In the King James Bible the word “save” is used 233 times. The word “saved” is used 104 times and the word “salvation” is used 164 times. The first meaning given for “save” in Webster’s Third International Dictionary is to “rescue from danger or possible harm, injury or loss. It can clearly be shown in the bible that one can be saved in eternity by placing his personal trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ (John 3:14-16; Rom. 3:23-26); yet, if a Christian does not run the race set before him than he is in danger of becoming a castaway at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor. 9:24-27). He will be saved in eternity but he will not be saved from loss in the 1000 year millennium. Every Christian has the same foundation when he places his trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ:
1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man LAY than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
There are two types of materials a Christian can use to build on this foundation. They would be gold, silver, and precious stones or wood, hay, and stubble.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
In order to lay a proper foundation we need to cover some important aspects of our Savior’s divinity and humanity from the scriptures:
1Timothy 2:5-6 For there is one GOD, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (6) Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
In this passage of scripture Jesus Christ is said to be both God and Man! There is a dualism in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is fully God and fully man. If we were to mix this up and say that He is half God and Half man than we would create a theological error that would be catastrophic. It is also important to understand that eternal life is defined as Jesus Christ himself:
1 John 1:1-2 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (2) (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
Notice from the above scripture that Jesus Christ is eternal life! Another scripture in regard to this important truth is 1 John 5:20:
1Jn 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
Notice how Jesus Christ is defined as eternal life! One more passage in regard to this important truth is John 17:3:
John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
In the three bible verses given above Jesus Christ is defined as “eternal life.” There are two aspects regarding the nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is both God and Man (1 Tim. 2:5-6). As there are two aspects regarding the nature of Jesus Christ there are also two aspects in regard to “eternal life.” There are several passages on eternal life that seem to contradict each other because some of them present eternal life as a gift and other passages present eternal life as a reward that is earned.
John 3:36 He that BELIEVETH on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
John 3:14-16 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: (15) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
In review you are a sinner and the wages of your sin is eternal death in the lake of fire (Rom. 6:23; Rev. 20:15). Jesus Christ is the divine (God Incarnate) Son of God. He died for your sins by being lifted up on the cross and was raised for your Justification (Rom. 4:25). In order to receive eternal life as a gift you must stop trusting in yourself and anything else, and believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ as your only source of salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
There three essential truths to the message of the Gospel. (1) You must recognize and understand that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. (2) You must believe that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God (God Incarnate). (3) You must stop trusting in yourself and all human efforts and BELIEVE entirely in the finished work of Jesus Christ: He died for sins and was raised for your Justification.
There are three important truths in regard to the first aspect of eternal life. (1) There are no works involved! None! Zero! (2) It is a gift! It’s totally free without any human involvement. It’s received by faith alone! (3) It’s totally dependent on the work of Christ on the Cross.
If a person places his trust in Jesus Christ alone as his only savior than he is guaranteed resurrection on the last day:
John 6:39-40 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should LOSE NOTHING, but should raise it up again at the LAST DAY. (40) And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the LAST DAY.
The last day is the day that every person who has trusted in Jesus Christ as their only savior is guaranteed resurrection to immortality (Revelation 20:15; 21:4). When it comes to interpreting the timing of the “last day” we should not let our traditional theological prejudice override what the scriptures are teaching us. The term “last day” is peculiar to John’s Gospel and it occurs exactly 7 times (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54; John 7:37; 11:24; and 12:48). Of these seven places it’s used John 12:48 actually tells us when the “last day” occurs:
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the LAST DAY.
Everyone who rejects Jesus Christ as their only savior shall be judged on the “last day.” This is at the Great White Throne Judgment when all unbelievers will be judged and dismissed to the lake of fire for all eternity (Rev. 20:12-15). It is also clearly stated in John 6:39-40 that everyone who has trusted in Jesus Christ as their only savior shall be raised on the last day. This is the second resurrection at the Great White Throne Judgment. There will be many genuine saints of God who will be found written in the book of life (Rev. 20:15) 1000 years after the first resurrection. They are raised to immortality at the second resurrection. This is the first aspect of eternal life.
