Paul helps us see our options in 1 Corinthians 15:44: “There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.”
Our current state of life is as a natural body. That is how Adam was created and we are descended from him. Paul confirms this in 1 Corinthians 15:47: “The first man is of the earth, earthy:”
Paul again confirms our destiny in 1 Corinthians 15:49: “And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.”(Spiritual) Our current human or natural state cannot inherit the Kingdom of Yahweh. (1 Corinthians 15:50) We must lose this mortality and become immortal. (1 Corinthians 15: 53)
We all must experience death. However, our existence ceases when we die. This is confirmed in Ecclesiastes 9:5, “for the living know they shall die: but the dead know nothing.”
After our death we have no thoughts, dreams or any type of existence. The good news is that everyone who dies will live again.
Every created human being that has ever been conceived will live again. Just as all men have their own time of life and death, each of us has a different time for our resurrection from death. Paul confirms this in 1 Corinthians 15:23: “but every man in his own order:”
The saints or firstfruits will be resurrected first. This will be a resurrection to a spiritual life. The apostle John tells us this in 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 Yahweh and of Messiah, and shall reign with him 1000 years.”
The saints only die once. When they are resurrected, they will no longer be mortal but will put on a spiritual body.
What is the second death? All mankind who aren’t resurrected when Messiah returns will have to wait until the thousand-year reign is completed. At that time all mankind who are left in death will be resurrected as mortal human beings. They will receive the Spirit of Yahweh and have 100 years to be judged. Their destiny will either be the second death, or lake of fire, or they will be qualified to enter the kingdom of Yahweh along with the saints.
There will be no flesh and blood in the Kingdom. The new heavens and earth will not be a natural creation but a spiritual one. (2 Peter 3: 12-13; Isaiah 65:17) Everyone who emerges after the second resurrection, or the lake of fire, will have spiritual bodies. They will therefore be qualified to enter the new heavens and earth.
After death, we do not go to heaven. Heaven comes to us in the form of a new heaven and earth. Yahweh brings his throne and his kingdom to the new earth that will be the center of the new universe.
The saints will be resurrected when Messiah returns and will remain on the earth with him. The second resurrection will bring the rest of mankind back to earth where they will be judged. After their judgment this present natural universe will be destroyed. The saints, those judged to qualify for the second resurrection and those who complete their time in the lake of fire will all be in the new heavens and earth.
The question you must have is what is MY destiny? Will it be the first resurrection, second resurrection or the lake to fire prior to entering the new heavens and earth? For us to really answer this you must first be baptized in the name of inheritance, YahwehShua.
At that time you will freely receive the Spirit of the Father and that Spirit will provide you with the down payment of the Spirit of Messiah. As that spirit is formed within you (Galatians 4:19), you will become more like Messiah. His Spirit over time displaces your carnal self so that upon your death you will be eligible for the resurrection when he returns. You will then be like him. (1 John 3:2) It is his Spirit found within you that allows you to be in the better resurrection. (Hebrews 11:35)
The only qualification to being in the second resurrection is that you were conceived as a human being and did not qualify to be in the first resurrection. All those in death, and not in any way conscious, will be given a second mortal life. During this resurrection the saints will judge them. They will either be qualified to enter the new heavens and earth or will be cast into the lake of fire or the second death. Those in the lake of fire will not remain in the state of death but will eventually be transformed into spiritual beings so that they can enter the new heavens and earth.
Notice in Revelation 21:1 where we are informed that: “the first heavens and the first earth were passed away.” This occurs with the destruction of all physical matter. (2 Peter 3:12)
When we began this article, I told you that there are two states: natural and spiritual. At a future time the natural state will be totally destroyed. Only our spiritual state will remain. We will all become spirit beings.
The Light of YahwehShua is able to provide you with the guidance necessary to overcome into the better resurrection. This requires baptism in YahwehShua and obedience to Yahweh. It is not easy.
The second resurrection will happen. No effort is required on your part. If you are not in the first resurrection, you will either be in the second resurrection or the lake of fire. Your ultimate destiny is to be a spirit being. You cannot choose to be immortal or a spirit being. Your decision to accept or reject Yahweh’s calling will affect your position as a spiritual being.
Please consider the benefits of being in the better resurrection. It will not be easy but it will be worth it. Contact us for more information. If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.