It's clear if you read the rest of the thought in verse 28. Paul is teaching the relationship between two steps in fallen human life and two steps in Messiah's perfect life. Just as we are to die once and then come to judgment, so too does the Messiah die once as an offering then comes back at the Second Coming bringing salvation. His point is not to declare the absolute number of times all humans die.
Objection #3: "Most interpret Ezekiel 37:1-14 'dry bones' as a figurative picture of Israel's regathering, not a literal resurrection"
Yes, the Jewish interpretation of the dry bones prophecy is that it is figurative. This probably influenced Christianity's predominant view. Indeed, there is a natural attraction to read Ezekiel 37:1-14 as a parallel to the rest of the chapter's "two sticks" prophecy which speaks plainly about the regathering of Israel to become one stick in the hand of God (Eze 37:15-28).
However, this overlooks that after the dry bones vision is concluded, God gives his own interpretation of it! Notice this:
Ezekiel 37:11-12 — 11 Then He said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Look how they say, 'Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished; we are cut off.' 12 Therefore, prophesy and say to them: This is what the Lord GOD says: I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them, My people, and lead you into the land of Israel. 14 I will put My Spirit in you, and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land.
If the dry bones prophecy was only about "settling Israel in your own land" like most Jews and Christians assume, then that's all God had to say as his interpretation of the bones (Eze 37:14). Instead, God specifies that this prophecy involves "graves" being "opened," bodies being "brought up" (exhumed) (Eze 37:12), caused to "live" again, and then finally "settle you in your own land" (Eze 37:14). This means the prophecy is a depiction of a literal resurrection to physical bodies, which is quite fantastic and therefore, again, "seems wrong" to the person reading it and coming to this conclusion.
Where does such a mass physical resurrection fit in God's plan? The reader would have to get over the common fear of the Book of Revelation and read all the way to the end to catch a parenthetical passage in one verse for that answer. (A few translations like NIV actually add parenthesis in the right place to help the reader.):
Revelation 20:5 (NIV) — 4 ... And they [the righteous] came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (The rest of the dead [the wicked] did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection [the righteous].
Now, some interpret this passage in isolation as only referring to how the wicked come alive later to stand for the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:11-12). But if that's the verse's purpose, it's completely unnecessary; the judgment passage comes only six verses later telling us plainly "everyone" comes out of their graves to be judged.
No, Revelation 20:5 must be referring to another lifetime for the wicked. It finally tells us where to fit Ezekiel's dry bones resurrection passage. That this resurrection comes right before the judgment when all are "judged according to the books and their works" (Rev 20:12) is also significant. For them to be judged by their works against God's books, they must first be taught (finally, clearly) what these books say and require of them. Plus, they must be given the chance to comply with this once informed. I think this period and lifetime lasts 1000 years, just like those who are still alive or born in the Millennium seem to live a 1000 year life span again (Isa 65:20=Gn 5:27).
Questions and Answers (Added April, 2019)
Since writing the article above, I have received great interest in the topic as reflected by many questions. A common theme among those contacting me is how they admit they struggle seeing teaching in the Bible for themselves because there are only two passages on the subject (Ezekiel 37:1-14; Rev 20:5) and no large Christian denominations teach it, only a few fringe, Sabbath-keeping ones that some label cults. To help others, here's an actual Q&A conversation I had with some readers (from the comments section below) that is typical of many I have had over the years on this topic:
Taylor asks: Hi Tim! I have read the support articles and still don’t full understand the second resurrection. Like you said, the Bible does not really expand upon the idea and you had to do some work to really find it and synthesize it. Does anyone else you know hold this idea as truth? If it was the truth, why is it not talked about and why does no one know about it? I really hope it’s true, I hope everyone gets to walk with Jesus without Satan in their ear, its just a radical idea!
Tim answers: That’s a very fair question which I’ll let Jesus answer since you’re asking about one of the “mysteries of the kingdom” as Paul categorized “the resurrection” (1Co 15:51-52). Jesus said the mysteries of the kingdom he shared (and by implication, all those inspired by the HS in the Bible) were hidden on purpose from the masses and revealed only to the “inner circle” few, like his 12 apostles. The 2 billion Christians today are not privy to these secrets by default without hearing Jesus' private explanations that the apostles did (Mark 4:33-34; Mt 13:10-11). Out of nearly four dozen parables, we only have two of those private explanations recorded! So the Bible remains hard on purpose and we have to live with scant evidence for mysteries like this which keep them hidden. We can be glad we know them even if we cannot get others to see them, OK? And you have to diligently seek, on the internet, etc. and not just from your pastor like you do, to find them.
Taylor asks: I read the resurrection article [above]. In Rev 20 it talks about the 1000 years being over and the books being opened, and everyone not in the first resurrection being judged (the rest of the dead). It immediately says anyone whose name is not in the book is thrown into the lake of fire, so I don’t understand where there is any period of time for living. It seems like you’re either risen at the first resurrection or at the second where they open the book and if you’re not in it—bam you’re done. That’s just based on the scripture I’ve been focusing on. I also don’t know how you can connect Ezekiel to Revelation or know they they’re related. Obviously Ezekiel is about Israel regrouping but how can we know it’s a dual prophecy? Also, I think the only sect that teaches this idea is the Church of God, which is interesting and a denomination I haven’t looked into because of stigmas about being a cult (at least in my neck of the woods) but I’m nondenominational so I’ll definitely look into it. Like Harold, I’ve been seeking the word more and seeking to love more and focusing less on attending an institution! Thanks always Tim!
