Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.
‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): (5) Resurrection of the dead [continues] (Heb. 6:2; 1Cor. 15:1-58; 1Thess. 4:13-16; 2Thess. 2:7). In 1Corinthians 15:21 we read that ‘by man came death,’ which refers to Adam who brought physical death to mankind, which is a result of the eternal death penalty for sin (1Cor. 15:22). This death passed upon all people (Rom. 5:12-21). The body only will be resurrected in the future resurrection of the dead (1Cor. 15:35-54; Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29). The only time spiritual and eternal deaths can be cancelled, resurrecting one from death in trespasses and sin is in this life (Eph. 2:1-9; 1Jn. 1:9). After death comes the judgment without any chance to be saved, if one dies unsaved (9:27). ‘By man came also the resurrection of the dead …’ This is the 12th New Testament prophecy in 1Corinthians (15:21-28). By Jesus Christ will come the physical resurrection of all people (1Cor. 15:22; John 5:25-29; 11:22-26; Rev. 1:18). ‘So also is the resurrection of the dead.’ All resurrected bodies will be immortal, but they will possess different degrees of glory. Our bodies are sown in corruption (1Cor. 15:21-22); raised in incorruption (1Cor. 15:51-54); sown in dishonour (Gen. 3:19); raised in glory (Php. 3:21; Col. 3:4); sown in weakness (Jas. 1:10-11); raised in power (1Cor. 15:53-56; 2Cor. 5:4); and sown as natural bodies (John 5:28-29; Dan. 12:2); raised as spiritual bodies (1Cor. 15:44; Php. 3:21).
In Philippians 3:11 we read about the ‘resurrection of the dead’ which is the 3rd New Testament prophecy in Philippians and it is unfulfilled. It states ‘of the dead’ [Greek: ek and nekron] which means out from among the dead. Thus some of the dead will be resurrected from among the rest of the dead. It refers to the resurrection of the righteous from among the wicked dead (Luke 20:35; 21:36; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-54; Php. 3:21; 1Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 20:4-6).
To be continued…
Living the Word 