An excerpt from a new book 'The return of Christ - A line in the sand' by Michael Storey.
The Resurrected Church
The Church throughout history has more often than not been a politically structured body stepping in where it could to control the destiny of nations, raise armies and wage war; all in the name of Christ. Traditionally the Church has relied on, and used, one weapon for survival; its hand was on the trip switch that sends us up or down: heaven or hell. For centuries the rule was whoever held the number for the combination lock to salvation had the trump card.
Today the word ‘Church’ has drifted a long way downstream, to the point of having almost no face value, just one step above being meaningless in modern society. A church can be anything from a corporate organisation that you ‘join’ to a TV outpost where cup of coffee in hand, you sit down and link to a faceless cyberflock.
A church can symbolize broad sweeps of social activity. From a basic charity orientated ideal to a front legalising and fleecing the unwary. Anyone can form a church.
The western world has condoned, through the guise of freedom of religion, a dissipation of all real spiritual values, and the lowest common denominator rules.
The difference between the reality on the street and the vision Christ paints demonstrates the necessity to understand this topic. This is where Christ stresses that when the time approaches for the resurrection, there will be confusion and outright deception. This deception will come squarely from within the Christian fold.
The New Testament provides overlapping terminology for ‘Church’. There is no simple pigeonhole to snuggle into. ‘Church’ is an envelope within which other distinctions are present: ‘Christians’ ‘firstfruits’, the ‘Saints’, the ‘Bride’ and the ‘body of Christ’. This article looks at which of these will be changed ‘in the twinkling of an eye’. Will it be all Christians en masse or a more select group? Is it all over for the rest of humanity when this occurs?
Will All Christians Be Resurrected At The Return Of Christ?
Many believe in a mass ‘rapture’ of millions, if not billions, of people suddenly disappearing in the blink of an eye being ‘taken’ to be with Christ. If this were so, going by other biblical passages, the world reaction would have been of such magnitude; the bible would have recorded the response as an event in its own right. When such an obvious intervention by God takes place people do respond with fervent enthusiasm. There is no other choice in the face of such obvious evidence of God. Here are two examples.
The first is Elijah with the prophets of Baal. In the face of stubborn resistance to any idea of serving the God of Abraham, everything quickly changes when faced with the reality of God’s dramatic intervention.
And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name: 32 And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. 33 And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood. 34 And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time. 35 And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water. 36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. 37 Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. 38 Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God. 40 And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there. 1 Kings 18:31
The impact of God performing a miracle that eclipses the impossible leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind that God is God in the full sense. “The LORD He is God” resonates and there is no hesitation to respond. Who would not when faced with the real God? The bible is full of tough men that turn to jelly in the presence of the real God.
The second example also demonstrates the instant change of mind that takes place in the face of literal evidence. When God shows His hand, mortals are left paralyzed with trepidation and any thought of resistance vanishes.
And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. Rev 11:7
In this case when the Two Witnesses are killed the beast has become the hero for ‘ridding the world of those trouble makers’. Not for long. As soon as they heard ‘a great voice from heaven’ it became very apparent who the real God was, and it was not the beast. “The LORD He is God”. Immediately the former followers of the beast turned to God and ‘gave glory to the God of heaven’. The beast’s real identity as a fraud is now apparent, and his days are now numbered.
The point is this: If God chooses to reveal Himself, then all doubts by everyone are immediately dispelled. Why then does God not reveal Himself and end the suffering of the world? This is the age old question ‘if there really is a God why does He allow all the suffering’?
A Far Reaching Plan
The answer to that lies in the overall purpose that God has for mankind in the first place, and the part the Church plays in that plan. ‘Plan’, ‘Choice’ and ‘Faith’ are the operative words. These are the fundamentals which will decide the resurrection question and the fortune of those who remain in this world.
Each of these three subjects are a study on their own, but we will only touch on them as they relate to the Church. The first sample verse explains why God does not reveal Himself at this point in time. It is up to man to demonstrate to God our willingness and capability to adopt the mind of Christ. This phase of living as a lowly mortal being, but with the ability to choose our own destiny is a double-blind test. Not having ‘seen’ God will demonstrate if we can be trusted with the responsibility given to man on becoming eternal beings, with vastly more powerful abilities than we already have. You can’t see God or directly know Him, but you must follow and obey him. This is a piercing test for the Church at all times.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb 11:6
The second verse shows a continuity, that a progression of events is present, albeit here in mini format. Paul expands on this theme elsewhere.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 1 Cor 15:22
The third verse demonstrates the element of choice. Our future is in our own hands.
