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The Third Resurrection: What Is Its Value?
'Ready Answer' by StaffThe third resurrection serves a critical purpose in the order of resurrections, as it pertains to those who have rejected God across all time periods and will not repent. When these incorrigibles are raised in the third resurrection, they face the Lake of Fire, termed the second death, with no hope for salvation and no possibility of crossing the great gulf into immortality. This event, though horrific, underscores the permanence of their fate, as once they experience this second death, no further resurrection is possible. For a few, this could even represent a third physical death, yet the emphasis remains on the finality of their judgment. The purpose of raising the incorrigible in the third resurrection is rooted in fairness and accountability. God's justice demands that all stand before the judgment seat to answer for their lives, ensuring that the wicked do not escape punishment while others strive to avoid such a fate. This resurrection is not an act of cruelty but a necessary fulfillment of divine justice, applied equally to all. The terror of this judgment acts as a powerful deterrent, motivating those who still have the opportunity to overcome and remain close to God. Even in the destruction of those who will not repent under any circumstances, their fate serves as a sobering example, encouraging others to avoid a similar path. Thus, the third resurrection holds real value in upholding justice and reinforcing the consequences of rejection.
Basic Doctrines: The Third Resurrection
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn the sequence of resurrections, the third resurrection pertains to the incorrigibly wicked, who are the last of mankind to be raised from their graves, whether from the sea, death without burial, or hades. God Himself will sentence these unruly individuals, and whoever is not found written in the Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire, facing the second death. These wicked, upon being resurrected, will realize their failure to attain salvation, seeing a great gulf fixed between themselves and those in the Kingdom of God, with no possibility to change their fate. Jesus will refuse to answer their knock, barring them from the Kingdom due to their flagrant sin and rejection of salvation, leaving them to weep and grind their teeth in despair. At the time of this third resurrection, all humanity will have had the opportunity for salvation, and everyone's ultimate destiny will be eternally set, with those who willfully sin after knowing the truth facing the consequences of the second death. God, though desiring all to come to repentance, will execute justice on those who reject His mercy, ensuring they understand what they have forsaken. Ultimately, the wicked, awakened to shame and everlasting contempt in this final resurrection, will be annihilated in the second death as punishment and an eternal example, while the righteous will dwell eternally in a new heaven and earth characterized by peace, happiness, and glory.
Benefits of the Third Resurrection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe third resurrection is one of God's wonderful works. It is part of God's plan, and it serves as a deterrent to sin, showing the severity of God's judgment. The third resurrection ensures justice by punishing those who reject God's way of life and His offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. Those who stubbornly refuse to repent and live righteously will face the second death in the Lake of Fire, which is eternal. This punishment is necessary to maintain fairness and equality, as it ensures that all must face the consequences of their actions. The third resurrection also has future benefits. It will rid the Kingdom of God of all sin, evil, wickedness, perversion, disagreement, curse, and death. This will result in a world without pain, sin, or anything that causes weeping or death. The removal of all evil influences will lead to a world where only righteousness exists, allowing for progress and peace without the burdens of sin and its consequences.
Death Is Not the End (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughAll men have been subject to the fear of death, and it is something that we have to strive to overcome. But Christians have been freed in order to fear God.
Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus' parable preaches the gospel of the Kingdom by revealing salvation, the resurrection to eternal life, and inheritance of His Kingdom on the earth.
Basic Doctrines: The Fate of the Wicked
Bible Study by Earl L. HennFor centuries, preachers have scared churchgoers with the image of a fiery hell where sinners spend eternity. But is such a place or state biblical?
The Immortal Soul and the Plan of God
Sermonette by Craig SablichNominal Christianity is grounded in the belief that man has an immortal soul, a doctrine that contradicts the Bible and the plan of God for mankind.
Basic Doctrines: Eternal Judgment
Bible Study by Earl L. HennOne of God's roles is as Judge, and His judgments are eternally binding. But what does this mean? Who is judged? How? When? For what?
Holy Days: Last Great Day
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Last Great Day is the final holy day of the year, and it depicts the final steps in God's plan. After this—eternity!
Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man illustrates the resurrections from the dead and the Second Death. Knowing the hidden time element is key.
God of the Living
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaJesus proclaimed that God was not the God of the dead but the living, identifying Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were physically dead and in their graves.
The Second Death
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeFor those who have submitted their lives to God, turning their lives around in repentance, there is no fear of the Second Death—eternal death in the Lake of Fire.
Heaven Must Wait
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughGoing to heaven is not scriptural. The soul is not immortal; it is equivalent to life. Mankind does not have a soul; he is a soul, subject to death.
The Book of Daniel (Part Eight)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSeveral types of the abomination of desolation have occurred in history, including the desecration of the temple by Antiochus Epiphanes and the Roman legions.