All genuine saints of Jesus Christ are raised to stand before the pre-millennial Judgment Seat. Yet, many saints of Jesus Christ will suffer loss at the Judgment Seat (1 Cor. 3:15) so they will temporarily return to death for a thousand years and be raised to immortality at the second resurrection at the Great White Throne (Rev. 20:5, 15; 21:1-4). In 1 Cor. 3:12-15 tells us there will be Christians who build their life on wood, hay, and stubble. These stand for the works of the world, the flesh, and the Devil. They will suffer loss for a thousand years and will be raised to immortality at the second resurrection (Revelation 20:15; 1 Cor. 15:24). It may seem strange to the reader that there is a second resurrection of the saints since many have probably never heard it taught in church. In chapter six of this book I will document and prove from this from the bible.
In order to prove the point given above I must provide biblical evidence of Christians coming under the power of the second death:
Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not BLOT OUT his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
This verse really seems to add fuel to the debate on eternal security. For the Arminian this is final proof a Christian who backslides or falls away from Jesus Christ will ultimately lose his justification and spend eternity in the lake of fire. They come to this conclusion to hastily because it can be proven from the bible that there is a second resurrection of saints at the end of the millennium 1000 years after the first resurrection (Rev. 20:5; 1 Cor. 15:24). For most Calvinist those blotted out the book of live are “false professors who were never really saved. This does not even make any sense! Why would someone’s name be written in the book of life if he only was a false professor who was really never saved? Clearly those spoken of in this verse were justified at one time and later on had their garments defiled for wrong living:
Rev. 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
How many Christians sitting in churches today have their garments defiled with the world or with carnal living? Unless they repent from their backslidden and worldly living they too will have their names blotted out of the book of life. There is no question this passage has posed many difficulties for those who believe in eternal security. Another interpretation of this difficult passage is found in Joseph Dillow’s book the Final Destiny. According to him the word “name” in this passage comes from the Greek word “onoma” and refers to someone’s reputation and not to the person himself. In support of this conclusion he cites Arndt and Gingrich Greek Lexicon. This Lexicon give five major usages of the word onoma. They would be “name, title or category, person, reputation or fame, and office.
Dillow then correctly observes that the word name in Revelation 3:1 from the same context has reference to a person’s reputation so according to him those Christians who have their name blotted out of the book of life will have their reputation and fame blotted out of this book. Thus according to him those Christians who had their garments defile will make it into the kingdom but they will have their reputation removed. They will not have any reputation and so will not be permitted to reign with Jesus Christ for the millennium and in the eternal ages afterwards. According to him the word “onoma” (name) has the meaning of “person” in Revelation 13:8; 17:8 and 21:27 but has the meaning of reputation in Revelation 3:5. Why does the word “onoma” (name) have to narrowly mean reputation in Rev. 3:5? Why couldn’t it have the meaning of reputation and person as the Lexicon cites? According to Dillow no Christian could ever come under the power of the second death even though he could lose his opportunity to reign with Jesus Christ during the kingdom and the New Heaven and Earth afterwards (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 21:7).
It is appropriate to look at the Lexical evidence when determining the meaning of any given word. However, we also must look at the testimony of scripture in order to come to a correct understanding of any given word or concept. In this respect there are clearly other places in scripture where a Christian can come under the power of the second death. In order to do so we have to look no further than the chapter before:
Rev 2:10-11 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (11) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
This passage has also been another difficult passage for those who support eternal security. Arminians are quick to point out that those Christians who do not overcome will lose their justification and spend eternity in the lake of fire. Another way this passage is understood is by teaching that the phrase “shall not be hurt of the second death” is a form of speech known as “litotes.” According to the Concise Oxford Dictionary “litotes” is an “ironic exaggerated understatement where an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its opposite.”