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Rev 3:3
This last verse in Revelation is spoken directly to ‘the Church’. Christ makes it clear that being resurrected at His second coming is distinctly conditional on meeting certain standards.
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Rev 2:4
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev 2:10
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. Rev 2:15
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: Rev 2:20
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Rev 3:4
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God… Rev 3:10
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Rev 3:17
Nothing could be clearer that in order to ‘sit with Me on My throne’ and to ‘have power over the nations’ is directly related to overcoming, repenting, holding fast, being zealous, keeping My works, discerning the truth and enduring death if need be. Even to those who make up His Church, Christ warns that should they not perform as required, then they could be cut off and dealt with in such a way as to be a warning example to others. This is very serious. Perhaps we should bear in mind that the New Testament Christ is no different to the Christ that was with the Israelites in the wilderness. He is a God of love, but He is not mocked.
And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ 1 Cor 10:4
Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, He does not change at all. Heb 13:8
As privileged as those that are ‘called’ are, and that by grace, there is still a distinct responsibility to be met. ‘To whom much is given much is expected’ Luke 12:48. Going a lot further than that, God is so determined to gain the outcome desired, without compromises, that should the Church fail in their duty at the last moment then the whole world is expendable.
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Malachi 4:5
The expression ‘smite the earth with a curse’ is more accurately translated ‘with utter destruction’.
God is passionately serious about his plan. From the beginning at the drawing board stage ‘Christ was slain from the foundation of the world’ Rev 13:8. God the Father was prepared to pay whatever it took to see this plan through. We can however take comfort from the many verses that point to a successful conclusion. The Church was also a carefully arranged prerequisite.
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Eph 1:5
Christ has done all He can; now to a large extent it is up to us.
Give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10
Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Heb 12:4
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire. Heb 12:28
We can conclude this section by saying that what God requires of us is not easy, not once does He say that it will be easy for anyone. Moving another step beyond that, we never should presume that we have ‘an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of God’. By no means will every Christian be resurrected at the return of Christ.
Many are called, few are chosen. Matt 22:14, 20:16
Numerous people may find this conclusion discouraging. They shouldn’t, because God has thought of everything and that ‘everything’ is so much more than we can imagine, beyond even our means to appreciate it if told. Christ and the Father have a plan for all humanity, within the Church or not, that surpasses anything we have thought of.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Rom 11:33
Grace
The next question: where does ‘grace’ fit into the overall plan, follows from what many will now say is an apparent contradiction. We saw from the preceding scriptures that not everyone in the Church, or that professes to be a Christian will be in the resurrection when Christ returns. Others will point to the purpose of ‘grace’ and scriptures that indicate a more liberal view suggesting that there are no conditions to be complied with.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Eph 2:8
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 1 Thess 5:9, 23
The question ‘doesn’t grace solve everything?’ is too simplistic, it needs to be refined a little further. The correct questions can only be formulated with a reasonable knowledge of the entire plan that is being worked out. Before the purpose of the Church can be fully understood the other two foundation stones: the Gospel and Israel must be considered as a whole.
The gospel Christ taught; the gospel of the Kingdom of God was primarily about Christ ruling the nations of this world. During that time, naturally, the world will be a very different place, almost unrecognizable compared to today’s world. These were the ‘glad tidings’ Christ brought. None will say ‘know the Lord’, for all will know Him from the least to the greatest. Heb 8:11
Israel is a collection of many nations that have descended from the original twelve tribes of Jacob’s family. Christ will make it known to these nations who they are and what is expected of them. Towards the end of the Day of the Lord the repentant survivors of these nations will be brought back to the Middle East (the Promised Land). The new Israel will become the new example nation to the rest of the world. Both they and the entire world in effect will have a complete new start.
And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one. Zech 14:9
And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Isa 2:2
Once we realise that the return of Christ signifies only the start of the Kingdom of God in its complete fulfillment and that all the nations of this world are involved (still as normal people) we should also understand that this world carries on. The expression the ‘End Time’ is very misleading in that respect; as nothing ends and it is in fact a new beginning. That is why we pray ‘Thy Kingdom come’.
Now we are coming to the critical point. When Christ returns to rule this world, He will be accompanied by those who are going to be appointed as ‘kings and priests’ to rule with Him.
