F4S: January 2025

Friday, January 31, 2025

Five times, no more than that in the Bible ..I see believers that get physically resurrected from the dead.

Before entering Christ’s Millenial Kingdom on earth, so many Tribulation Saints will be resurrected receiving their glorified bodies. Some people will of course be hardened during the wrath and be judged, and some will survive those Tribulation years entering Christ's millennium. Sure, because they will marry and produce some baby, some of which will also be saved and get their glorified bodies later.

These times are a ways after that earlier Harpazo moment the Church's rescue.

Millions of saints will get saved and then slaughtered during the tribulation years, especially in the second half. Those 144 thousand sealed Jewish evangelists will be doing a good job of reaping here.

Let's all stay focused on Jesus all the way Home no matter how long we live.

Before the millennium, and before the Great Tribulation, and the Tribulation years is the time I look forward to. The righteous dead will come out of their graves, and then with those believers who are still alive will be snatched away up to meet the Lord in the sky (new bodies in the air, that's the Rapture). Man, that sounds far better than the very exciting (harvest) yet very horrific terroristic trib-years.

Will there be physical resurrections for the saints of the tribulation and believers born in the millennium.. sure there will be, and when?

The Apostle John in the Bible declairs, "Then I saw thrones, and the people sitting on them had been given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus and for proclaiming the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their forehead or their hands. They all came to life again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years. This is the first resurrection. (The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years had ended.) Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years." Rev 20:4, 5 #emph.mine

What is the millennial kingdom?

Why do they call it the dispensation of the Millennial Kingdom?

Why is God going to release Satan after the 1,000 years?

What is premillennialism (Chiliasm)?

What is the purpose of the thousand-year reign of Christ? 

In due season God will judge everything man does, both good and bad. Ecclesiastes 3:17

It is not right to favor the guilty and keep the innocent from receiving justice. Proverbs 18:5

The Lord hates cheating and delights in honesty. Proverbs 11:1

The Lord God has told us what is right and what He demands: “See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.” Micah 6:8

Learn to do what is good. Seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause. Isaiah 1:17

Never twist justice to benefit a rich man, and never accept bribes. For bribes blind the eyes of the wisest and corrupt their decisions. Justice must prevail. Deuteronomy 16:19,20

The Lord watches to see if we are fair or if we cheat others. Proverbs 16:11

Happy are those who do right, who do what is fair at all times. Psalm 106:3

When justice is done, good people are happy, but evil people are ruined. Proverbs 21:15

Accountability is coming.. and it ain't a bad word at all.

All real Christians will get glorified bodies -- yes, physically resurrected:

1- The Righteous dead (saint's body’s sleep, no, not a soul sleep), but then raised.

2- Raptured saints, raised mid-flight.

3- Trib-Saints, raised at the 2nd coming of Jesus to earth.

4- The 2 witnesses with miraculous abilities get killed by the beast. They are out on public streets for 3 1/2 days and then they are raised (Revelation 11:7-13)

Who are these two? We can't say really. They were given power to hold back the rain, to summon fire down from heaven and to strike the earth with real plagues. They witness with boldness, and at the end of their testimony, the beast from the pit will attack and kill them. He will leave their bodies out in a street in Jerusalem. Who are they? 

(1) Moses and Elijah, (2) Enoch and Elijah, and (3) two unknown believers whom God calls to be His witnesses in the end times? We aren't sure. You know how Zechariah has a vision in which he sees a solid gold lampstand. On top is a bowl of oil, and an olive tree stands on each side there (see verses 3–4). The lampstand casts out its bright light without human maintenance, being constantly supplied by the olive oil flowing from the trees right into the bowl. God’s message to Zechariah was that God’s work (speaking of rebuilding the temple) would be accomplished “not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit” (verse 6).

Rememeber Zechariah (in 4) asks about the meaning of these olive trees and these branches that supply the oil, and the angel who spoke to him says, “These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth” (Zechariah 4:14, ESV). In other words, God’s power to sustain His work is flowing through two individuals set apart for the task. What's that remind you of? In the context, these two individuals are clearly Joshua (the current high priest) and Zerubbabel (the current governor of Judah then). We see a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ here too, as the Messiah would combine the offices of priest and king. Now we look at Revelation 11:4. In the description of the two witnesses, John says, “They are ‘the two olive trees’ and the two lampstands, and ‘they stand before the Lord of the earth.’” The Apostle John quotes from Zechariah 4. The two witnesses of Revelation, like Joshua and Zerubbabel, will have God’s power flowing through them to fully accomplish God’s specific work for them. So, who are the two witnesses of Revelation? The Bible does not clearly say, so we will remain silent on this question.

5- The people born during the millennium that get saved, will at the end of the 1000 year reign ..also get raised with glorified bodies. 

Who else got raised? 

-The widow of Zarephath’s son (1 Kings 17:17–24). Elijah the prophet raised the widow of Zarephath’s son.
-The Shunammite woman’s son (2 Kings 4:18–37). 
-The man raised out of Elisha’s grave (2 Kings 13:20–21). 
-The widow of Nain’s son (Luke 7:11–17). 
-Jairus’ daughter (Luke 8:40–56). 
-Lazarus of Bethany (John 11). 
-Various saints in Jerusalem (Matthew 27:50–53). 
-Tabitha (Acts 9:36–43). 
-Eutychus (Acts 20:7–12). 
-Jesus the Messiah (Mark 16:1–8). The Father, the Holy Spirit and the Son all were involved in Jesus resurrection. 

Will David reign with Jesus in the Millennial Kingdom?

What are the new heavens and the new earth?

Who will occupy the Millennial Kingdom?

What is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming before the time of the Millennium?

Tribulation Saints: Please Be Strong And Faithful Witnesses Of Jesus During The Earth's Darkest Hour!

The tribulation saints are those who place their faith in Jesus Christ during the tribulation, a time of unparalleled chaos and judgment upon the earth. While we believe the church will be raptured before this period begins, God’s mercy and grace continue to shine even in the darkest of times. Scripture reveals that a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, and tongue will come to salvation, though at great personal cost.

The Apostle John, in his vision of heaven, saw these saints standing before the throne of God, clothed in white robes and holding palm branches as their symbol of victory.

