February 24, 2023

I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and of the unjust. Acts 24:15

Before the governor, with the religious leaders listening, Paul highlighted something very important that he had in common with the Pharisees: a belief in the doctrine of resurrection. Even at his own trial Paul was conscious of witness opportunities among his own countrymen, for it was his heart’s desire (see Romans 10:1) for them to be saved. With that belief, and the accompanying accountability, let us review some of the Biblical revelations on this subject.

And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:26-27

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2

Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. John 5:28-29

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout . . . and the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16

The last book of the Bible, the Revelation of Jesus Christ, provides more details. The two resurrections are a thousand years apart.

…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. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 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. Revelation 20:4b-6