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. Rev 20:6
This is the first resurrection. Rev 20:5
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. Rev 20:5
Paul refers to this first resurrection as the ‘better resurrection’.
… Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: Heb 11:35
The First Resurrection
In these verses we see that a first resurrection is being indicated. This makes complete sense within the context of the whole. The ‘whole’ needs to be spelt out a little more clearly. This is a summary of points that need to be correlated.
• Some people are ‘changed’ at the return of Christ.
• The world continues to exist, this time being ruled by Christ and assisted by those ‘changed’.
• In this new world ‘all’ the world from the least to greatest are ‘Christian’.
• Another resurrection is mentioned occurring a thousand years later.
We will come to a conclusion with all this in consideration at the end of the chapter. For now, we need to follow up on the concept of a ‘first resurrection’.
Technically, Christ alone comprised the first resurrection. However, His part fulfilled only being the ‘first sheaf’ being waived ‘for you’. Christ was presented to the Father both for Himself and those who comprised the balance of the first harvest that would follow later.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 1 Cor 15:20
The reference to Christ being described as the ‘firstfruits’ comes from the holy days of the Old Testament. In order to understand almost any biblical event in the overall plan of God, a working knowledge of these holy days is necessary. The first holy day is Passover. Christ was our Passover, ‘the Lamb of God’ John 1:36, 1 Peter 1:19. (For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. 1 Cor 5:7). As part of the Passover season on the Sunday following the Passover day a ‘sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest’ must be presented to the LORD:
When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: 11 And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. Leviticus 23:10
This is precisely what took place when Christ died. He was ‘sacrificed’ on the Passover and on the following Sunday (the morrow after the Sabbath) was presented to the Father ‘for you’. Christ was the very first sheaf of the firstfruit harvest and as such was the first representative of the new harvest. The ‘you’ is the balance of that first early harvest. (See the chapter ‘Israel’ for further explanation).
In Israel there is always an initial harvest of barley. This grows both in cultivation and in the wild even today. The main crop, a much bigger one, but harvested later than the barley, was the wheat crop. These are the ‘patterns’ of events to take place in the future, and are what is being used in the description of Christ and others involved in the firstfruit early harvest.
If Christ is the first of the firstfruits, the first sheaf, where is the balance of this early first harvest mentioned?
Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:16
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. Rev 14:1
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven. Heb 12:22
The ‘evidence’ so far is coming from multiple directions. A number of verses from both Old Testament and New and different books and chapters in the bible are all in harmony. This is the kind of complex ‘bracing’ and cross referencing we need to be certain of our facts. Together it should all be making one clear picture. Additionally there should be no contradictions. Usually when you are on the right track there are further ways of testing these findings from the ‘other side of the coin’. Other verses and passages are explained and begin to make sense by default.
In this Revelation verse we have mention of Church members that were not included in the first resurrection. How is that explained?
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev 12:17
Here we have a description of events shortly after the ‘woman’, the Bride in this case, has been resurrected and is on the Sea of Glass (Rev 15:2). They are out of reach from Satan, now cast down to earth where both he and his influence are now confined.
Here are some faithful Church members that do ‘keep the commandments of God’ and do have the ‘testimony of Jesus Christ’ yet they are not included in the first resurrection. These people are obedient, faithful and have the truth. They were not deceived; they obediently campaigned for the truth in the most difficult of circumstances during the early years of the Day of the Lord.
There is no condemnation of these people, as far as we can tell they are faultless, yet they were not chosen. ‘Many are called, few are chosen’. The selection process obviously is extremely rigorous.
Is there more information on who will be selected for the first resurrection? Hebrews 11 lists a few and comments on their qualifications.
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. Heb 11:32
This is like a ‘who’s who’ of the bible and we can add to this list the disciples that were promised they would be ruling over the nations of Israel. Matt 19:28, Luke 22:30
The last verse makes an interesting point. It is not only the New Testament Church that is resurrected. Paul clearly states it is ‘them and us’, referring to all those eligible from the Old and New Testament ‘waiting for the promise’. We can broaden out the meaning of ‘Church’: it is all that are in the first resurrection, the ‘them’ from the Old Covenant and the ‘us’ from the New.
Ephesians 4 and 5 also sheds more light on this subject and adds other definitions of the standard required.
