The fact that we have been forgiven our sin through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ does not mean we will not give an account of ourselves to God. The deliverance from the power of sin, the removal of the presence of sin, that will take place in the last days will be a reward for those who are true disciples of Jesus, who eagerly are looking for His appearing. Deliverance from the power of sin is a judgment on Satan and it will be given to those whom God judges worthy of eternal life. Whether or not we are found worthy of deliverance, and the resulting eternal life, depends on Christ's evaluation of us when He judges us.

We have stated that all human beings will be raised at the end of the thousand-year Kingdom Age and their destinies will be determined at that time. This is the general resurrection of the dead, some to eternal life and some to eternal torment. The basis for judgment is how each individual behaved during his or her lifetime on the earth.

If any person hears the voice of Jesus and refuses to yield to the Lord, no other evidence is needed. He is doomed. There is no salvation other than in the Lord Jesus Christ. The problem is, multitudes have never heard of Jesus, or if they have heard it has not been a clear presentation of the Lamb of God. The people who have not heard will be judged according to their works, whether good or evil.

The first resurrection. There is, however, another resurrection. It is not the resurrection of salvation. It is a resurrection out from among the dead, a resurrection of a firstfruits to the Lord. It is the resurrection of the royal priesthood. The members of the royal priesthood will be given back their bodies when Jesus appears so they may rule on the earth with Him throughout the thousand-year period.

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power [authority], but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4-6)

Notice that these victorious saints "lived." This means they regained their bodies so they may reign on the earth with Christ.

Notice also that nothing is said in this passage about those who are raised being judged (they have been judged previously) or about their being saved to go to Heaven. The participants are destined to govern the nations of the earth.

This is the first resurrection. It is not the general resurrection where it is decided whether we are saved or lost. It is the resurrection of God's kings, priests, and judges. It will take place when the Lord returns, at the beginning of the thousand-year Kingdom Age.

To be continued.