In other words if we understand the phrase “shall not be hurt of the second death” as a litotes than it cannot be interpreted at face value. In other words even if a Christian does not overcome “it does not mean he will be hurt of the second death.” Admittedly I have a problem with this interpretation because this figure of speech is not used in any other conditional promises given to the seven churches in Revelation. Let’s give some examples:
Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
If this conditional promise were to be understood as “litotes” than even if you do not overcome you still can have power over the nations. This really makes a mess of other conditional promises warnings in the word of God and it obviously changes the apostles intended meaning. Here is another example:
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we were to make this conditional promise a litotes than even if you do not confess your sins you still be cleansed of all unrighteousness. Obviously this is not what the apostle intended. Whenever the book of Revelation uses a figure of speech the context always defines what the figure is. Here is an example:
Rev 17:3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
Rev 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
Throughout chapter seventeen there are figures of speech used and in every case the context itself defines what the figure is and the intended meaning. There is absolutely nothing in the warning regarding the “second death” in Revelation 2:11 that it is a figure of speech not to be taken at face value. We do well to heed what Arlen Chitwood has to say regarding this warning in Revelation 2:11:
In the overcomer’s promise to the Church in Smyrna, there is a clear implication that those who do not overcome will be hurt of the second death. And any attempt to take this promise and make it mean something other than what it clearly states serves only to destroy the promise, something which the Lord sounded a solemn warning against (Rev. 22:18, 19). The promise that those who do overcome will not “be hurt of the second death” would be meaningless unless this promise is taken at face value and allowed to mean exactly what it says, clearly implying that those who do not overcome will “be hurt of the second death.” (Judgment Seat of Christ: Arlen Chitwood; Pg. 97).
Carefully notice the warning given in Revelation 22:19:
Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
E.W. Bullinger in his Companion Bible gives you a reference to whenever a “figure of speech” is used in the bible. It is interesting to note that he did not list Rev. 2:11 as an example. There are clear examples in scripture where a figure of speech is being used:
Matthew 18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
Obviously, the idea of “plucking out the eye” is a figure of speech never intended to be taken literally. Our Lord is using the “Eye” as figure to represent anything you look at that would cause you to sin. For example if your “eye” watches too much Television it will lead you into sin, and so it would be better in this case to throw the Television in the trash rather than being lead into sin. Or if you spend too much time on the computer you might be tempted to view “pornography” with your “eye” and so it would be better to pluck your computer in the trash rather than being lead into this sin.
On the other hand there is no evidence from the context of Revelation 2:11 that the warning regarding the second death is a figure of speech. The warning in Revelation 2:11 regarding the second death is a real warning given to real Christians who are not faithful to the end and so are overcome by the world, the flesh, and the Devil. If any Christian is overcome by the world, the flesh, and the Devil he to0 will come under the power of the second death for 1000 years. Once you understand this information than you can begin to recognize the two aspects of eternal life.
Everyone who places his/her trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their only savior is promised to be raised to eternal life on the last day (John 6:39-40). This is at the Great White Throne Judgment. At this time all unbelievers will be dismissed to the lake of fire and all unfaithful Christians who suffered loss at the Judgment Seat 1000 years earlier will be found written in the post-millennial book of life. They will have their tears wiped away and will be permitted entrance into the New Heaven and Earth. Carefully read Revelation 20:11-21:4. More information and documentation will be provided in the last chapter of this book. The first resurrection is a prize that is attained:
Php 3:11-14 If by any means I MIGHT ATTAIN unto the resurrection of the dead. (12) Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (13) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
In order to be raised to immortality at the first resurrection we need to abide in Christ and make him a part of everything in our life:
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
This verse is in the context of rewards given at the Judgment Seat (Matt. 24:27). The cross is an instrument of death so if any Christian is going to be a disciple of Jesus Christ than he will have to “put off the old man” and “put on the new man” (Eph. 4:22-24). We can only do this by mortifying our sinful desires:
Col. 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
We cannot do this on our own. We must abide in Jesus Christ and allow him to work the fruit of the Spirit in our life (Gal. 5:22-25):
John 15:1-5 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. (2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (3) Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Anything we do apart from Jesus Christ is a work of the flesh and the Judgment Seat of Christ it will be considered as wood, hay, or stubble. It is possible to do legalistic works in the flesh totally apart from Jesus Christ just as the Pharisees did. Read the warning in Matthew 23 regarding the Pharisees. In order for genuine Saints of God to have part in the first resurrection they must follow after peace and holiness:
Hebrews 12:13-14 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. (14) FOLLOW peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
First, notice from the context that this is dealing with practical holiness. The phrase “make straight paths for your feet” has reference to how we live our life. Second, the word follow has reference to practical holiness not positional. It clearly tells us that if any Christian does not make straight paths for his feet and follow peace and holiness than he is not going to see the Lord. He will be raised to stand at the Judgment Seat where his work will burn. He will return to death for 1000 years (Rev. 20:5) and be raised to glorification at the second resurrection (Rev. 20:15-21:4).