Tim answers: These are good questions. Read Rev 20:5 carefully and note that it says the rest of the dead “LIVE again.” Since this group can only be the remaining unrighteous who were deceived by Satan (Rev 12:9) and all will be judged at the end by God’s law which these never were taught clearly, then a fair God must let them “live” for long enough to learn and practice what they are going to be judged by, yes? Also, you’re right Ezekiel 37 is a vision of the lost of Israel getting another chance/life in the flesh. However, again, it would be unfair of God to make that exclusive for Israel and the Bible tells us he is not a "respecter of persons" (Rom 2:11=Joel 2:32=Rom 10:13). The best understanding of that vision therefore is that it’s showing through Israel what God is going to do for all humanity. Several prophecies use this approach. For example Revelation 12’s “the woman”, representing all saints being protected in the Great Tribulation, not just Israeli saints, yes? Again, God never promised the Bible would be easy or clear and these curve balls are how he throws most off the trail of the mysteries of the kingdom. They require good critical thinking skills which most do not have.
Yes, I learned this teaching from a so-called “cult” but A) if the dominant religious leaders calling you a cult are themselves deceived and teaching lies (Mt 24:4-5), what value does their opinion have? and B) Jesus’ group was called a cult as well by the dominant religion at least by Paul’s time (Acts 24:5). C) Truth stands on its own merit and there is no place you can learn truth that does not also have lies and errors, too.
Taylor asks: Good answer Tim! Thank you! I’ll think about it more. Having trouble really believing it and wrapping my head around it since it is so not obvious in scripture so I’ll pray about it. If people get one chance at salvation though, wouldn’t only the second resurrection folks be those who died young, babies, mentally disabled, and those who lived prior to Jesus or rejected him initially? What makes you think it could include people living today who just never fully grasp what they need for salvation or are taught incorrectly but never seek truth, or are confused?
Tim answers: I would call this an area to pray for God to help you confirm. It’s a game changer.
Yes, I’m sure normal, healthy people qualify for the second chance as it’s not fair to condemn a person to eternal death when God lets Satan deceive the whole world (Rev 12:9; for example, Evolution is a very plausible and popular faith/religion, the religion of Science) and God’s truth is hidden (like Jesus said plainly) and requires great diligence to find since Christianity is not teaching it and the Bible is hard to understand. The purpose of this epoch is not to condemn most "basically lazy" people to hell but to show what happens when humanity lacks God’s spirit and government: genocide…and yet a few still succeed to demonstrate that God’s truth was available and his way doable if someone was able to diligently seek it out. God is innocent of shoving his religion down our throat and of leaving us without any chance or help. His plan is fair and simply brilliant.
Christina asks: I know Satan is cast into the lake of fire after the 1000 year Millennial reign. So if he was loosed for a season at the end of the Millennial reign to tempt the people living then, then how can the people of the third resurrection be tested / tempted if he’s gone/ thrown into the lake of fire? Hope my question makes sense!
Tim answers: Christina, as long as people are in the flesh, even without the help of the Devil and demons, they can be tempted, tested, feel pain, suffer and otherwise stimulated to build character. It just takes longer in such a utopia, which is another argument for why mankind had a near 1000-year life span before the Flood and why this same long life span returns in the Millennium and into the 2nd resurrection period (Isa 65:10).
Conclusion
Did you notice while looking at Hebrew 9:28 that it proves the point that the righteous (whether dead or alive) are waiting for Jesus' Second Coming to bring them their "salvation?"
Hebrews 9:28 — so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.
Hebrews' statement here matches the idea that we don't get salvation in heaven upon death (as Christianity teaches); we all wait for Jesus to "bring" it to us at his Second Coming (Rev 20:5).
I hope you enjoyed the thrilling insights from the three resurrections in Bible prophecy. For more of that and to also finally have both understanding and peace about end-time events coming soon upon us, please consider supporting me and yourself by getting my book Know the Future.
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Tim McHyde
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It is such a blessing to be a part of this online group!
I am a Jewish believer. I am a daughter of Polish Jews who miraculously avoided Holocaust (hiding in a plain sight). I myself miraculously survived being born 6 weeks premature (with no NICU). My family was not religious, but I knew deep inside there is God from being the smallest child I remember, and eventually I came to believe that Yeshua is our promised messiah, and that he was the final/full payment for all sin. I was attending different churches for a while, then I went back to an orthodox synagogue, now I am just being me by myself.
In churches, I had major credibility issues with some of their beliefs/behaviors, even in “born again” protestant denominations, and I just could not “get into it”. The breaking point came when I had a “prophet” stay at my house, and this man went to stand in the parking lot to pronounce curses on somebody for not giving him lodging! In the end I felt I was participating in a grand game of pretend/social club. I did not see any true redemptive transformation in others or myself for that matter, but sure a lot of gossiping, posturing, judging and spiritualism pretending to be spirituality/holiness.
As far as orthodox synagogue, the people there were much, much more righteous than I saw at any church, and very calm/peaceful, but there was no Yeshua and I could not keep up with all the rules/demands (maybe if I was trained into that from a very young age-it was so hard and overwhelming for me), so I again felt out of place. However, going to orthodox synagogue did open my eyes to all the Romanisms/distortions that Christians are not even aware of.
Here are some things that really bothered me in evangelical christianity are not rooted in Jewish beliefs and come from Romanism:
1) Heaven/Hell doctrine: what type of Love and free choice is it to give “salvation” at a threat of eternal suffering? Is good news really this: I love you you, so I died for you, and if you don’t believe/join my church than you are going to be tortured for eternity.
The truth is that the ultimate punishment is a destruction, not sadistic torture. Matthew 10:28: “And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna).”
