Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (Hebrews 2:14)

As we have stated, the resurrection to eternal life is a judgment of the enemy who dwells in our flesh. The redeeming of the mortal body of the believer by the casting out of death is a destruction of the works of the adversary. But in order for Divine judgment to come upon the works of the enemy in this manner, the believer first must be judged worthy of the resurrection. He must, as Paul says, seek to arrive at the resurrection that lifts us out from among the dead.

When God judges the believer, either the judgment falls on Satan, and Satan is condemned to the Lake of Fire while the believer enters eternal life, or else the judgment falls on both Satan and the believer and they both enter the Lake of Fire. Those who attain the first resurrection have no basis for fear of the Lake of Fire. All other persons do, whether or not they profess belief in Christ.

Only the saint who lives in victory over sin is safe from the second death.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches; He that overcometh [lives in victory over sin] will not be hurt of [be harmed by] the second death. (Revelation 2:11)

It is obvious that believers who do not live in victory over sin have reason to fear the second death.

With respect to the resurrection of the body to eternal life, which is the goal of the Christian redemption, we have four main aspects to consider:

God's invitation to redemption and the provisions He has made for our success.

Our response to God's invitation and our appropriation of the Divine provisions, resulting in our being judged worthy of eternal life.

The transformation of our personality from death to life.

The resurrection of our mortal body to righteousness and eternal life.

As we are considering the process of redemption we must remember that it begins with our initial salvation and continues until we are raised from the dead—at that point to enter life or, if we have drawn back from Christ, into punishment or eternal separation from God. All the factors involved interact until the final product is attained, which is eternal life in our spirit, our soul, and our body. The goal of the Christian redemption is immortality in the Presence of God throughout His creation.

But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. (Hebrews 3:6)

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition [destruction]; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:39)

To be continued.