Keeping a set of manmade rules is not how one becomes holy from God’s perspective. One can keep a set of manmade rules without abiding in Jesus Christ. Manmade rules are works of the flesh that will burn up at the Judgment Seat of Christ. It is only when we allow Jesus Christ to work the fruit of the Spirit in us are we able to become holy from God’s perspective (Gal. 5:22-25).
The conditions set forth to be raised at the second resurrection are different than what is needed to be raised at the second resurrection. In order for us to be raised for eternal life at the second resurrection we need to trust in Jesus Christ as our only savior (John 6:39-40; John 3:16; John 6:47; Romans 3:23-26). In order to be raised to eternal life at the first resurrection we must serve our Lord Jesus Christ:
Colossians 3:22-24 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: (23) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (24) Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
The millennial inheritance is a reward given at the first resurrection. We earn this reward by laying aside our own wishes and desires and serving our Lord Jesus Christ:
Revelation 20:6 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.
Only those who are holy will be raised at the first resurrection. The holiness spoken of here is not about keeping a set of manmade rules that is energized by the flesh. It can only be done when we abide in Jesus Christ and allow him to work the fruit of the Spirit through us (Gal. 5:22-25; John 15:1-6).
In review “eternal life” at the second resurrection on the “last day” is a gift given to us when we place our personal trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ (John 3:16; John 6:39-40; Ephesian 2:8-9). There is no work in this aspect of eternal life:
Romans 4:4-5 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. (5) But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
If you do not understand the distinction between the first resurrection and the second resurrection than you will not be able to see the two aspects of eternal life and will not be able to understand some scriptures present eternal life as a reward. The second aspect of eternal life is a reward given at the first resurrection. Notice, how the scriptures emphasizes that a person must have “Christ like” works of righteousness in order to earn eternal life at the first resurrection:
Rom 2:6-10 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: (7) To them who by PATIENT CONTINUENCE in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, ETERNAL LIFE: (8) But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, (9) Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; (10) But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
Notice from scripture given above that a Christian must have “patient continuance in well doing” in order to earn eternal life. This is “eternal life” during the millennial age or “eternal life” at the first resurrection. Eternal life during the millennial age or at the first resurrection is a reward for practical obedience:
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that OBEY HIM;
This is certainly different than believing in Jesus Christ as one’s only savior. This passage above has reference to millennial salvation or eternal life at the first resurrection which is clearly earned by obedience if one takes this passage at face value. The theme of millennial salvation at the first resurrection is emphasized in the book of Hebrews. To begin with in the first chapter there are several passages quoted from the Old Testament, all which pertain to the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. Notice how the first chapter closes; and the warning passage at the beginning of chapter two:
Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Heb 2:1-3 Therefore we (the author includes himself in the warning) ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. (2) For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; (3) How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;….vs. 5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, (1000 year millennium) whereof we speak.