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Eph 4:13
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Eph 5:27
The Royal Family
“And the two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: I speak concerning Christ and the church”
When you step back and think about it, those who attain the first resurrection, those who are chosen by the Father to marry His Son must have been so highly esteemed for this incredibly privileged position. For the rest of eternity they live as members in the very household of God the Father (in-law) and Christ, having the family name bestowed on them by marriage as family equals. As in all warm, close family relationships a degree of intimacy exists that will benefit and radiate down through the entire Kingdom of God.
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Eph 5:31
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. Rev 14:1
Little wonder that marriage is so important to God. Comparing the temporary nature of man to the never ending aspect of this ‘marriage’ it would be reasonable to assume that the whole idea and pattern of marriage and family had been modeled in retrospect on this future eternal reality.
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Proverbs 31:10, 29 The perfect wife
The Exalted Multitude
The firstfruits are as the name suggests the first of something. What follows this first harvest?
If the firstfruits are the rare and superior vintage of the crop, the one that ‘excelled them all’ where do we find a description of the second harvest, the ‘many daughters that have done virtuously’?
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. Rev 7:9
Here is the balance of the Church; too many to even count, which we can be grateful for. However, it should be noticed that even here there still are standards which had to be met. They withstood the pulls of this world, resisting Satan, suffering tribulation down through the ages. Many would have given their lives in service to Christ. For example, those that against all odds brought us the first bibles in print, many being burnt at the stake for their dedication.
The reward is not quite the same as the Bride. Nonetheless they will hold in perpetuity the highest ranking positions serving directly with Christ in the Head Quarters of the entire universe. The universe knows about it and can’t wait.
Because the [creation] itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Rom 8:21
All indications are that the timing of their resurrection will be later than that of the firstfruits. How much later becomes speculative with the limited amount of information given us. What we can conclude is over time all of the Church will be resurrected into positions that each and everyone will find hard to comprehend how much thought, care and love God had set aside in His future plans for ‘all whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life’. Everyone is going to be busy.
“My Father worketh hitherto, and I work”. John 5:17
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom… and it shall stand for ever. Dan 2:44
Summary
Within any discussion on the Church, we should be able to see by now that it needs to be examined in the light of an overall plan that God is orchestrating. We can see that the Father and Christ knew from the creation of the universe, before man even existed, exactly in which direction we would go. Angels were created before the universe, not as robots, but neither ‘in the image of God’. Humans in that sense are more akin to children that need to develop as they grow. We were made from clay as weak flesh and bone to learn some tough lessons.
Despite our past failures, mankind is destined to develop the mind of Christ in our whole way of thinking. Once that has been accomplished, mankind can stand with one resolve as a unified ‘superhuman’ race to challenge the next frontier. This time it will not be as mortal humans.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order. 1 Cor 15:20
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Luke 3:6
That is quite a statement. ‘All’ humans that ever lived, normal flesh and blood people like Adam are destined to die. We are familiar with that part ‘from dust to dust, ashes to ashes’. Yet we are told that through Christ, through his sacrifice and the blazing of the trail His resurrection provided, the same ‘all’ will be made alive again. Every single man, woman and child that ever existed will have an opportunity to become eternal beings. Every knee will bow to Christ. Yes, there are some incorrigibles that will (and need to be) dealt with and they will be, but it should be noted that when Christ returns, of all the people in the world that have rebelled against Christ, only the beast and the false prophet are recorded as not having a second chance. Only those two are placed into the lake of fire at that time with no second chance.
It is however the last sentence in the verse that should catch our attention. ‘But every man in his own order’. This is the clue that puts the question of the Church in perspective. Within the overall plan is an order of events; an order that unfolds in a progressive manner starting with Christ. Joining Him, a small group of individuals that were able to demonstrate their ability to follow in his footsteps. In further progressive steps provision has been made for all who ever existed to follow suit.
Together, the ‘firstfruit harvest’ will pilot the Kingdom of God on earth. It is a world without the influence of Satan (having been ‘put way’) on one hand, and on the other the real presence of Christ in this world, making it a very different world indeed.
During this time the next chapter in our existence will be explained and man will prepare for it. Knowing our future capabilities, being able to move a mountain range with just a ‘thought’ puts the drive for technological advance on hold. Man will now direct its attention to more worthwhile pursuits, summed up in the bible as ‘love’, a way of coexistence that works and will work forever and anywhere.
Ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matt 17:20
And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Gen 11:6