GOD’S PLAN FOR MAN
Lesson 18
The First Resurrection
THE Apostle Paul wrote that, unless
there is a resurrection of the dead,
even Christians perish in death. (I
Cor. 15:16-18) This means that all
hope of life beyond the grave
depends upon the dead being restored
to life in the resurrection. But all
the dead are not to be resurrected
at the same time, nor will all be
restored to the same plane of life.
In the resurrection some will be
given spiritual bodies and some,
human bodies.—I Cor. 15:38,40-42
Those who receive a spiritual body
in the resurrection will inherit a
heavenly home. (I Pet. 1:3-5) These
are the footstep followers of Jesus,
who, inspired by the heavenly
promises of the Bible, set their
affections on things above, and
“run” for “the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ
Jesus.”—Col. 3:1-3; Phil. 3:10-14;
Heb. 12:1
The followers of Jesus, together
with him, are described by the
Apostle Paul as “the firstfruits” of
the resurrection. (I Cor. 15:23) We
know that the faithful followers of
the Master are included in the
“firstfruits” class because the
Apostle James and the Apostle John
testify to this effect.—James 1:18;
Rev. 14:4
One of the Divine purposes in
exalting the faithful followers of
the Master to the spiritual plane of
life is that they might reign with
Christ in his thousand-year kingdom.
In this connection they are said to
be brought forth from death in “the
first resurrection.”—Rev. 20:6
This “little flock” who will thus
receive this exalted position in the
kingdom will be raised up to the
highest plane of spiritual life,
which is referred to in the Bible as
“the Divine nature.” (Luke 12:32; II
Pet. 1:4) They are to receive
immortality. (Rom. 2:7; I Cor.
15:54) Humans do not, by nature,
possess immortality; but, as the
Scriptures so clearly set forth, it
is bestowed upon the faithful
followers of Jesus as a reward when
they are brought forth in “the first
resurrection.”
The Bible refers to this highest of
all planes of existence as the
“crown” of life and of
righteousness. (Rev. 2:10; II Tim.
4:8) The way that leads to this high
exaltation with Jesus is one of
sacrifice and suffering. It is a way
that is not pleasant to the flesh,
but the end will be glorious for all
those who are faithful—faithful even
unto death.
God’s grace and strength is
especially bestowed upon those who
walk in the narrow way of sacrifice.
The Bible assures us that the same
mighty power which raised Jesus from
the dead is employed on behalf of
all his faithful followers. This is
true during the present time, when
they are laying down their lives in
sacrifice; and it will also be true,
as it was with Jesus, that Divine
power will raise them up in the
resurrection, high above every other
creature in the universe.—Eph.
1:16-23
The plan of God for the faithful
followers of the Master is truly
wonderful and inspiring. Let us give
thanks that our loving Heavenly
Father has called us to this
“heavenly calling.” Let us endeavor
to be faithful day by day.—Heb. 3:1;
Luke 9:23
STUDENTS’ HELPS
Questions
Perhaps you have not realized that
the Bible refers to a special
resurrection of the true followers
of Jesus. If not, these questions
will be of special interest to you.
Why would Christians perish in death
if there were no resurrection of the
dead? Will all who are raised from
the dead be given the same kind of
bodies?
How does the Bible describe the home
to be inherited by Christians?
How do we know that the followers of
the Master are included in “the
firstfruits” of the resurrection?
What is one of the purposes of God
in exalting Christians to a
spiritual plane of life in the
“first” resurrection?
How does the Bible describe the
plane of life to which Christians
are exalted? Why is it called a
“crown” of life?
How can we be sure that if we are
faithful we can attain to this high
plane of life with Jesus?
Reference Material
“The Atonement Between God and Man,”
pages 394-396
Summary of Important Thoughts
Only those who are brought forth in
“the first resurrection” are to
receive “glory and honor and
immortality.”