When asked who these people are, the answer is clear: “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ)” (Revelation 7:14).

These faithful believers will endure unspeakable suffering, yet their eternal salvation is secure, their robes washed clean by the blood of Christ.

The tribulation will be a time of dual intensity—God’s righteous judgment upon a rebellious world and the fierce persecution of believers by the Antichrist. As Daniel prophesied, "As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them," Daniel 7:21 esv

Yet, this defeat is only temporary, for Daniel also foresaw the Ancient of Days rendering judgment in favor of the saints, who will one day reign in the kingdom of God.

“As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days arrived and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for them to possess the kingdom. This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it." Dan. 7:21-23

A Great Harvest Amid Judgment

Even in judgment, God’s merciful heart for people, longing to give them His salvation remains evident. During the tribulation, the gospel will continue to go out reaching people through various means:

  1. The Bible: Many will turn to the Scriptures left behind, seeking answers as they witness God’s judgments unfold.

  2. The Two Witnesses: These prophetic figures will preach and perform miracles for three and a half years, boldly proclaiming God’s truth (Revelation 11:3–6).

  3. Israel, soon a nation of evangelism! The 144,000 Jewish Evangelists: They will be winning both humble Jews and gentiles who are open to the truth. Sealed and redeemed by God, these servants will spread the gospel across the globe, leading countless souls to Christ. 

"After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:

12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed,

12,000 from the tribe of Reuben,

12,000 from the tribe of Gad,

12,000 from the tribe of Asher,

12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali,

12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh,

12,000 from the tribe of Simeon,

12,000 from the tribe of Levi,

12,000 from the tribe of Issachar,

12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun,

12,000 from the tribe of Joseph,

12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.” Revelation 7:1–8 esv 

Following the ministry of the two witnesses, John describes a great multitude of believers saved from every corner of the earth, their faith unshaken despite the horrors surrounding them (Revelation 7:9–17).

By God’s Grace Remain Faithful to the End

The tribulation saints will serve Christ in a world rife with hostility, demonstrating unshakable faith even unto death. They will triumph not through force, but through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, holding fast to their faith regardless of the cost (Revelation 12:11). Though many will be martyred, their death marks their victory, and their eternal reward is assured:

“Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:16–17).

Are You Still Outside In The Darkness? God Is Light, Respond To Christ Today

The tribulation will be a time of both judgment and grace—a time when God judges the unbelieving world while by His kind graces is extending salvation to all who will believe, to Jews and Gentiles alike. But why wait for such that horrific perilous time to repent and believe/accept Christ? The door of salvation is open right now. To all who will receive Him, God freely gives the right to become children of God. 

As for the tribulation saints, their really tough story does not end in martyrdom. You won't be forgotten. 

Even in the midst of wrath being poured out on earth, God extends His grace. The tribulation will be a radical time of judgment, but also a time of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles—yes, for both Israel and anyone who will repent and believe in Jesus. Yet why wait? Now is good!

"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12-13 esv 

The tribulation saints, though they will miss Christ's Rapture experience for the Church believers (who gain their glorified bodies mid-flight), will one day be physically resurrected and glorified as well, joining the redeemed in eternal ongoing worship of God with JOY unspeakable. I say, please don’t wait any longer, just repent and by faith receive Christ today! Why enter those seven years of tribulation? Why risk facing the horrors of the great tribulation when God’s mercy is still available for you here and now? His arms are open wide for you now, His grace is free in this age of grace, and He is His perfect love is waiting for you—don’t delay.

Many Rightly Pray for Revial and Awakening Before the Rapture Happens. Some Aledgedly Prophecy About It Happening Then. I hope It Does, But we Don't see those Verses in the Bible. 

Lord, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done On Earth As It Is In Heaven.

Biblically, The Greatest Awakening Of All Time Will Indeed Happen Amidst The Greatest Tribulation Years! 

A time is coming unlike any other where Jews will know and preach Jesus here. 

A time of unparalleled destruction will happen during this time—and yet, of unprecedented salvation too. Muse through the seventh chapter of Revelation. God unveils a staggering reality here: in the darkest years of all human history, the greatest awakening this world has ever seen will break forth. Revival is for the Church to get on fire spiritually, and the Church has been raptured out. 

Millions will come to Christ during the wrath of God being poured on on the trib-ungodly. The Christian's prayers of generations deeply longing for a mighty international, global awakening will be answered by God—but at the highest cost. Many who come to Christ will be beheaded (that's why we see an accumulation of martyers under the altar in heaven who then emerge from under that altar as more believers get killed on earth). 

A World On Fire In A Really Bad Sort OF Way

This will not be a season of peace or prosperity on earth. It will be the worst of times and the best of evangelism. The fury of tribulation wrath will descend like a storm, unleashing terror, horrific-chaos, and judgment here. It's been pretty bad for years in Western Nations with liberal and Rino leader exploiting all they can, but it will get far worse before it gets better here on earth. 

Thank about the attacks of late. There are only three institutions which God has established in the earth, and all three have been severely under such fierce attack.
1. The family,
2. Human government,
3. The real Church.
God didn't establish schools or para Church organizations or other business organizations here. Just those three institutions above, and the ene.my knows and has known that if he can take those three institutions down then the gospel simply won't have a venue here.
God's estimation of the importance of the family over the decades hasn't changed one iota. Not a bit. He has felt so highly of the family and He still does. Yes, so much so that when He sent His own son here, Jesus moved and functioned for 33 years within a family.

God still deeply cares about the Church and human governments here as well, because he cares about people who need to get saved.

The Antichrist will rise up, empowered by Satan himself, and will rule with a bloodthirsty hatred of Christ and of all believers. He will war, he will rage.. famines will spread, plagues will ravage, and nature it self will convulse wildly. The earth will shake and quake, the heavens will tremble, and physical death will claim untold multitudes of people. Saved and unsaved sinners will be killed. Evil will seem unstoppable for so long. The Holy Spirit’s restraining will have been lifted (when the believers are snatched away), and sin will then really run rampant like never before. You think you've already seen hell on earth? 

Yet, in the midst of all this nightmare, something miraculous will unfold again and again and again. The Jews will witness and people will repent. 