First, notice how the author includes himself in the warning by the use of the pronoun “we” indicating that the warning is addressed to genuine saints of Jesus Christ. Notice how the warning is speaking about the recompense of reward; not absolute eternal salvation given to us by grace through faith alone. Third, notice how this salvation is neglected not rejected. Lost people reject eternal salvation; yet saints of Jesus Christ are able to neglect millennial salvation through “deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13) and worldliness (James 4:4). Fourth, notice that the salvation in this warning passage has reference to the “world to come.” The 1000 year millennium is the world to come and has nothing to do with the absolute eternal ages in the time after the world to come (Revelation 21:1-4). Therefore salvation in this warning passage has reference to millennial salvation and not absolute eternal salvation following the millennium. Another similar warning is seen in the three accounts of the Rich Young Ruler:
Mar 10:17-19 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? (18) And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. (19) Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
I do not think the rich young ruler was asking a sincere and honest question. First, I think it is a theological error to make this part of the Gospel one believes in order to receive eternal life as gift (Ephesians 2:8-9). The reason American Christians do not understand this account of the rich young ruler is because they do not understand the first century mind set of first century Jews. In the first century the Jews were looking for a messiah to come back and set His kingdom. It is only natural that the rich young ruler wanted to be a part of this kingdom so he was making an honest inquiry to the “Master” on what he needs to do in order to inherit eternal life in the kingdom. Notice our Lord’s response a couple of verses later which leaves no room for miss-interpretation:
Mar 10:20-22 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. (21) Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. (22) And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
Wow! Did you hear that correctly? Jesus told the man he would have “treasure in heaven” if he sold what he had and took up his cross and followed Jesus Christ. Where do you find anything about “believing in the Gospel” in this narrative of the rich young ruler; the phrase “treasure in heaven” is always used in connection of reward of the Inheritance (Colossians 3:24-25). This phrase is used in all three accounts of the rich young ruler. Our Lord was telling the man what he needed to do in order to earn eternal life at the first resurrection. This becomes unmistakably clear when we look at Peter’s question and our Lord’s response to Peter:
Mark 10:28-30 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. (29) And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, (30) But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in THE WORLD TO COME ETERNAL LIFE.
Notice how the “world to come” is defined as “eternal life.” The world to come is the millennium; the time after the world to come is absolute eternity. In this passage the disciples left all and followed Jesus Christ. They will be raised to eternal life at the first resurrection. If we lose our life in this world by giving up our own selfish desires and serve Jesus Christ with our whole heart than we will be raised to reward at the first resurrection. In another account of the rich young ruler a similar expression is used when we lose our life in this world and serve our Lord Jesus Christ in order to earn “life everlasting” in the WORLD TO COME:
Luke 18:28-30 Then Peter said, (a disciple) Lo, we have left all, (losing your life in this world) and followed thee. (29) And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, (serving Jesus Christ) (30) Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the WORLD TO COME life everlasting.
Once again, notice how the “world to come” is defined as eternal life; the world to come has reference to the 1000 year millennial reign of Christ (Rev. 20:1-6). The time AFTER the world to come has reference to absolute eternity (Rev. 21:1-4). I have just given two clear bible passages where in the appropriate context “eternal life” is defined as the world to come or the millennial reign of Jesus Christ:
Mat 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
I have already established that in the appropriate context “eternal life” simply has reference to the 1000 year millennium. We also can interpret this as “in the age to come eternal life.” The scriptures mentioned above teach genuine saints of Jesus Christ that the need to lay aside their own desires and serve Jesus Christ in order to earn eternal life in the world to come. We must always stay connected to the vine (John 15:4-5). By doing this we can earn eternal life at the first resurrection (Rev. 20:4-6). This allows us the opportunity to reign with Jesus Christ for a thousand years.