2) Lost/Saved doctrine: if I believe “X” and do “Y” ritual then I am “Saved”, and who does not think like me and did not want to do this ritual is now “Lost”. Love is nowhere in the equation, except in the Orwellian sense (I will “love” you by telling you the “truth” about how horrible/wrong you are and scare you with Hell consequences, so you will believe like me and be “Saved” OR: I will extend a charity/love to you only as a pretext to “witness” to you and if you don’t get “saved” then I will withdraw it).
3)God vs Satan War doctrine: Satan elevated to be practically equal to God or at least an independent agent from God with Christians fighting the war for God against Satan and his human minions (which is everybody who is “Lost”). In reality, Satan doesn’t do anything without God’s knowledge and permission. Satan is a tool used by God for God’s purposes.
This “God’s Warrior” doctrine error results in aggressive, militant, even cruel and murderous behaviors towards non-church members. Based on this logic: if somebody is “lost” and “agent of Satan” might as well take “justice” in own hands, do good deed to “protect” others from evil and let’s just kill them! Jewish people were on the receiving end of it from Christians for centuries.
4) One Life doctrine: Everybody just gets one shot at it, so you need to make sure to “sell gospel” to everybody around and do so frequently, before they die – This is just a guilt-trip pressure to spew denomination’s propaganda that takes focus away from love commandments.
There are multiple lifetimes: John 9:1-3: “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” – How can somebody receive a punishment for their own sin at their own birth, unless it was for the life lived before? Note, that Yeshua did not correct notion that somebody can be punished for own sins at birth, he corrected disciples regarding this particular individual only.
The point is (and as Jews always believed), that there are multiple lives and everybody gets a fair chance. Regardless of how many lifetimes there are in between (with one judgement for each lifetime), the end destination is either glorified body resurection to enter New Earth/New Heaven, or soul destruction. 2 Corinthians 3:18:” But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.”
This also ties into Saved/Lost error and judgementalism: This lifetime somebody might seem “lost” but the next lifetime they might be “saved”. When taking into account multiplicity of lives, there is no way to judge anybody anymore, as only God knows who will progress to eternal life and who will stay wicked. Thus the only option left is to extend love to everyone, regardless of how they are in their current lifetime (except maybe some very clean cut cases of wickedness, like Jezebel , Nero, or Hitler).
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Dominika,
I’m glad you found my site also. I write for people that were not satisfied with what the churches teach and are still looking for better answers. I don’t have all the answers but I keep looking and sharing in my writing what I find for people like you appreciate and support.
Tim
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Hi Tim, I was reading Rev7:14-17 today about the “vast multitude” standing before the throne. I did not see a comment about that in KTF Chapter 3. If we accept a post trib rapture interpretation, and that martyred souls (and all the other dead) are at rest during this time frame, why is the description of the appearing of this multitude located right before the seventh seal?
Reply Jeff, Rev 7 is a parenthetical chapter interrupting the chronological narrative to show events before and after the Tribulation.
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Tim: I’ve been puzzled for a while by an apparent contradiction: The rapture of the saved is obviously the first resurrection, as you say. Then why does Rev. 20:5 call that resurrection the “first resurrection?” It is indeed the first one for those that were unsaved at that time, but that distinction isn’t made in that verse.
Another problem not related to this article (you may cover this elsewhere, but if so, I haven’t found it): I know a cardinal rule of Bible interpretation is to take the literal meaning unless it’s obviously a parable or an analogy, thus it seems significant that the word “death” is used much less that what most people consider to be simply a euphemism for death, i.e. “sleep.” This indicates an oblique hint of the so-called “soul sleep.” But if we lie senseless at death until whichever resurrection we qualify for, how then could Jesus have told the thief on the cross “today you will be with me in paradise?”
Thanks in advance for your clarifications!
Reply Bill, like my article explains above, Rev 20:5 is a parenthetical passage not commenting on the rest of the dead later but on the ones raised before at the start.
I explain the thief on the cross here.
Reply Hi Tim, I’m trying to clarify my understanding of who will be on earth as the Millennium commences, starting with the living and resurrected saints who were raptured at the Day of the Lord, including the 144,000 and the 2 Witnesses, all now existing in glorified bodies. By my understanding it also includes the non-Remnant survivors after the vial judgements and Armageddon, who will go on to live mortal lives during the Millennium, and also having children who will live longer than typical lifespans during that time, while still being mortal? Did I miss any other groups?
Reply Jeff, exactly right, those who had the mark and survive will be in the Millennium ruled by the glorified saints. The only group you may have not addressed is the children of the remnant who are not mature enough to enter the kingdom. They will be children of royalty.
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I have studied at length the possibility of a resurrection of the lost after the millennium and before the GWT Judgment. The toughest piece to grasp, for me, is in applying Ezekiel 37 to Christians and not just to Israel. But, Romans 11 does make it clear that Christians are grafted in to the tree (Israel) and benefit from all of what God has in store for Israel. That really helped my understanding.
Additionally, I have studied the Greek meaning of some key words which clarifies a lot. The key words are in Rev 20:5 and 20:12. The word “lived” in Rev. 20:5a and 5b are the same Greek word referenced by Strong’s #2198. Both the saved and the lost are said to have “lived” implying resurrection for both, but at different times. In Rev 20:12 when the dead are seen “standing” (Strong’s #2476) before Christ at Judgment, the word “lived” (Strong’s #2198) is not used. Actually, those standing to receive judgment in Rev 20:12+ are only referred to as “the dead”. There is no aspect of life mentioned about them. This strongly suggests that the resurrection of the lost in Rev 20:5b must not be referring to the resurrection for judgment in Rev. 20:12. Jesus made this clarification as well in John 5:29. As you discovered, Tim, there must be three resurrections: the saved, the lost and the judged.