A Multitude Beyond Number

So many will get saved during the tribulation years, and they will get resurrected bodies before ending the millennial years. Some will get born physically and then saved during the millennial years too and then they will receive their glorified bodies at the end of the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. 

God will not cease His saving work during the tribulation years. Instead, He will move with mighty power like never before. 

John’s vision in Revelation 7 (remember what he saw while stuck on the Isle of Patmos?) reveals a breathtaking sight for us: a vast multitude, beyond human counting, righteous, and standing before the throne of God, clothed in really white robes, worshiping the Lamb of God. Blood doesn't normally make clothes white, but we are so thankful for the shed blood of Jesus. 

When asked who these people are, the explanation resounds—these are the tribulation saints, those who have come through it.. to faith in Christ during the horrific Tribulation. Their salvation like ours was free, but they have paid for it with their lives.

Despite the horrors of this age and the tribulation years, the gospel will not be silenced. People will be persecuted and killed, but the Word of God will still remain. God will still use people. The testimony of the two mighty witnesses in Jerusalem will pierce the darkness. The 144,000 sealed Jewish evangelists will carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. And even angels will proclaim the everlasting gospel from the skies.

"Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people." Revelation 14:6 esv

No soul will be left without a witness. And millions—Jews and Gentiles alike—will believe.

"He said in a loud voice, 'Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” niv

How cool is that? Our God is into saving people! A literal angel flies through the sky and preaches the everlasting gospel to all people on Earth. The angel's message is to fear God, give him glory, and worship him. 

What is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming before the time of the Millennium?

What is the everlasting gospel in Revelation 14:6?

Who are the 144,000? They be saved Jews with a holy evangelistic purpose.

Who are the two witnesses in the book of Revelation?

Will Christians see the Antichrist, or will the rapture occur first?

What are the seven trumpets of Revelation?

What does it mean that Babylon the Great has fallen?

What do angels typically do?

"Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, 'Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.' And another angel followed, saying, 'Babylon[a] is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.' Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, 'If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.'  Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying [d]to me, 'Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'” Revelation 14:6-13 nkjv

Victory in Death, for the Believers

Their salvation was free (paid for by Christ), however, following Jesus will cost them everything. The Antichrist (anti means against or in place of) will hunt them down, He will gladly imprison and torture them, and then execute them. 

The enemy is a liar, a counterfeiter, a deceiver, an accuser, and a murderer. Satan and the demons also love to destroy every chance they get. Fast or slow they want to kill your countrymen, but they prefer fast. Misery loves company and the lake of fire awaits. 

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 niv

The world will despise and persecute Christians, yet heaven will embrace and welcome them. During the Tribulation years, many Christians will not shrink from torture and death, for they will stand firm in Jesus by the Spirit who encourages them.  

The Bible says, "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." Revelation 12:11 niv 

And their suffering will not be in vain. For faithful Trib-saints, physical death is NOT a defeat. They too will be physically resurrected. 

Honestly come to Christ as you are today. Never forget that the strongest men are not only found in the gym doing more than talking.

They are more importantly found in the Bible, in a healthy church, and often on their knees. Yep, regularly in the presence of God. fish4souls.org

Thursday, January 30, 2025

You will conquer death, hell and the grave, believer cuz of Jesus. He already did. Death couldn't hold him down.

Yes indeed, it's because of Christ. The resurrection of the saints will be exciting!

We now have earthly bodies, but we will soon have glorified bodies that won't  stay in any tomb anywhere. Sure, as described in Scripture for Christians. This change won't be a mere upgrade of our current physical form as we understand upgrades, but we each will be transformed into something perfectly fit for eternal life with God. 

In context let's meditate upon..

1 Cor. 15:12-20, 1 Corinthians 15:35–41, 1 Corinthians 15:50–58, John 10:17, 18

The Trinity was involved in raising up Jesus, yes, Christ himself though dead was also involved in rasing himself out of that borrowed tomb. 

"The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." Rom. 4:23-25 niv

"..for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God." Rom. 4:24-25 nlt

And now because Christ lives, we too shall live with Him (John 14:19). 

Jesus said, "Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live." Jn. 14:19 nlt

"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance.." And why? It was for a good purpose! So that the people of Israel would repent and be washed from all their sins. 

"The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven." Acts 5:30-31 nlt

Read the whole article (click). 

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

What is the first resurrection? What is the second resurrection? When will the physical resurrection of the tribulation saints who missed the Rapture happen? Before we enter the millennium.

Will the wicked-dead be resurrected at a different time than we believers are raised up physically? Yes. 

When will the Rez happen? There will indeed be believers who go through the seven tribulation years, and they too will be resurrected later than the Christians who get snatched up to heaven. 

"The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them." See 2 Thessalonians 2:10

The physical resurrection of the tribulation saints (see Rev. 20:4) who were beheaded, yes martyred, and some of them died of natural causes too. This happens at the end of the 7 years of the Tribulation of wrath falling onto the earth (where billions will die including faithful Christians) before the Second Coming. Then we saints together will enter the millennium Kingdom here. And never again will our tears be shed, Jesus will wipe away every tear from our eyes! Death, pain, sickness, and murder won't happen again in the millennium.  

"And then I saw thrones, and sitting on them were those to whom judgment [that is, the authority to act as judges] was given. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had refused to worship the beast or his image, and had not accepted his mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." Revelation 20:4 amp #EmphMine

Many millions of people will get saved during those seven tribulation years ..and some people will survive along with some Jews who will survive those 7 years. 

There will be 144 thousand on-fire (for Christ) Jews out evangelizing both Jews and Gentiles with the gospel message during those Tribulation years. 

It will be an International Awakening so to speak during the very worst of times here. Many of these Trib-saints who were formerly rejecters (of Christ and His gospel) earlier, but in great Tribulation wrath poured out God remembers his mercy and saves them (yes some of these heard of Jesus before, they missed the Rapture putting off their decision to repent and believe, but now became open and get saved by Jesus). 

So SO many people during those 3 1/2 & 3 1/2 years get saved and martyred (we see these in heaven under the altar in white robes, and then this group grows, keeps accumulating there as others get beheaded on earth, and then they are out from under that alter in heaven praising God with the angels standing around the throne with the 24 elders). Then the Trib-saints get their glorified bodies.  

"Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." Revelation 20:4 esv #EmphMine

Yes, this resurrection includes those Christians who died as martyrs during the Tribulation too. The resurrection of those who died as martyrs in the Tribulation indeed has a link to Christ's physical resurrection (just like there's a link with the other Christians who earlier got raptured..is linked to Christ's resurrection).  

Heaven is all about us (not falling down before angels, but it's about all of us worshipping God and the Lamb with all the angels and all the elders!

"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." Rev. 20:6

Just know that tribulation saints will indeed get resurrected with glorified bodies! God won't forget you or them. This Rez is in connection with the Second Coming of Christ! Jesus returns all the way to earth, and the Mount of Olives splits open. He's coming to judge the unrepentant and establish His millennial Kingdom on earth. 

You and I, let's get right today (with God). Right now, and NOT MISS the snatching away of the Church! I'm speaking about the soon coming "rapture." This term does not appear in some Bibles, but it does in the Latin Bible (as "Raptus"). This comes from the Greek word harpazo, which means "to seize" by force or "to snatch away". It appears in the Bible in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and Acts 8:39. Yes, "rapture" comes from the Latin word "rapere," meaning very “rapid” and from the Latin term rapiemur, meaning, “we shall be caught up.” This event is imminent. The rapture of the Church is a signless event in the near future! Fact: There is no prophecy of Scripture that needs to happen first before this event takes place -- Jesus will come for us in the sky like a thief in the night. 

Please study the Second Coming of Christ in Revelation 19:11-16, “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Q: Sup With the Two Witnesses, and the Two Resurrections? Yes, There Are Two, One Unto Unending Life With God For Born Again Christians, And One Unto Judgment And Unending Punishment For Those Who Reject Christ.

The Bible is clear that: all who sleep in Christ (I'm not talking about some soul-sleep, but about the Christian's dead bodies in graves) will one day rise again. For believers, the Bible uses the word sleep instead of death. Sleep is welcomed, death in not. The lost sadly die. 

Yes, not all people will share the same destiny of course. The resurrection is not really a single event but it's a series of divine acts, dividing humanity into two eternal fates (the sheep so to speak are separated from the goats)—the saved unto life, and the Lost unto judgment.

The First Resurrection: The Resurrection unto Life for Believers

The first resurrection is for the righteous, those who belong to Christ. It unfolds in stages:

  1. Christ, is the Firstfruits – Jesus rose from the dead first, totally conquering death, hell and the grave (1 Corinthians 15:20).

  2. The Rapture of the Church is Imminent – "The dead in Christ will rise first," before us, then we living believers will be caught up to meet the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). We hope this happens during our lifetime but not because we are afraid to physically die!

  3. The Resurrection of Tribulation Saints – Those martyred during the Tribulation are raised at the time of Christ’s Second Coming (before us entering the millennium) to reign with Him here (Revelation 20:4-6).

  4. The Old Testament Saints Who By Faith Pointed Ahead In Time To Christ and His Death On The Cross Won't Be Excluded – Those who trusted God before Christ when to the Cross at Calvary, who died and went into Abraham's Bosum a.k.a. Paradise.. will also rise at this time: “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt." Daniel 12:1-2 nasb

This resurrection unto life is a resurrection of indescribable blessing! Those who partake will reign with Christ on earth for a thousand years. They will escape the second death. 

"Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) and holy is the person who takes part in the first resurrection; over these the second death [which is eternal separation from God, the lake of fire] has no power or authority, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and they will reign with Him a thousand years." Revelation 20:6 amp

The Second Resurrection Unto Unending Judgement And Punishment - Not Pretty, Dodge This

The Second Resurrection is connected to the Second Death which corresponds with Jesus’ teaching of the “resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29). Revelation 20:12-13 identifies those comprising involved in this second one as those lost wicked people judged by God at the Great White Throne Judgment prior to them being cast away into the lake of fire.

The First Resurrection is the raising up of all believers. It corresponds with Jesus’ teaching of the “resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:14) and His Rez of life.

"..and will come out: those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the bad deeds to a resurrection of judgment." John 5:29 nasb

The first resurrection takes place in phases or various stages. Jesus Christ Himself (the “first fruits,” 1 Corinthians 15:20).

Yes, the Second Resurrection is entirely different from the first one. It is the resurrection of the wicked dead.. of those unbelieving who rejected Christ and His gospel. This resurrection occurs after the Millennial Kingdom (1000 years here on earth):

  • The Great White Throne Judgment – The wicked dead are raised and judged according to their works (Revelation 20:11-13).

  • The Second Death – All whose names are not found in the Lamb’s Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).

Daniel 12:2 is the Text that draws the dividing line: "Some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." This is the final separation of all humanity.

There Is To Be Urgency Of Getting The Gospel Message Out

That's why we earnestly pray, it's so that people will not only hear, but understand the Message and soon grasp hold. Jesus is the only way and there's no regeneration after death. There is to be an urgency in every generation with us believers called to Jesus and called to evangelize. Yes, as we live the life in purity, and go boldly share the gospel of Jesus Christ! Let's not stop living holy or praying for this fiery passion inside, and not stop telling people in love! 

The resurrection is not a matter of if but when. Everyone will rise—but where will you personally stand with God? In Christ or outside.. out of right relationship with God.. outside of fellowship with Christ. Jesus promises, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even if he dies" (John 11:25). 

Those who honestly repent of their sin, and by faith trust in Jesus will indeed reign in glory; those who reject Him will face eternal separation. Not a pretty or comfortable sight! 

Time is very short. The Rapture is indeed imminent. The call of God through His Church is very urgent. "Go.. tell" (Mark 5:19), go will souls. Ask God to use you today.. “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire” (Jude 23). 

The choice is before you: new life and forgiveness in Christ or certain judgment ahead without Him. Choose wisely, for your personal future location (heaven or hell) in eternity is now hanging in the balance, Sport.

Monday, January 27, 2025

Last Sunday I taught on Christ's physical resurrection. Christians will be bodily resurrected as well!

"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.." 2 Cor. 5:1 -2

Christ is alive, in his glorified body today. Outta that dank rock tomb! 