There is nothing ambiguous about what the bible teaches in these two accounts of the Rich Young Ruler mentioned above. He clearly told his disciples and other Saints of Jesus Christ that they must lay aside their own wishes and desires and serve Jesus Christ in order to inherit eternal life in the “world to come.” The world to come is the 1000 year millennial reign of Jesus Christ. This is a reward given at the first resurrection. I do not believe this is talking about the same aspect of eternal life we read about in John 3:14-16, 36; John 6:39-40, 47:
John 6:39-40 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, (eternal security) but should raise it up again at the last day. (Second resurrection: Rev. 20:15-21:4) (40) And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and BELIEVETH on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Everyone who believes that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God and is trusting in Jesus Christ as their only savior from sin is guaranteed eternal life at the second resurrection (Rev. 20:15-21:4) on the last day. The rich Young Ruler was already a believer so Jesus was exhorting him on what he needed to do in order to enter into life at the first resurrection or during the millennial reign of Christ in the world to come. This becomes much clearer in the account of the Rich Young Ruler in the gospel of Matthew. Carefully notice Peter’s question (vs. 27) and our Lord’s reply (vs. 29) to Peter’s question:
Mat 19:25-30 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? (at the first resurrection) (26) But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. therefore? (27) Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? (28) And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (29) And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, (laying aside their own desires and serving Jesus Christ) shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (In the world to come at the first resurrection) (30) But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
In vs. 27 of our text Peter asked an honest question on what kind of reward the apostles were going to have for forsaking everything and following Christ. Notice that in vs. 29 of our text that “everlasting life” is a reward that is inherited because these people left everything in this world for the sake of Christ. In each of the different accounts of the rich young ruler “eternal life” is a reward given at the first resurrection to believers who meet the conditions through practical works of righteousness. Eternal life given on the last day at the second resurrection is a gift for everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ as their only savior from sin. Carefully notice an often overlooked point in regard to the rich young ruler given by S.S. Craig:
All three, Matthew, Mark, and Luke introduce the narrative of the conversation between Christ and the Young Ruler immediately after the account of the little children being brought to Christ for His blessing. The disciples resented this act as an intrusion; but He said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God.” On an earlier occasion Jesus had said to the twelve when he saw the spirit of carnal rivalry moving in their hearts: “Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted (delivered from the power of natural selfishness) and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:1-3). Surely the men addressed were saved (John 15:3 and 17:11-12) but they were not then in the kingdom in sense that Jesus meant, and they knew it. The kingdom referred to belongs to the age to come. Their need was the very need of the Young Ruler. (S.S. Craig. The Dualism of Eternal Life; Pg. 2)
The disciples needed to deal with their problem of carnal rivalry if they were going to inherit eternal life at the first resurrection. The Rich Young Ruler needed to deal with his problem of riches in order to inherit eternal life in the world to come. Yet 21st century American Christians are no different than the rich young ruler since many of them have to deal with cares, riches, and pleasures of this life (Luke 8:14), in order to inherit eternal life at the first resurrection. Whatever the case might be among American Christians, each one of us must properly deal with our own selfish desires if we are going to inherit “everlasting life” at the first resurrection. If one carefully studies the different accounts of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30) and the surrounding context there is no biblical evidence that Jesus Christ was talking about the same aspect of eternal life that we read about in John 3:16, 36 and John 6:39-40 by believing in Jesus Christ as our only savior from sin. Yet, if this is not enough here is another scripture that demonstrates that Christians must sow to the Spirit in order to earn everlasting life at the first resurrection:
Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that SOWETH to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Do all Christians sow to the Spirit? In Galatians 5:16-26 there is a conflict present in every genuine saint of Jesus Christ in that he or she can either walk in the Sprit or in the flesh. Those Christians who sowed to the flesh will not inherit the Kingdom of God. They will reap corruption by coming under the power of the second death for 1000 years but on the other hand those Christian who sowed to the Spirit will inherit everlasting life at the first resurrection. Notice how the antitheses between “life and death” are presented in Romans 8:12-13:
Romans 8:12-13 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. (13) For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (in the future during the millennium). In order to sow to the Spirit we must plant the proper kind of harvest in our life. Notice the definition of “sow” from the Concise Oxford English Dictionary.
The life and death spoken of this text has to do with millennium because everyone will die in this life; including those who sow to the Spirit. Those who sow to the Spirit in this life will live in the life to come (world to come) during the millennium. They will be raised to reward at the first resurrection. Those who live according to the flesh will be raised at the Judgment Seat and suffer loss for 1000 years and experience death during the millennium. The word sow according to Oxford Dictionary:
Plant (seed) by scattering it on or in the earth: (Concise Oxford English Dictionary).