Thank you! I’d seen this comment before and really like your observation of the use of Strongs 2198 in Rev:5 but for the life of me could not find this again. Obvious place would be this article. Duh! 🙂
Really wish this concept was just a little bit more clear…But then it wouldn’t be one of the mysteries of the kingdom I guess
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Hey Tim,
On the question of “How many billions of people will live on the earth after the resurrections and how will they be accommodated and fed?” I think the Bible provides a direct answer to this.
Isaiah 40:4
Revelation 16:20
Habakkuk 3:6
God will flatten the earth, break down every natural barrier between nations, and unify us all. Then there should be more than enough room for billions of inhabitants.
Side-note: I believe Habakkuk 3:3 may also hold a clue to the “Prepared Place”, and is also pointing towards Petra. Teman was located near Petra if I can trust the Wikipedia page.
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Hi Tim
Would like to share what came to me through prayer while reading John chapter 3 back in 2012.
As I was reading I was quickened when I came to verses 3 and 5.
I noticed in verse 3 Jesus says “Except a man be born again, he cannot SEE the kingdom of God.” Then in verse 5 Jesus says “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot ENTER into the kingdom of God.”
I prayed seeking the difference of seeing the kingdom and entering into the kingdom.
At the time my dad owned a convenient store / gas station. This is the analogy that was given to me. I stand outside SEEING the store and it’s function. Now I ENTER the store and I have assess to everything within but cannot until I am granted permission. Once my dad passes away I inherit it.
1 Corinthians 4:20 says ” For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.” When I accepted and received Jesus as Lord and savior I seen the power of God working in my life. Luke 17:21b says “the kingdom of God is within you”
The kingdom of God within me, the power of God is in me. As God grants me permission to use His power I have the authority in His name.
As a child growing up my heart became hardened as I was taught man’s ways.
When I learned about Jesus and accepted Him into my life my heart became His and I was then born into His kingdom.
As I read the part of “born again” in your newsletter back when it was sent I was led to share this with you. I kept putting it off and putting it off hoping I would just forget about it and leave it at that. There are times when I believe I am to share something and do so right away then realize “nope it was something I should have just left alone.” This time I had no rest.
I enjoy and learn so much from your articles and am glad I came across them back in 2010, sharing them as I am led.
Have a blessed day!
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Isn’t it possible that in Rev. 20:4 – It describes the thrones of the 144,000 which are the ones ( probably Messianic Jews ) who rule and reign with Christ as mentioned in Rev. 14 ? – Also, could it be that the rest of the people being described in Rev 20:4 are those who are “not” raptured and have been beheaded during the Great Tribulation ? – Then these who were beheaded and were raised at the 1st Resurrection and are the same ones who “live and reign” with Christ for a thousand years during the “Millenium. ” – In other words, they needed further “refining,” as mentioned in Malachi 3 … At the same time, “the rest of the dead” did not live again until the “White Throne Judgement” at the 2nd Resurrection, in which “all”those who were not raptured will be judged and those found not worthy will be cast into the Lake of Fire, for their 2nd Death ( Final Death ). There is no mention of a 3rd death, so how can there be a a 3rd Resurrection, unless you count the “Rapture” as a Resurrection? – Those who are “raptured” at Christ’s returning will “not” be coming back ( see Rev. 3:12 ). – You have many things “Right” my Brother, but none of us know it all … It’s like a puzzle and we all know “in part,” – it’s up to us to put the pieces together.
Reply Mark, anything is possible and of course I don’t have all the answers but my answer here is based on what we’re told that the 144,000 are sealed with protection from death and, unlike the Two Witnesses’ protection, no end of it for the purpose of martyrdom is ever described. That being the best information we have, Revelation 20:4 must be about those who can die, the ones who choose to not leave for Judea’s protection, which is far and away most Christians.
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Tim, are immortal creatures such as Satan destroyed in the lake of fire also? Revelations 20:10 seems to indicate they suffer for eternity.
Reply Thomas, yes Rev 20:10 does seem to say that in the Greek but I wonder what the original Hebrew said that the church fathers say Revelation was written in? Also “forever and ever” only means “eon/age-long” and that eon ends with the new heaven and new earth (Rev 21:1) at which point there is not any more suffering of anyone (Rev 21:4) which to me indicates the lake of fire is gone once the universe is renewed.
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Hi Tim my understanding is that parables were for the understanding of believers only so why would Jesus use a cultural reference that unbeleivers would understand you say you beleive in literal interpretation if so the profound reference to a literal heaven and hell are obvious also to the exercising of gods divine love towards the poor and needy Jesus took this truth one step further by saying look after those we hate as well as those we love l would appreciate any references you have from outside the bible that prove Jesus was using a cultural reference based on egyption influences here l am well versed in the other parables you listed l have been reading your posts since your first publication of know the future
Reply Christopher, your comment equates “Jesus’ disciples” (who had the parables explained to them) with “believers” (Christians). This is a critical error that most of us unconsciously have made when reading the Bible. Believers today cannot be equated with “Jesus’ disciples.” The disciples forsook home, family and “all” (Mt 19:27) to follow Jesus around for a year. In exchange they were taught by him personally, including hearing those key private explanations of the parables. Us? We only have two of those private explanations recorded :(. The parables were designed to confuse the rest of us and if you just look at the confusion in Christian doctrine and interpretation of them, you can see they succeed. We must pray, seek, strive, and dig into the whole Bible and other materials (commentaries will help you with your request on the Egyptian and other influences of Jesus’ words) and get help from the HS if we are to have a chance of understanding Jesus’ difficult words. Sorry for the buzzkill, bummer news, but that’s
Yes, I stated that Jesus’ original audience (including “unbelievers”) could understand the cultural references/scenarios natively, but there is much more to understanding a parable than that, yes? A parable is still not the same as a nice plain tutorial like the disciples got in private constantly. What helps us today is having the whole Bible to search out (and the Internet), something they did not have. This internet generation that is enable to finally understand the mysteries of the Bible (Dan 12:4,9-10).