The Apostle Paul knew it was best to live in God's perfect will.. even though it was far from perfect here. Therefore Paul obeyed Jesus, stayed in touch, and knew he'd soon get a new home to live in. He simply wanted to please the Lord. 

Christians will be physically resurrected with new bodies as well. Soon and very soon.   

What did Jesus mean when He said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2)?

Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we can be raised from the dead. 

Do you live in California or North Carolina? Have you suffered some loss? Do you live in some tent elsewhere today? So sorry about that, and about all you've been through.

Home rebuilding from scratch, or renovation sure isn’t cheap these days.

According to research from the website Angi, an average
renovation in Dallas has a $42,000 price tag. The cost of the project depends on the work that will be done; some rooms are more expensive than others:

• Living room remodeling cost: $5,000–10,000

• Bedroom remodeling cost: $1,500–5,500

• Kitchen renovation cost: $14,550–40,400

• Bathroom remodeling cost: $6,600–28,000

• Basement renovation cost: $12,023–34,497

• Home theater installation cost: $10,000–60,000

• Attic remodeling cost: $4,600–16,400

• Garage renovation cost: $1,500–50,000

Some homes need more help than others. A full gut-and-remodel renovation costs between $100,000 and $650,000.

Q: What factors (age, neglect, environment) have caused the most damage to your home?

Right now we're planted and grow up metaphorically like palm trees. We reach upwards, endure some storms, and cast some seed that gets planted.. only to go heavenwards. 

“No matter how devastating our struggles, disappointments, and troubles are, they are only temporary. No matter what happens to you, no matter the depth of tragedy or pain you face, no matter how death stalks you and your loved ones, the Resurrection promises you a future of immeasurable good.” – Josh McDowell

Man, denying the physical resurrection with glorified bodies.. often stems from human pride or perhaps a lame fear. There is a holy reverential fear of God that's good. 

Some people struggle to believe in what they cannot see. Others resist, rebel and refuse to submit to the implications of eternal accountability -- to Direct Authority. 

But our flawless Scriptures are unyielding when it comes to this Cardinal Doctrine: the resurrection is not dependent on our belief or disbelief—it is a certainty decreed by God. Historically Jesus rose from the dead and there were gobs of eyewitnesses (over 500) and Christians will physically rise out of graves as well. 

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” John 11:25

Good idea: Let's believe all the Bible from the maps to the back leather cover. To deny the resurrection is to deny Christ Himself. To embrace the living Word of God and all His Essentials is to embrace the real and abundant life that He offers.

“If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.” – Timothy Keller

Primarily..Today Even.. You Are Called To God Through Jesus Christ! 

We are then called to believe all of God's word. Important decision! Let's not put it off. Honestly, humbly.. with true repentance approach the as you are. Be willing for Him to change you.  

If you’ve doubted or dismissed the resurrection, I urge you to please reconsider your stance. The hope of the resurrection is not just a theological concept; it is the very heartbeat of Christ's gospel. 

It is God’s promise that death does not have the final word. For those people in Christ, the grave is not a hard period but a comma—merely the doorway to eternal life with God.

Don't trust what I say to you, but trust in the words of God's sinless Son, Jesus. Believe in the Trinity's power to raise the dead (yes all three were involved in raising Jesus, they are always in harmony with each other). 

For the hour is coming when every single grave will be emptied, and every soul will stand before the One who holds eternity in His hands. Choose life. Decide today to repent and believe in Jesus. Choose to live in light of this truth, instead of in darkness and error. In doing so, you will find the hope, peace, and assurance of salvation that only Christ can give. He's the one who saves people. 

Believers, let us not wackle, flake, be shifty, or waver even a little bit with what the Bible teaches. Listen, the resurrection is not just some religious doctrine—it is our important destiny.

The Bible says, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, a time is coming and is here now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear it will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in Himself and is self-existent, even so He has given to the Son to have life in Himself and be self-existent. 27 And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is a Son of Man sinless humanity, qualifying Him to sit in judgment over mankind. 28 Do not be surprised at this; for a time is coming when all those who are in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and they will come out—those who did good things will come out to a resurrection of new life, but those who did evil things will come out to a resurrection of judgment that is, to be sentenced." John 5:25-29 amp

The first great resurrection was the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“Optimism hopes for the best without any guarantee of its arriving and is often no more than whistling in the dark; Christian hope, by contrast, is faith looking ahead to the fulfillment of the promises of God. Christian hope expresses knowledge that every day of his life, and every moment beyond it, the believer can say with truth, on the basis of God’s own commitment, that the best is yet to come.” – J.I. Packer

“We live and die; Christ died and lived!” – John Stott

Get saved. Live again with Him!

“While the resurrection promises us a new and perfect life in the future, God loves us too much to leave us alone to contend with the pain, guilt and loneliness of our present life.” – Josh McDowell

In saying (see Jn. 5:25) that the dead will hear his voice, Jesus was speaking about the spiritually dead people around him who hear, understand, and accept him as Savior. Those who repent and accept Jesus, the living Word, will indeed have eternal life. But Christ was also speaking about physically dead people. He raised several dead people while he was there on earth.

Saints will get new bodies in the time of the Rapture and at the time of Christ's Second Coming (sure, the tribulation saints will too) "Christians who have died” will rise to meet him (1 Thess. 4:16).

There is no life apart from Creator God (5:26 our Father and Source) either here or hereafter. The life in each of us is a truly a gift from him (see Deuteronomy 30:20; Psalm 36:9). Because Jesus is eternally existent with our Creator Father, he, too, is “the life” (14:6) through whom we can live eternally (see 1 John 5:11). He's the way, truth and life.

Remember in the OT the three signs (5:27) of the coming Messiah? John shows that Jesus has fulfilled all three signs. Authority to judge is given to him as the Son of Man (cf. 5:27 with Daniel 7:13, 14). The lame and sick are healed (cf. 5:20, 21 with Isaiah 35:6; Jeremiah 31:8, 9). The dead are raised to life (cf. 5:21, 28 with Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:6; 2 Kings 5:7).

The people who rebelled against Christ (5:29) will also be resurrected, too, but not with glorified bodies. They will sadly hear God’s judgment pronounced against them and will be appropriately sentenced to a horrific love-less eternity.

