SONSHIP 6 THE OUT RESURRECTION

THE (OUT) RESURRECTION

Philippians 3:11 If BY ANY MEANS I might ATTAIN UNTO the RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD.

The word "resurrection" which the Holy Ghost dictated here to Paul is only used once in the entire Bible. It denotes a resurrection that is over and above what anyone else can expect. And, it is to be a reward for personal diligence in matters pertaining to God, and His demands or expectations for our lives.

Literally, it means "A standing out from among the dead."

In other scriptures it is referred to as being the "first resurrection."

Revelation 20:6 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.

In past years, Bible Scholars have told us that ALL CHRISTIANS would be in that first resurrection. But, the Scriptures do not bear this out at all.

Martyrs of all ages have endured hardships and persecutions for one purpose, mainly.

Hebrews 11:35 -- and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; THAT THEY MIGHT OBTAIN A BETTER RESURRECTION.

Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that OVERCOMETH SHALL NOT BE HURT OF THE SECOND DEATH.

Notice, please, that the promise of the First Resurrection, and being securely preserved from the possibility of the Second Death is ONLY given to the OVERCOMER.

Those in the Second Resurrection (General Resurrection) include ALL the non-overcoming Christians as well as the ungodly. They ALL have to stand in the judgment.

Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS.

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE was cast into the lake of fire.

The difference between the OVERCOMERS and those who do NOT overcome equals ANOTHER THOUSAND YEARS IN THE GRAVE. That, PLUS having to stand before the Judgment Throne of God after it is too late to do anything about it.

I Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

It means, simply, that WE MUST JUDGE OUR OWN WORKS in the light of the Word of God, and bring our works into line, if we hope to be listed among the OVERCOMERS.

It is the OVERCOMERS from this life who are destined to RULE AND REIGN with Jesus for a thousand years. The non-overcomers will still be in the graves.

The OVERCOMERS will be PRIESTS OF GOD.

No wonder Paul wrote, "This ONE THING I do."

It will be worth whatever price we are called upon to pay.