Reply Hi Tim just wondering where in the bible it says this is a parable regarding Lazarus…EDIT: I know this is listed as a parable in the bible my question should have been how you know it was based on Egyption influences and if so why would Jesus mention it if it wasnt relevent?
Reply Christopher, Jesus used familiar cultural references all the time to make his points, regardless of whether they included inaccuracies, dishonesty or unfairness. Consider the parable of the unjust steward or the day workers who were all paid the same wage regardless of how long they worked. Those listening were familiar with all the scenarios he used such as the wedding party virgins, although most today do not and get even more lost than the original audience. This fulfills what he said to make things hard on purpose (Matthew 13:11,14,15). Pastors today teach about heaven referencing “Peter at the pearly gates,” too. Is the point of all these usages to assure us that we can count on a kind reception from Peter when we go to heaven?
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Hi Tim,
I was wondering if you’ve read 2 Esdras and Baruch, along with any other apocryphal books that were removed from the Bible? I ask because in 2 Esdras, it goes into detail what happens after you die. If you’re found to be righteous, then of course it’s beyond wonderful. But if you’re found to be unrighteousness…Yikes. It talks about torments in hell while waiting on the resurrection and final judgement. Of course I really want to believe the latter isn’t true, and that your interpretation is! I already know your thoughts on NDE experiences, so I won’t ask again. Since I personally know someone who had one, I do 100% believe his is legitimate. Now I’m just curious on your take on 2 Esdras and Baruch.
Thank you Tim and may Father bless you and your family! ????
Christina, I’ve read them, but not recently. They are not accepted as Scripture by most including me, so whatever they say I would not overturn what Scripture says, such as the very helpful Book of Revelation. In Rev 6 at the 5th seal it describes the righteous resting under an altar (!), not having a wonderful life. Rev 20:5 says the “rest of the dead” (wicked) are not alive either at the time but “live again” after their own resurrection. There is no Scripture that literally depicts the dead having experiences of any kind before the resurrection. (Lazarus is a parable, based on Egyptian influences.)
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I’m ok with the idea that we are held in limbo until the resurrection of the dead and will not know that any time has passed! So then my question is how when Jesus was transfigured on the mountain was Moses standing there with Elijah (who never died) if Moses died! Why does Jesus say God is not a God of the dead, but a God of the living the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob? Are they also alive and why would the rest of us have to wait after we died?
Reply Harry, Moses and Elijah appeared in the transfiguration because they were brought back briefly to consciousness just like Samuel to King Saul and the Witch at Endor and just like the martyred souls under the altar were brought back to speak and then all three of these groups went “back to resting” (Rev 6:11) after. God is outside of time and sees them as alive in eternity, despite their temporary unconsciousness just as Jesus said, “FOR ALL ARE ALIVE TO GOD” (Luke 20:38) =).
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It seems like there would be more people reigning with Christ than subjects who would be around at the start of the Millenium.
Reply Brent, until recently I might have agreed with you on less survivors than glorified rulers at the start of the Millennium. This past year I finally realized how “few” (Lk 13:23) are saved throughout history as Jesus was trying to tell us all along in his plain words and parables. Now I think it will just be a few million in history saved and glorified when Jesus comes vs. tens or hundreds of millions (out of 8 billion alive in 2026) after Wormwood, Antichrist and God’s wrath take their toll. This is depressing news for some at first unless you remember most will be saved later in the 2nd resurrection and the plan of the 6000 years is not primarily salvation.
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Tim. God bless and thank you for all your insight. In Luke chapter 16 Jesus tells the story of the rich man and the poor bigger Lazarus. Both have died. The rich man is suffering and Lazarus is not. A great chasm separates them. They are both fully conscious and aware. Conversing with each other. The rich man is thirsty and in flames. Apparently Hell? I’m confused.
Reply Patrick, yes, Jesus used the fictional concept of hell that his listeners were familiar with from Egyptian influence, to teach a lesson about the reversal of fortunes in the next life to warn people how they lived now.
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I still don’t see a long period of time between the end of the Millennium and the Great White Throne judgment, and I don’t think such a teaching is necessary to explain how God is fair to those who never heard the Gospel or were under heavy demonic influence. God can use this present age to judge both individuals and nations, and the next age to allow many to mature. It’s not necessary to push the individual judgment of the wicked into a third age after the Millennium if God’s basis for judgment is not merely confession of Jesus Christ and Lord and Savior, but an unselfish, active concern for others. This is simply what faith looks like: doing the right thing, giving and forgiving without knowing how or when our own needs will be met. Its fullest expression is trust in our Heavenly Father to meet our needs, but full awareness of our relationship is not necessary for salvation. “When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you?” ask those about to inherit the Kingdom. They didn’t work for a reward or even expect one. Perhaps they know very little of God, or have been misinformed by mainstream religion. But if they demonstrate that the Law has been written in their hearts, with their consciences bearing witness, then they have developed some of God’s character and thereby became His friends. As for the rest, including the many who think they are “in” with God because they confess His name and pray to Him to change others but exalt themselves and their friends instead of walking in humbleness, Jesus will indeed be Lord over them instead of Friend.
I tend to think that Satan’s power in this age is carefully limited to allow each person the opportunity to become a friend of God. A world without Satan’s evil influence is like Eden without the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve were not fully capable of love until they and their generations had become aware of of the meaning of death, with its selfish competition, disfigurement, distrust, and spite. For this reason Satan must be released once again at the end of the Millennium.