You probably know some people who wish to live prosperous and well on earth? They ignore God, chase the bucks, and then see death as final ending. Life here is brief. But in reality, Jesus does not allow unbelieving people to see death as the end of it all. There is a judgment to face.

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" Heb. 9:27 esv

I challenge you to study all the claims of Christ. Jesus went on in John claiming to be equal with God the Father (5:18), to give eternal life (5:24), to be the source of life (5:26), and to judge sin (5:27). These statements make it clear that Jesus was claiming to be divine—an almost unbelievable claim, but one that was supported by another witness, John the Baptist.

"Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.Revelation 20:4 esv 

Real Christians will be resurrected at the time of the last trumpet and the rapture. All those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ during the church age and have died before Jesus returns will be resurrected at the rapture. The church age began on the day of Pentecost and will end when Christ returns to take believers back to heaven with Him (John 14:1–31 Thessalonians 4:16–17). The apostle Paul explained that not all Christians will die, but all will be changed, i.e., given resurrection-type bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50–58), some without having to die. Christians who are alive and those who have already died will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and be with Him always.

The tribulation saints will be resurrected at the Second Coming of Christ to earth. 

Some people will repent and believe during the tribulation years. These people are called the tribulation saints. They will serve their Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of desperate surroundings. Faithful to the end, many of these believers will die for their faith. But in their death, they overcome; “They overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (Revelation 12:11). And God will reward them: “He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:15–17).

What is the purpose of the thousand-year reign of Christ 

What will happen when Jesus comes back to earth?

Will you.. who will occupy the Millennial Kingdom?

What does it mean that Satan will be bound for a thousand years?

Will David reign with Jesus in the Millennial Kingdom?

What is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming?

What is the judgment seat of Christ?

What is the meaning of those who were raised to life at Jesusdeath?

On what day was Jesus crucified? Friday, and he was raised on a Sunday that's why the church worships on the first day of the week -- Sunday. God keeps all his promises.

Where was Jesus for those three days?

Why did Jesus tell Mary, “Do not cling to me” (John 20:17)?

What are the keys of death (Revelation 1:18)?

How many people were raised from the dead in the Bible?

Where was Jesus for the three days between His own death and rez-day?

Did Jesus go to hell between His death and resurrection?

What is the great white throne judgment?

In the Bible, what is the second death?

Do unbelievers immediately go to hell when they die?

What is the marriage supper of the Lamb?

Where did Old Testament believers/saints go when they died?

What is the first resurrection? What is the second resurrection?

In Romans 8 - Paul states that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead will also raise up believers.

"If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus[a] from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." Romans 8:11 esv 

In Luke 24 - Jesus declared that his resurrection body was physical and touchable

"See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." Lk. 24:39 esv  

In John 5 - Jesus speaks of the resurrection as involving the coming forth of individuals out of their tombs.

"Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment." Jn. 5:28-29 esv 

Philippians 3 - Paul describes how believers will be resurrected and given glorified bodies at the second coming of Christ    

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." Phil. 3:20-21 esv 

See all of 1 Corinthians 15 - The Apostle Paul calls Christ's resurrection the "first fruits" of the resurrection and he compares our current bodies to seeds planted. He describes how our resurrected bodies will come up from the earth to be imperishable and glorified with God.  

"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive." 1 Cor. 15:20-22 esv 

"So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body." 1 Cor. 15:42-44 esv

Metaphorically? Why seeds, Paul? The Resurrection: A Promise Of Glorified Bodies For All Believers

For Christians, the resurrection is the very heartbeat of our Historic Christian faith! The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the foundation of our hope, the promise that we, too, will rise out of seas, ashes, graves—not just spiritually, but bodily. Jesus, in His perfect wisdom and glory, triumphed over death, and in doing so, He secured for us the future resurrection of our own bodies. Ours will be like His glorified body. 

"There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.  41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.  42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:  43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:" 1 Cor. 15:40-44 kjv

One day we'll look up and see that a whole lot has been changed!

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away (vanished), and there is no longer any sea." Revelation 21:1 amp

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15 paint a clear picture of this living hope we enjoy. He tells us that the body we sow in death is perishable, dishonorable, and weak. But it is raised up imperishable, glorious, and powerful instead of weak. 

Why did Paul speak metiphorically of seeds? He compares the resurrection with seed and its growth from the earth (1 Cor. 15:35). Do you have a garden? He says that seeds placed in the ground won’t grow unless they “die” first. And the plant that grows from that seed looks very different from that seed because God gives it a new “body.” There are different kinds of bodies—people, animals, fish, birds. Even heavenly bodies. The angels up there have bodies too that are different in beauty and glory. Our resurrected body will be very different from our earthly body, but it'll be a spiritual body full of glory. Currently our physical body is aging, weak, perishable and prone to decay. Our resurrection body won't be like that after being transformed. The spiritual body will not be limited by the laws of nature here. This does not necessarily mean we’ll be superpeople like Clark Kent, but our body will be different from and more capable than our present earthly body. Our spiritual body will ever get weak or sick -- it'll never die. 

We believers like to plant seed ideas of faith. We like to plant churches too. Think about seed planted in the dirt. Essentially, a plant seed's metabolism on the ground slows down significantly, preventing decay and preserving its ability to grow until the conditions are fitting for that.

Scientests tell us a seed can remain viable for thousands of years, even after being found in an ancient place like a pyramid, because of the biological process called "desiccation tolerance," where the seed essentially goes into a state of suspended animation when very dry. This allows it to last long in the dirt and extreme conditions, and then to germinate when it's exposed to moisture and favorable conditions. The most important factor is a dry environment for seeds, which prevents that dry ole seed from germinating prematurely.

It's Like a Dormancy of Sorts - yes, many plants have a natural "dormancy" period where the seed waits for optimal conditions like moisture and temperature before germinating.

Q: Do you tend and water the seeds you've planted in your hearers ears?  

From a seed of faith planted.. "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.”  

Q: Has your late Christian uncle been burried a really log time?  

I often think about date palm seeds. They are some of the oldest known viable seeds found even in ancient archaeological sites, which have later been successfully germinated with water even after thousands of years.