In the scripture given above we must “sow to the Spirit” in order to reap everlasting life at the first resurrection. The fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, piece, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance” (Gal. 5:22-23). Yet, we must remember we are unable to bear fruit on our own:
John 15:4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
We can do nothing on our own and in order to bear fruit we must abide in Jesus Christ. If Christians sow to the Spirit by bearing fruit (obedience to Jesus Christ) than they shall reap everlasting life at the first resurrection; this is different than receiving eternal life as a free gift when we believe in Jesus Christ as our only savior (John 3:16). As was stated earlier, the latter is a gift and guarantees us resurrection on the “last day” at the second resurrection 1000 years after the first resurrection (John 6:39-40, Rev. 20:5; 20:15). Notice another scripture that tells us we need practical works of righteousness in order to lay hold on eternal life:
1Timothy 6:11-12 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on ETERNAL LIFE, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
In order to “lay hold on eternal life” at the first resurrection we must fight the good fight of faith and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. Notice how Paul continues this theme a few verses later as he is exhorting Timothy concerning believers who are rich in this world:
1Timothy 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (18) That they do good, that they be rich in GOOD WORKS, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; (19) Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
The time to come is the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. Notice that in order to lay up a good foundation against the “time to come” we must be rich in good works. The context of this entire warning is exhorting genuine Christians to be rich in good works so they may lay hold on eternal life. This is eternal life at the first resurrection. There is no contradiction between this and Eph. 2:8-9. The latter is a gift apart from any works and guarantees us eternal life at the second resurrection on the last day (John 6:39-40; Rev. 20:15; 21:4). Yet, in order to attain unto the first resurrection (Phil. 3:11-14) genuine saints of Jesus Christ must pursue the qualities mentioned in 1 Tim. 6:11-12; 18-19. In order for this to genuinely take place true children of God must be sanctified and cleansed by the word of God:
Ephesians 5:26-27 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
In order for Christians to be presented without spot or wrinkle at the Judgment Seat of Christ they must allow the word of God to sanctify and cleanse them. Yet, many Christians do not spend any time in the word of God so it is completely devoid in their life; so they are not being sanctified and cleansed by the word of God. The word “might” in vs. 26 of our text is in the subjunctive mood indicating that the outcome is a possibility but not necessarily guaranteed. The outcome is dependent upon the believer’s response to the word of God. If a believer in Jesus Christ responds to the word of God in humility and obedience than he will be presented at the Judgment Seat without spot or wrinkle. He will be included in the church of the firstborn:
Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the FIRSTBORN, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Notice how the church of the firstborn is a different group than those of the general assembly. The church of the firstborn is a select number of saints called out of the general assembly to form a select group of believers who will have part in first resurrection to immortality. The remaining number (a large group) Christians form the general assembly. Those of the general assembly will receive eternal life at the second resurrection at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:15; 21:4).
In this chapter we looked at two different sets of passages. In the first set of passages examined it was clearly demonstrated that eternal life is a gift for everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ as their only savior (John 3:14-16; Romans 3:23-26). Throughout the New Testament this aspect of eternal life is clearly offered as a gift and guarantees resurrection on the last day at the second resurrection (John 6:39-40). This is the first aspect of eternal life.
In the second set of passages examined it was clearly demonstrated that eternal life was a reward give to faithful believers who have practical works of righteousness and holiness (Rom. 2:6-7; Heb. 5:9; Mark 10:28-30; Gal. 6:8; 1 Tim 6:17-19). Yet, we as Christians cannot produce practical works of righteousness in their own flesh; we must abide in Jesus Christ and allow the word of God to sanctify and cleanse us (John 15:4-5; Ephesians 5:26-27). The first resurrection is a reward (Col. 3:24; Phil. 3:11-14). This is the second aspect of eternal life and it is given to faithful believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3:14).
All believers are raised at the pre-millennial Judgment Seat in order to receive the things done in the “body” whether good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10-11). This trial is by fire. A select number of believers through faithfulness (practical works of righteousness) will pass through the fire without any hurt. They will be translated into glorified bodies and will have part in the first resurrection to glorification (Rom. 8:17; Rev 20:4). The rest of the believers who suffer loss because of negligence and unfaithfulness will temporarily return to death after passing through fire (Rev. 2:11) and will be raised to glorification on the last day at the second resurrection (Rev. 20:15; 21:4).
In review in order to receive the first aspect of eternal life given at the second resurrection you must believe that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God and you must place your personal trust in His death and resurrection as your only source of salvation. In order for Christians to earn the second aspect of eternal life at the first resurrection they must have practical works of righteousness in their life. Yet, it is not possible for anyone to earn the second aspect of eternal life at the first resurrection until they receive the first aspect of eternal life as a gift by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ as their only savior (Acts 16:31).
Chapter three >>