Reply Michael, I agree with you that God doesn’t need the unsaved to live another lifetime to know their heart/conscience or if they are a sheep or a goat. Obviously my writing has failed to explain why it is needed. Let me try again:
In your scenario without another life, 99% of humanity would be found a goat because they never understood the requirements for entrance into the kingdom, never CHOOSE to work on meeting them and never produced fruit. This is how God judges salvation in the Bible, we must bear fruit to enter the kingdom, not just have a good heart (Mt 7:21-23) as so many of Jesus’ parables teach and many other Bible passages, in both NT and OT. Just as Abraham’s heart, intention and mindfulness to obey the command to sacrifice Isaac was not enough but God made sure to let him actually spend a day going through with it (stopped last minute), so too, we must all also be informed of what God requires of us, choose to do it and follow through, or as John the Baptist said, “bear fruit of repentance,” (something even the thief on the cross did in his verbal defense of Jesus).
Therefore, without the 2nd resurrection lifetime, the unsaved majority would arrive at the Great White Throne Judgment where their “works” (Rev 20:12b) are compared to what is written in God’s law books (Rev 20:12a) only to be found “unfit for the kingdom” (Lk 9:62). They won’t have any works—just like the man who tried to respond to the feast (Kingdom) invitation but did not have the proper wedding garment (unworthy) and was kicked out (Mt 22:11-13). “For the fine linen…is the righteous ACTS/DEEDS of the saints” (Rev 19:8)! I explain this overlooked third requirement for salvation from many other Scriptures in another article linked here. (And, yes, everyone reading this, “grace is of faith, not works so no man can boast,” but you still need works to go along with your faith and grace according to James and Paul and all the other passages cited above, such as “faith without WORKS is dead,” etc. That’s why I say it’s three ingredients, not just one or even two.)
I hope this helps you see why, yes, according to God’s three requirements for salvation, the unsaved need another lifetime to hear, choose, and “obey the gospel” (2Th 1:8; 1Pt 4:17)—until they “bear lasting fruit” (Mk 4:19,20=Lk 8:14,15).
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John, of course, people are being born in the Millennium since there will be regular humans who survived God’s wrath (Zech 14:16) and they need to have the full experience of family life for their growth.
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Most who believe in the 1000 years assume that those living and are converted would be immediately made spirit beings. You’re saying that they would die the normal human death and need to be resurrected and judged at some latter stage. This would be during the white throne judgment period.
And apparently those in the second resurrection would also live and die a normal death. Then they also would be involved in the white throne judgment.
(they would have experienced a second death for this to happen, right?)
Most combine the white throne judgment with the second resurrection. They consider it to be an prolonged judgment period. This doesn’t quite fit with the books being opened that apparently had full information already documented.
Another group to consider is comprised of those who are the ones chosen before the world began to be given the truth now and be the Firstfruits. Some who are converted now will miss out on the Kingdom through their own fault and will be resurrected and judged at some point.
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Tim, I’m puzzled, why Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
Reply Ray, that’s answered right in the article! Questions clearly posted before reading the article don’t bode well for a useful discussion. Bye.
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Isn’t Isaiah 65:20 a Millennium verse?
6000-6999 = Millennium: Saints on thrones, Satan in prison
7000-7999 = Post-Mil: Satan released, Gog Magog, 2nd resurrection (of wicked)
8000+ = all flesh dies off, Great White Throne Judgment, New Heaven and New Earth
I’m finding it very, very hard to accept a 2nd resurrection(of the wicked) to live again in the physical.
How did you reach the conclusion that there’ll be another 1000 years between the end of the Millennium & the Great White Throne jdgmt?
I always thought that it’s too late to accept Christ once you die.
I’m really struggling with the ‘7000-7999’ part.
{lease help[. TQ & God Bless!
Reply G.Choy, Isaiah 65:20 does describe physical LIFE we expect in the Millennium for the wicked survivors, but nothing tells us it does not also apply to the next 1000 years when the wicked dead come up to physical life again. If there is no other 1000 year period for them that come up after the 6000-7000 as Rev 20:5 says, then what’s the point of bringing them up to flesh again? But it’s OK if you struggle with this. There are only two passages in the whole Bible telling us about the 2nd resurrection and is classified as one of the mysteries of the kingdom that few believers would understand (Mt 13:11=Dan 12:10). Also, if it’s too late to be saved without accepting Christ before dead, what do you do with the people living B.C. and the people today who never get to hear about Jesus in repressive lands. That Christian doctrine is not well thought out and easily debunked by logic and Scripture (Mt 19:17-19).
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Nawaoo! (Nigerian version of Wow). You have really cleared a lot of cobwebs in my disjointed understanding of the scriptures. Have always wondered what it will benefit God to keep mortals He created in a place of torment throughout eternity. This is a paradigm shift in Christendom. Very much like the teaching of the German priest Martin Luther.
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I’ve just read this article and the comments for the first time. Wow. What a crock of codswallop we’ve been sold in “churches”. It bugs me when I think back over the 20 or so years I “wasted” soaking up many false doctrines. I did get the opportunity to study the Bible in that time and to meet and talk with many well-meaning people.
I always felt “out of place” and awkward when I was involved in “evangelism outreaches” and the like. I never really had an understanding of the “good news” and it seemed a little fake every time I’d threaten someone with the choice of a glorious life or one of damnation. It never sounded right to me to be offering this wonderful thing God had on offer or, if the offer was not taken up, then they were gonna burn in the sulfur pit. It’s no wonder people would cringe when the “gospel” was mentioned and we’d talk about “being saved” and so on.
