Resurrection In Context #3

by Oscar M. Baker
    10. Rev. 20:4,5. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them; and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Here are 2 resurrections, one thousand years apart. But both of believers, the just and the unjust. Note that just and unjust are never mentioned in connection with the dispensation of the mystery. This is concerning Israel. Note that the overcomers are beheaded, but the non-overcomers have to wait for a later resurrection. They miss the kingdom. Many Pharisees and Scribes in this group. Does anyone ever think for a moment that all believers will have to go thru these two resurrections? If so, then there are many who will have to go thru both deaths in this prophecy. Think it over.
    11. 1Thess 4:13, 17, 18.  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope…Then we which are alive, and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Who have no hope? No hope of what, but a resurrection? This is in the dispensation of promise. It is Israel’s hope. And clouds of angels indicate that it is Israel’s hope, for angels are ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation. The meeting is in the air. They meet the Lord as He comes to set up His kingdom. He does not meet them, as most folks think.
    12. John 11:25,26. I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. The time is the last day (verse 24). Only believers will be raised at the last day, and only believers will be changed at the last day. Unbelievers are not in the picture. They are neither raised or changed. But note that this last day is in relation to Israel, not the dispensation of the mystery.
    13. Luke 16:22, 23. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. The context is in the many warnings to the leaders in Israel that they would miss the kingdom and the outcasts take their place. And the Lord clinches His message with this parable. The leaders find themselves outside the kingdom, and Lazarus is in it (bosom).       Truth For Today Reprints Bk 4, pg 50