Palm seeds turn into trees that grow upwards, with branches reaching upwards. The Christian life is such that we each are to grow from the word upwards and praise the Lord. Like a palm tree, we should be pointing others towards Heaven (to Jesus). Palm trees are deeply rooted, they endure strong winds and produce fruit. We can do that with God's help.  

Believer, our mortal, decaying bodies (even if you eat right and exercise at your peak age) will one day be made totally immortal, totally free from the corruption that sin has brought into the world via Adam and Eve's choices. You will be resurrected.  

The martyrs will rise up too. The blood of those who were killed or just died in Christ will be addressed. It's been said "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church," but hey, their bodies planted in dirt are too. They will be raised by Jesus himself—honored by the Spirit, and glorified by the power of our loving Father!

Seeds Sown in Corruption, Christians Get Raised in Glory

When we consider the resurrection of the body, we must remember the analogy Paul gives us in 1 Corinthians 15. seed must die before it brings forth new life. In the same way, our earthly bodies, subject to decay, will "sleep" as the Bible says (not a soul sleep). They will be laid to rest so to speak before they are resurrected. But when they are raised up, they will very much so bear the likeness of Christ’s glorified body—a body that knows no more pain, no more decay, and no more sickness, disease or death. This is the ultimate redemption of mankind for our body and soul and spirit, the fulfillment of God’s promise to restore all things.

The Glorification of the Believer

What does this glorified body look like? The Scriptures don’t leave us in the dark. In 1 John 3:2, we are assured that we will be like Christ, for we will see Him as He is. This doesn’t mean we will all look the same or be clones of Christ; rather, it speaks of a deep, eternal transformation—a glorious likeness to the Savior. Just as Jesus was recognizable after His resurrection, so too will we be recognizable, yet gloriously different. In this new state, the imperfections of the flesh will give way to the perfection of the eternal.

The Hope of the Resurrection

The resurrection is not just a future event; it is a present hope that shapes how we live today. The body of the believer, though subject to weakness, decay, and death, is destined for glory. It is a truth that calls us to live with an eternal perspective, to work, to pray, and to labor as those who know that death is not the end. The promise of resurrection should inspire us to keep our eyes fixed on the eternal, to live with the knowledge that in Christ, we are more than conquerors. Our resurrection is secured not by our strength, but by the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

As the martyr’s blood has been the seed of the church, so too is the body of the martyr and all who die in Christ. They, like us, will rise again, glorified, in bodies fit for eternity. This is our hope. This is our confidence. And this is the truth that sustains us as we journey through this world—our bodies may fade, but our resurrection is certain. Let this truth encourage our hearts and propel us to live for Christ, knowing that the final victory is His, and it is ours through Him. So let us not shrink back from the truth of resurrection. Let us live with joy, with the certainty that our Savior will one day return to raise us up, in bodies like His. We will rise, and when we do, we will be more like Christ than we ever imagined. The seed planted in the ground will bear much fruit. That is the promise of resurrection, and it is a promise we can cling to with hope, knowing that the best is yet to come.

Let's talk about the W's of what God is saying in JOHN 5

Works - That Speak Loudly (John 5:1–21). Remember when our Father God “broke” His Sabbath rest to help two sinners (Gen. 3:8ff.), and later on Jesus followed His example. In the world of nature, the Father is healing and resorting bodies, multiplying food, turning water into wine, and so forth; but He takes longer to do those things. Jesus regenerates (saves) people -- what a great miracle! Our Lord’s miracles are the Father’s works done instantly. Whether instantly or gradually with his miracles, they are all wonderful works of God. Think about this -- Jesus while dead and buried in a rock tomb had a part in physically raising himself from the dead. All members of the Trinity had a part in this.

Wrath - That Also Speaks To Those Who Will Listen (22, 24–30). Today, Jesus is the Savior; tomorrow, He will be the Judge (Rev. 20:11–15). Even death and cold graves cannot keep lost sinners from the judgment ahead, for He will raise them from the dead. All humans will be raised from the dead and have a body fit for their location in eternity -- in either heaven or in hell. There is no escape of judgment ahead, except faith in Jesus Christ (5:24) will bring you through to the right place. The Bible teaches us that He is God the Fathers only way for you into his holy heaven.

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6 niv

Worship - That Is Acceptable Is Biblical (23). If you worship God the Father acceptably, you must also worship the Son wholeheartedly; and if you dishonor the Son of God, you dishonor the only Father God. Those who claim to worship God but ignore the Son are not even worshiping God at all! They will sadly split hell wide open. They are only fooling themselves, but have perhaps a bit of time to repent.

Witnesses - So Many Do This, And We Can Join In (31–47). How can anyone deny that Jesus is the Son of God when there are so many witnesses affirming He really is God the Son: John the Baptist (vv. 31–35), the miracles (v. 36), the Father (v. 37; Mark 1:11), and the Scriptures (vv. 38–39)? But when people believe on Him, they have the witness within themselves (vv. 39–47; 1 John 5:9–13).

Will Awaken - God's Voice WILL Indeed Awaken All Humans That Are Dead. All WILL Exsist In Either Heaven Or Hell

In these John 5, Jesus declares that His voice holds the power to awaken both spiritually dead people and physically dead people. John 5 not only reveals the depth of His great authority but also confronts us with the reality of our eternal destiny (heaven or hell, we each must choose).

Want to take a moment to unpack this passage to understand its rich meaning (reread through a couple times).

1. God's Voice -- Is The Voice of Life (John 5:25)

"Truly, truly, I say to you, a time is coming and is here now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear it will live."

There's a sense of urgency with Jesus the soul-winner and there needs to be a sense of urgency in your ministry as well. 

The time is both future and present. Jesus' voice is powerful, the Word of God doesn't return void. 

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 esv

 (John 1:1), calls the spiritually dead to life. Those dead in sin, blinded by darkness, are awakened when they hear His call and respond in faith. This is not just about physical resurrection but spiritual transformation—a life made new by the power of Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5).

This is the miracle of salvation. When Jesus speaks, the soul that is unresponsive to God’s truth awakens, and eternal life begins. The spiritually dead, those separated from God, are invited to hear and live.