This all makes so much more sense now! It seems so strange that so many people (me included I guess) would fall for such deceptive teachings. I knew many who made it their major mission in life to go to this or that Bible college so that they could get “qualifications” to go to the next level in their “spiritual walk”.
Wow, how much the light has come on tonight! You will not believe how many missing pieces of the puzzle have just popped right into place in the last hour.
Thanks so much for your incredible and insightful revelation of God’s truth.
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My question is about the second resurrection. Rev. ch. 20 starts with the binding of satan, then the judgement of those who didn’t worship the beast. Rev. 20: 5 says the rest of the dead don’t live until the 1000 are finished. Millennial reign done. Then we have the Gog/Magog battle, the devil cast into the lake of fire, and the ‘great white throne of judgement’. They’re judged off their works and if they aren’t found in the book of life, cast into the lake of fire. Then we have the new heaven and new earth. That’s eternity, right?
So if the literal 1000 years is over and the wicked are cast into the lake of fire from the judgement at the great white throne before the new heaven and new earth – where do we have that time for a second life? There’s no mention of any judgement after that.
Reply- 6000-6999 = Millennium: Saints on thrones, Satan in prison
- 7000-7999 = Post-Mil: Satan released, Gog Magog, 2nd resurrection (of wicked)
- 8000+ = all flesh dies off, Great White Throne Judgment, New Heaven and New Earth
Ti, it doesn’t spell this out, but the implication is that the “rest of the dead after the 1000 years” is parenthetical or out of order and takes place after Satan’s release and before the final judgment. Otherwise, as you say, it makes no sense. There must be time for the wicked to live again (for 1000 years as Isaiah 65:20 implies) and it must be after Satan is released and gone again (since they can’t be deceived by Satan again) and long before the final judgment (so they have time to live in the flesh). This looks like:
Hope that is clearer.
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Tim, I recently joined and I am trying to understand some things you are saying. One question I have is how do you get three resurrections in Rev. 20.? Did notJesus say there would be two.? The resurrection of life (just) and the resurrection of damnation ( unjust) in John 5. And also Paul in Acts 24, and Daniel 12.
Reply Floyd, Glad to help: 1. “This is the first resurrection” (Rev 20:4-5) 2. “The rest of the dead lived after the 1000 years” (Rev 20:5 = Eze 37:1-14) 3. “I saw the dead standing before the throne…to be judged” (Rev 20:12-13). Of course, the dead cannot stand or hear and receive their sentence unless they are made alive.
Jesus in John 20:29 only covered the two final outcomes at the final resurrection of Rev 20:12: resurrection to life or judgment (death) is what happens there. Revelation 20 and Ezekiel 37 give further detail on the resurrections than Jesus gave there.
This is how the Bible is. You can’t just turn to one place, like Jesus’ words to get the full answer on a subject and often you have to turn to prophecy for the rest. You may find this article helpful for more on this topic.
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You mentioned the marriage supper of the Lamb being in heaven and the dates. Is Israel the bride? How does this relate to Matthew 22?
Reply John, Israel is not the bride; the saints are (drawn from all nations including but not limited to Israel). Matthew 22 is not about the marriage or marriage supper but rather shows how the Jews rejected the Kingdom offer and it was therefore extended to all nations. Nevertheless, you must qualify by being righteous by faith (Heb 11:6) or you will be kicked out like the man without a wedding garment was.
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Although I do not see a quotation of Revelation 11.18 in this wonderful article, I did see it today in your superb “Is Trump’s Jerusalem Embassy Move the Damascus War Trigger? (Dream Confirmation)” article, which is why it brought to mind an old doubt of mine about the meaning of Rev 11:18 which says: “18 The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.” For a long time I felt confused about this “time for the dead to be judged” as it seemed to me to echo the Great White Throne Judgement (Final Judgement) where the dead are resurrected and judged. With the benefit of this article (confirming a long held trust of mine that the Lord would not torture or destroy innocents notwithstanding crazy Christian doctrine to the contrary) I now understand this verse to mean that when Yeshua returns he will call up his saints (Rapture) to be with him at the Lamb’s Wedding Supper (a very major reward), (and escape the Wrath of the Lord) and those who are not raptured will be, by default, judged as wicked. In other words the Rapture is First Resurrection (not counting that of the 24 Elders) and is also the First Judgement (by default) of the wicked to be later resurrected in the Second Resurrection after the Millennium and later resurrected for a second time at the Final Judgement. The reference to “destroying the destroyers of the earth” also led me to confuse it with the destruction in the Lake of Fire after the Final Judgement, whereas if I understand correctly it refers to the destruction of the Armies of the Anti-Christ at Armageddon in a reference in general to the destruction wrought by wars.
Trusting you will correct me if I still am confused… YBIC tombcr
Hi Tim,
If the dead do not go to hell when they die, why did Jesus warn so often about hell?
I understand hell to be Yehovah’s perfect justice being merited out.
Reply Corey, Jesus never used the word “hell.” He talked about Gehenna, derived from the Hinnom valley where they supposed burned trash in his day—or for sure burnt-sacrificed infants to pagan deities earlier (Jer 7:31-32; 32:35; 2 Kgs 23:10; 2 Chr 28:3; 33:6). He used this in connection with talking about how God who could destroy your body and soul in such fire (Mt 10:28), which ultimately refers to the lake of fire where this is done (Rev 20:14-15). He warned about this because obviously your life is over. No eternal torture is needed to make that a highly negative outcome to be avoided.
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Hi Tim,
You mentioned in one of your articles that some believers may be left behind at rapture. In this article, you claimed it is the wicked that will be resurrected after the millienum reign. Does the wicked include those believers that didn’t make the rapture?
