There is an initial resurrection and ascension of our inner nature that we experience upon receiving Christ. The initial resurrection must be cultivated each day in a series of deaths and resurrections of our soul until our entire inner nature has experienced crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of God.

We are seeking to establish our place among those who stand by the Lord. Because of envy and jealousy, Satan and those whom he influences are always attempting to remove us from our place near the Lord. This is where they used to be and they are furious at the thought of "man" taking their place in the throne room of the palace of the King.

Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by. (Zechariah 3:7)

The Levitical feast of Firstfruits portrays the initial reaping of our spiritual nature. The feast of Tabernacles speaks of the full reaping of the inner nature of the mature saint (Leviticus 23:10,34).

In John 6:54 Jesus stated, "I will raise him up at the last day."

All the dead, both the righteous and the wicked, will come forth from their graves at the voice of Christ (John 5:28,29).

But we are speaking now primarily of the first resurrection, the resurrection of the victorious saints. It is Christ Himself—His Life—who raises up those in whom He has been formed. It is that body and blood, that eternal Life, that will raise them up at His appearing.

This is the "oil" we must possess if we would go with Him to the feast (Matthew 25:4). It is the indwelling body and blood that will cause the young eagles to seek and find the "body" (Luke 17:37).

The Fourth Aspect of the First Resurrection. The fourteenth chapter of Revelation sets forth yet another aspect of the first resurrection from the dead. This is the concept that the first resurrection is for a select group of rulers who will dwell in the Presence of the King forever.

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. (Revelation 14:1)

It is the writer's conviction that the above verse is referring to the firstfruits of the Bride, to the "only one of her mother" (Song of Solomon 6:9).

The concept that every believer is of the same rank in the Kingdom of God and receives substantially the same reward is manifestly unscriptural (Revelation 22:12). The second and third chapters of the Book of Revelation teach us clearly that the first resurrection from the dead, and the accompanying rewards of rulership and responsibility in the Kingdom of God, will be given to those who, through the grace of Christ, overcome their love of the world, their love of sin, and their love of self.

How many cross-carrying disciples do you know? Of the Christians of your acquaintance, how many are totally dedicated to Christ?

To be continued.