The only individuals who will be given back their bodies and permitted to resume life on the earth, who are "saved" in that total sense, are those whose obedience to Christ has met God's standard.

The firstfruits will have met the Divine standard in preparation for the Lord's return in the clouds of heaven. It is our opinion that the remainder of the saved will be retained in the world of spirits until they are ready to walk worthy of the Lord, whether they are members of the elect or of the nations of the saved.

Please keep in mind that no one will be brought back to life on the earth on the basis of "grace," as the term is employed currently. The judgment leading to the resumption of life on the earth always is based on behavior, never on a righteousness imputed (assigned legally) to us.

What good is legally assigned righteousness in Paradise if there is no righteousness and obedience of behavior? The resurrection to life must be attained by serving the Lord. This is taught consistently throughout the New Testament (John 5:29; Romans 2:7; Romans 8:13; Galatians 6:8; Philippians 3:11; Revelation 20:6; and so forth).

Whether it requires a thousand years or a thousand times a thousand years, only the meek will inherit the earth. This is true of the elect as well as of the members of the nations of the saved. No person will be permitted to come back to life on the earth until he is ready to serve Christ and to keep the laws of the Kingdom of God. There will be no more "sea," no group of people who move around without Christ in a disorderly manner, following their own will and desires.

Each individual will be judged and reconciled to God through Jesus before being permitted to return to life on the earth in an immortal body.

At the time when Christ returns to earth, the firstfruits of the Bride will be arrayed in the fine white linen of their righteous conduct, a righteous conduct created in them as the Substance and Nature of Christ have been formed in them (Galatians 4:19). They will work with the Lord throughout the thousand-year Kingdom Age, building and perfecting the remainder of the Church, as we understand the plan.

Those who are called out today by the Lord to be part of the firstfruits of the Wife of the Lamb are receiving a marvelous opportunity as well as a burden of responsibility. Also, they can expect the Lord to deal endlessly with every aspect of their lives.

Other Christians may waste time, dabble in sin, and pursue their own way. Assuredly they will be judged thoroughly and punished severely for their carelessness in spiritual matters, some being cast into outer darkness.

But the Lord's firstfruits are guided continually in the smallest areas of motive and behavior. Their entire life must be sternly, consistently devoted to one goal—laying hold on the high calling for which they have been grasped by the Lord.

Much will be required of those to whom much has been entrusted.

To be continued.