Reply Gabriel, depends why someone was left behind at the rapture. Some believers are immature and not ready enter the kingdom and live forever. Most believers are wicked/workers of lawlessness as Jesus described Christians in Mt 7:23 and won’t be in the rapture so they will be headed to the second resurrection/redo. The ones who miss the rapture because they are immature will have their rapture destination likewise determined by their state of faith at death.
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It’s always refreshing to find more articles from truth seekers leaving preconceived notions behind in search of the truth. It is relieving to find that YHWH gives everyone a second chance. I don’t want to depend on that though. I also believe the thought of us going to heaven at all to be a preconceived notion. Along with sinners being granted eternal life. The lake of fire is described as permanent, not eternal.
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I’ve been meditating on this for weeks and weeks: a resurrection to flesh for the wicked. A second chance. Wow, this IS really exciting! An absolutely amazing discovery… and I can’t find it in error, and I’ve tried. Verse 8 is too clear, it WILL happen as the Lord declares. I’m in tears because it gives hope to those I love. You know, it’s difficult to un-learn the whole accept-Jesus-or-go-to-hell-for-eternity bit. I’ve been living with that coercion even though that’s not how God brought me into the fold. Another church teaching into the waste bin.
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Hi Tim,
Ezekial 37:11 Then he said to me: ‘Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, “Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.” 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.”’
I believe most understand that God here is speaking to Ezekial- concerning the people of Israel (the Jews) who will be brought back to their own land of Israel (Vs 13).
Tim, how do you interpret this not to mean – bringing back the dispersed Jews to the recreated state of Israel in 1948. When the subject of the Scripture is the people of Israel being brought back to the land of Israel?
David
Reply David, 1948 has nothing to do with Ezekiel 37! Ezekiel 37 has two separate future prophecies, one not fulfilled at all until the Millennium (Eze 37:15-28) and the other not until after the Millennium (Eze 37:1-14). Unfortunately, many interpreters make the mistake of munging them together as one (just as they do with Ezekiel 38 and 39!) and even thinking it is already being fulfilled since 1948. But King David has not been resurrected yet and Messiah has not come to tell all these lost Israelites of all tribes (not just Jews coming back since 1948) their identity so they can return.
To be clear, I’m not denying that Eze 37:1-14 is about the regathering of Israel. I’m simply including more of the prophecy that others gloss over. Even you in your question neglected verses 5-6 which specifically mention the bones having tendons, flesh, skin and the “breath of life” added to them. This is the perfect description of a physical resurrection–to a regular, non-glorified body. People don’t take this literally enough because they miss that Revelation 20:5 talks about the same thing: another resurrection for the “rest of the dead” which must be the non-righteous since all the righteous were included in the first resurrection. Also, if the righteous enter the kingdom with glorified bodies at their resurrection, then the wicked can’t have the same resurrection and acceptance. They have to have a do-over this time with an easier playing field due to Satan’s deception being removed.
Finally, I recognize that God often shows his plan for all humanity through Israel. People of all nations in history have died “without hope” (Eze 37:11) = unsaved. They all need this second chance resurrection, not just Israel. Just as Rev 12 shows the escape plan (Rev 12:14-17) through Israel (Rev 12:1) for “everyone” of the righteous (Rev 12:14-17=Joel 2:32), so, too, Ezekiel 37:1-14 is showing the plan to save the wicked who were too deceived by Satan the first time to be saved.
If you can’t see all I can see, that’s OK. I wish there were more verses to make this plainer to more people. But this is one of the most hidden mysteries of the Bible, and one of the most thrilling to see, so I accept that not everyone will see it or agree now.
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Hi Tim
If the unsaved has a second chance of salvation at the second resurrection, does this mean there’s no need for evangelism today?
Reply Peter, this will probably sound harsh, but if there were a “need for evangelism” today then the world is out of luck! “Christian evangelism” does not deliver the original true evangeleon or Gospel/Good News that Yeshua taught. The apostles delivered the Good News Yeshua taught them but then they died out and the Good News has not been taught since, certainly not by Christianity. That’s why Mt 24:14 predicts the return of the Good News of the Kingdom before the end comes, as a witness to this generation.
It may help to remember that most people who have lived and died have never heard the Good News Yeshua alone taught first. Also it’s good to realize that it’s not needed for salvation, although it helps greatly since it explains what God is offering in this life as help and encouragement to those who seek the Kingdom first and will inherit that in the next life (Mt 6:33).
Finally, if you get saved in the second resurrection and not in this life time, then you will have a lesser reward than those who are saved in their first life now. That’s because you got saved without having to deal with the deception of Satan (Rev 12:9) that is ever present in this age. That’s why only those saved now in this age get to be the Bride of Christ and rule for 1000 years. It’s an extra reward for making it in light of the difficulty level of being in the minority as truth seekers in a world mostly made up of sleep-walking people.
Tim
Reply So where does Romans 10: 14-15 fit in?
“But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things!”
If I understand you correctly, there is no need to reach those that haven’t heard the gospel–and really it is harmful, by making them accountable to it!
Reply Corey, yes, people have been saved since Enoch, before the Gospel was ever delivered or a “preacher” ever arrived (obviously Paul was aware of that, but speaking of most people only being reached by preachers). But God’s loving plan is to deliver the full Gospel in the end time again to fulfill prophecy and create a great movement of repentance before the great delusion comes. Coming to full “knowledge of the truth” (Heb 6:4) and rejecting is what makes you accountable and is harmful to you. I don’t think anyone becomes fully 100% accountable today hearing the Gospel in this world with Satan’s deception and most going against God but this is possible after Satan is restrained. So, no the Gospel is not harmful to deliver.
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