2. The Trinity Communicates With Each Other And Harmonizes As The Source of Real Life (John 5:26)

"For just as the Father has life in Himself and is self-existent, even so He has given to the Son to have life in Himself."

Here in the Bible, Jesus declares His divine nature. Just as the Father is the source of life, so is the Son. Jesus does not merely possess life—He is life (John 14:6). This divine self-existence is what qualifies Him to give life to others.

This truth emphasizes the unity of the Father and the Son in their passionate work of salvation (that goes on to this day. God wants to use you in this ministry). 

It reminds us that the eternal life Jesus offers is not borrowed or derived—it flows from the infinite, self-sustaining life of God Himself to needy man. To anyone willing to humble themselves before Him. The Holy Spirit doesn't point to self, but to Jesus because He is also about life! 

2 Corinthians 3:6: "For the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life"

Romans 8:6: "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace"

Galatians 5:16: "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh"

Galatians 6:8: "He that sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life"  

3. The Authority To Judge Humans (John 5:27)

"And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man."

Jesus is uniquely qualified to judge because He is both fully God (always has been, wasn't created) and fully man since He was born of a virgin. His humanity enables Him to understand our weaknesses, temptations, struggles and trials, while His sinless divine nature ensures His judgment is perfect and righteous. Always. Never misses. 

The title “Son of Man” points to His role as the Messiah of Israel (most Jews didn't recognize Him, but we do) and also His connection to all humanity. He is not a distant judge but one who has walked in our shoes here, has faced our temptations and lived among us. Yet, because He is sinless, He has the authority to execute perfect justice.

4. The Resurrection of the Dead (John 5:28-29)

"Do not be surprised at this; for a time is coming when all those who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and they will come out."

They will be out and about. Remember when Jesus physically died? Many bodies of male and female saints came alive at that time. 

Those murdering Jesus put a spear through his heart to make sure. Blood and water came out. Jesus didn't merely swoon or pass out. 

The Bible says, "Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.  51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;  52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,  53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.  54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God." Matt. 27:50-54 kjv

"..and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. 53 They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people." Matt. 27:52-53 nlt

Jesus speaks of a future event for humans—yes, the bodily resurrection of the dead. This resurrection will encompass all humanity, believers and unbelievers alike will get resurrected bodies according to their respective locations (heaven or hell. Please don't RSVP too late. His forgiveness is free cuz of the Cross). Listen, the righteous will rise to eternal life, while the wicked will rise to face judgment.

This is a staggering truth we each must grasp while we suck air. The same voice that called Lazarus from the tomb will raise you too. 

"When He had said this, He shouted with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!'” John 11:43 amp

One day God will call all the dead to come out of the sea, out of the dirt, out of the ash heap, and stand before Him. 

For those who have trusted in Christ, this will be a special day to remember. This resurrection leads to everlasting joy and glory. We each get a glorified body to worship Him with. 

For those who have rejected Christ, their physical resurrection will tragically lead each one to eternal separation, deep loneliness, and lasting pain away from God's presence—such a sobering reality that should NOW drive us to our knees in repentance and saving faith.

5. The Eternal Divide

"Those who did good things will come out to a resurrection of new life, but those who did evil things will come out to a resurrection of judgment."

Works of course don't save any of us but they sure reveal who we are. We work from our own salvation, not for our salvation. 

This verse above does not suggest salvation by works at all, but it reflects the evidence of faith within a believer because we want to serve the Lord by serving others once we are born again. 

Those who belong to Christ openly and in private live for Him demonstrating their faith through their good attitudes, words and actions. 

"So too, faith, if it does not have works to back it up, is by itself dead inoperative and ineffective." James 2:17 amp

The demons believe and tremble. They don't have saving faith or good works to please God, but lie and deceive people even through religious leaders. 

"You believe that God is one; you do well to believe that. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror—they have seen His wrath]!" James 2:19 amp 

The "good things" from a born-again Christian are the fruit of a regenerated transformed heart -- from a fully life surrendered to God the Lord.

Conversely, those who reject Christ will face certain judgment. Their "evil things" are the natural outflow of a life lived for self apart from God. This eternal divide is not arbitrary; it is the result of the choices made in this life.

The Call to Respond To Jesus Still Goes Out For A Time

Jesus' words in John 5:25-29 are both a promise and a warning. The promise is this: His voice can awaken the dead, bringing zoe life to those who respond in faith. He gives life to dead bodies that won't fail again. The warning is equally clear: those who reject Christ will face judgment and the lake of fire. 

No redo. I mean a do-over, no purgatory, or reincarnation after death. 

When I pray, God hears me and works. He'll hear you too. When I read my Bible daily I hear God's voice speak. 

You will love having fellowship with God daily.. all day long. Toss one (a prayer) up. Toss one up all day long!  

This Bible passage in John 5 challenges us to consider our own response to Jesus’ voice. Have you heard Him calling to get right with your heavenly Father? Are you sure you are saved and living in the light of His life-giving resurrection power?

The time is coming when every grave will be opened up, and every soul will emerge.. even particles into a body to stand before the One who holds life and judgment in His hands. For those who trust in Jesus, this is a moment of glorious hope.

“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…He’s risen!” – Charles R. Swindoll

Come to God right now. Be right, get right in the light (honestly). As Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). The question remains: Will you hear His voice and live?

THINK: Reflect on what the future consummated kingdom of God may be like – a perfect place where there is no evil, mourning, crying or pain. Where everyone honors God in all things and treats everyone else with respect, kindness and selfless love. There are some who say heaven “sounds boring” because they imagine just sitting on a cloud playing a harp and singing praise music all day forever. How would you respond to someone who said that to you? 

PRAY: for God to give you a renewed image of the people in the world around you – as people who will be immortal creatures in the future. Ask Him to give you His heart for loving His people, His understanding and patience with their weaknesses and failures, and His grace for them just as He has grace for you. Ask God to show you how to love all His people, especially those who are difficult for you to get along with. 

ACT: Bible memorization. Choose some verses to memorize this week, either from this passage (1 Corinthians 15) or from the passages we referenced that speak about the consummated kingdom of and our inheritance in heaven. Work to memorize those Scriptures so they will sink deep into your heart and impact your thoughts and actions.