From the Pastor: The Resurrection II
"Blessed and holy is he who has a part in the first resurrection" Revelation 20:6
All of us have been on some kind of journey for which a ticket was required. It may have been a simple train ride to the city, or for some a trip across the world in a plane. A ticket entitles the bearer to a part in the journey or whatever else the company has to offer, and production of the ticket ensures that he will have that part.
The resurrection of Christ, which we consider in particular at Easter time, directs us to our destiny, and the journey to that destiny. Because He rose, those who belong to Him will rise too at the last day. There are thus two resurrections: one of Christ, the other of believers in Him. Having a part in the first guarantees a part in the second, a glorious and triumphant awakening from death when our Lord comes again.
But how do we know we have a part in that first? Where do we get our ticket? The "ticket" is not a piece of paper, still less an entry in a computer display, or a mark on a roll; it is being "raised with Christ", (Ephesians 2:6) whereby they have new life, a new outlook, a new conscience, indeed everything new (2 Corinthians 5:17). For such people the solemn promise is secure: the "second death" will have no power over them. They will escape it. The old adage "you can only die once" is not really true: there is a "second death", far more terrible than the first, and absolutely permanent.
Make sure that you have part in Christ's resurrection now! |