A big and important part of any description of Christianity should include that we followers believe in the resurrection of the dead (Acts 24:14-15). The Bible describes two general types or categories of resurrections: (1) the resurrection of the righteous, and (2) the resurrection of the wicked. The Prophet Daniel stated that some would awaken to “everlasting life,” while others would awaken to “disgrace and everlasting contempt” (Dan. 12:2). This idea is entirely consistent with the message of Jesus Christ, who said,
Do not be amazed at this; for a time is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, 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 5:28-29)
The Apostle Paul boldly testified before the Roman Governor Felix “that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked” (Acts 24:15). Paul had earlier stated the he was on trial “for the hope and resurrection of the dead” (Acts 23:6).
Please notice that Jesus proclaimed that “all” (pas) will come out of their burial places (John 5:28-29). Also, please notice that Jesus made an important distinction between “good deeds” and “bad deeds” as being determinative of whether someone was going to be a part of the resurrection of life versus the resurrection of judgment. Yes, I agree that we become a Christian by simply believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. And yes, at the moment of first believing, every believer is declared to be positionally righteous, and from that moment forward, is indwelt by God, the Holy Spirit. The presence of God, the Holy Spirit in our bodies (as believers) is a pledge or guarantee that we will go to Heaven when we die and that we will receive a resurrection body. Further, our ability to live the spiritual life is dependent on our relationship with the Holy Spirit. We are challenged to grow spiritually and remain faithful. When we execute the spiritual life, we are executing or producing good (agathos). Walking by the Spirit, wherein the Word is a light to our feet, trusting in Christ Jesus, while having no confidence in our fleshly capacity is “good” (agathos).
If we are a believer, but we do not remain faithful, we will experience the “resurrection of judgment.” The Bible contains many warnings to the believer to not “drift away” (Heb. 2:1) or “fall away” (Ps. 101:3; Matt. 24:10). The Psalmist, David, wrote, “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me” (Ps. 101:3). Yes, we will all have some moments of failure and infidelity. For example, at the time of His crucifixion, all of the disciples of Jesus fell away for a time (Mark 14:27). However, Jesus will make a final judgment regarding each of us. As the Apostle Paul wrote,
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds done through the body, in accordance with what he has done, whether good or bad.
(2 Cor. 5:10)
Every believer should be highly motivated to live the spiritual life. The quality of our spiritual life will have a direct bearing on the quality of our resurrection and resurrection body. At Hebrews, Chapter 11, we read about certain Old Testament heroes of faith. Of particular note, we read about certain believers, “who were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Heb. 11:35). Most likely, these verses refer to certain Jewish believers (Maccabean Martyrs) who were persecuted and tortured by the Greeks, who sought to impose their pagan religion on the Jews.[1] The decisions we make will play a major role as to our future blessings. Primarily, God challenges all of us to be humble. “The reward of humility and fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life” (Prov. 22:4). Jesus taught, “So whoever will humble himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:4).
In his letter known as 2 John, John, the elder, wrote to encourage certain believers in their walk of faith in truth and love (2 John 1:3-6). As a warning, John, the elder, wrote:
Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.
(2 John 1:8)
From eternity past, God has wanted to bless us in many special ways. If we “fall away” or “slip away” from our walk of faith, we will miss out on many blessings with which God wants to bless us. Every believer should be motivated to receive their “full reward.” The decisions we make and our priorities will shape and impact our future. At Luke 14:4, Jesus referred to the Resurrection of the Righteous. As to our “good” decisions and “good” choices, Jesus taught that we will be “repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:4). As the Psalmist explained, we should “turn from evil and do good” (Ps. 34:14), and “trust in the Lord and do good (Ps. 37:3). Note, we cannot do good without God’s guidance and direction by means of His Spirit, Word, and Providence (God’s provision for us in time and eternity). We must live in fellowship with God. We cannot do “good” apart from God. The works that we do should be the works that God gives us to do.
[1] Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Second Ed. InterVarsity Press, 2014, p. 661.
