by Prisca | 1 April 2019 08:46 pm04
Shalom, servant of God.
Let us today explore the Gospel the power of God that brings salvation. Our focus will be on the power of the resurrection found in Jesus Christ. This is a vital topic for every believer and non believer alike.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus Himself makes a powerful declaration:
John 5:25–29 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.
For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son also to have life in Himself.
And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.
Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice
and come out those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.”
These verses clearly show that Jesus has been given divine authority not only to give life but also to judge all humanity. The Father, who raises the dead, has granted this same power to the Son.
As it is written earlier in John 5:21:
“For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He will.”
The Bible speaks of two categories of resurrection:
The Resurrection of Life for those who lived righteously through faith in Christ.
The Resurrection of Judgment for those who rejected God’s truth and lived in sin.
Each person will stand before God and be judged according to their deeds (Revelation 20:12–15). Those not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, which burns with unquenchable fire (Mark 9:43).
One might ask: Why does Jesus raise the wicked only to condemn them? Wouldn’t it be easier to leave them in death and send them to hell from there?
The answer reveals a profound truth: Judgment must be complete, just, and visible.
On that day, the wicked will be resurrected in bodily form with their physical bodies, bones, flesh, eyes, and hearts. They will stand face to face with the Lord and give an account of their lives (Romans 14:10–12). This will not be a spiritual encounter only; it will be a literal, physical judgment before the Great White Throne.
Even the Lake of Fire is not merely for souls it is a place where both body and soul will suffer eternal punishment (Matthew 10:28).
When you reflect deeply on these verses, you’ll discover a critical truth:
Resurrection in itself is not the ultimate blessing everyone will be resurrected, both the righteous and the wicked. What matters most is:
Why are you being resurrected?
Is your resurrection unto eternal life?
Or is it unto eternal condemnation?
There is a resurrection already taking place not of the body, but of the spirit. Right now, many people are hearing the voice of the Son of God through the preaching of the Gospel. Some are being spiritually awakened to eternal life, and others are being awakened only to reject the truth and in doing so, are heading toward judgment.
Ephesians 5:14 (KJV)
“Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”
Some hear the message, and their hearts are pierced. They recognize their sinful state and repent, receiving new life in Christ. These are resurrected to life they are born again (John 3:3–6), becoming new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).
But others hear the same message, and though their conscience confirms the truth, they deliberately choose darkness over light:
John 3:19 (ESV)
“…the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”
These are individuals who are spiritually resurrected not to embrace life, but to face judgment. They have been enlightened, yet refuse to repent.
Even today, many sinners receive the grace of hearing the voice of God in their hearts. They are convicted of sin and even acknowledge that Jesus is the only way to life (John 14:6). Yet, they deliberately continue in rebellion. This is a dangerous state the resurrection they have experienced is not unto life, but unto judgment.
The Apostle Paul, through the Holy Spirit, describes this clearly:
Romans 1:18–32 (ESV)
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them… so they are without excuse…
They knew God, but did not honor Him as God…
Therefore God gave them up to the lusts of their hearts…
They exchanged the truth about God for a lie…
And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind…”
These people had the light of truth revealed to them, but they chose to walk in rebellion. The light they received did not lead to salvation but to further condemnation.
Just like a doctor who understands the damage of alcohol and tobacco yet still indulges in them, some believers know the truth about sin, even have had visions, dreams, or warnings of hell but they still refuse to repent.
Such individuals are walking in a resurrection of judgment. They have seen the light but rejected it.
Sometimes, God resurrects a person’s career, health, or finances. But if the person remains unchanged spiritually, continuing in sin and pride, then even that “resurrection” is a sign of coming judgment.
Proverbs 1:32 (KJV)
“…the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.”
A true resurrection of blessing is one that leads to greater holiness, greater obedience, and a closer walk with God.
If God has been speaking to your heart perhaps many times don’t ignore His voice. Don’t find excuses to justify your sin. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Jesus welcomes sinners. If you repent, He will forgive completely without hesitation or condemnation. You will become new in His sight.
Once you repent, turn away from all known sin. This is how you experience the resurrection of life in Christ.
Then, obey Jesus by being baptized:
Acts 2:38 (KJV)
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Biblical baptism is immersion in water, in the name of Jesus Christ. After baptism, the Lord will fill you with His Holy Spirit, who will help you overcome sin and guide you into all truth.
Ephesians 5:14
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
So, arise now. Repent. Be baptized. Commit fully to Christ. Let your resurrection be unto life, not unto judgment.
The Lord bless you richly.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/04/01/the-resurrection-of-life-and-the-resurrection-of-judgment/
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