The resurrection from the dead has commenced in our inner nature, but our physical-soulish nature still labors under the curse that rests on the earth.

If we continue in the grace of the Lord, living as a true disciple and saint of Christ, the eternal Life of Christ in us begins to subdue that part of us—especially our body—that still is attempting to rebel against God. Little by little the Spirit leads us to victory in each area of rebellion.

If we arrive at the resurrection from the dead, meaning that every aspect of our spirit and soul has been filled with Christ and is living by Christ, we are ready for the donning of bodily immortality when the Lord comes.

We already have been revealed at the Judgment Seat of Christ by confessing our sins, repenting of them, and gaining victory over them by the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. We can die no more and we cannot be injured by the second death, for we have arrived at the resurrection from the dead.

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. (Revelation 20:6)

When we die physically we shall continue in various aspects of life, including growth, service, learning, and enjoying the Presence of Christ. We also shall enjoy relationships with spirits of like attainment.

The Spirit of resurrection life was given to us and we sowed to it. Now we are ready to reap eternal life in our flesh—to become immortal. The goal is to attain immortality. Immortality is the fulfillment of John 3:16. This is the hope, the end result of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, the promised redemption. This is what the Scripture means by "life."

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (I Corinthians 15:22,23)

As soon as the Kingdom of God has been perfected in us we are ready to enter the external kingdom of God.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken [make alive] your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:11)

Because we are hoping for the redeeming of our mortal body we choose to not live according to the desires of our flesh and mind, for to do so brings about spiritual death.

If we live in the appetites of the flesh, that is, if we choose to emphasize the appetites and needs of the physical body rather than to spend time in prayer, the Word, and other activities that build up the spiritual nature, we will not make the transition from natural life to Christ-life that is necessary for making alive our mortal body. It is the forming of resurrection life in our spirit and soul that provides the basis for receiving immortality in the body when the Lord comes.

To be continued.