KING'S BUSINESS PROPHECY SECTION Edited by Dr. Charles L. Feinberg, Director Talbot Theological Seminary THE BELIEVER’S by Raymond H. Saxe, Th.D. I n m a n y churches the quotation of the Apostle s Creed is a regular part of the liturgy. The solemn words, “ I believe in . . . the resurrection of the body,” come near the close of the affirmation which contains the bulk of orthodox belief. Although the translation in English reads “ body,” the ancient Greek and Latin preserved this article to read “resurrection of the flesh.” Some ambiguity might be propounded in the one, as in speaking of celestial and spiritual bodies, but there can be no question in the words, “resurrection of the flesh.” Christians everywhere who recite this creed do affirm at this point the resurrec tion of the body of man, that body which is of the same nature which it had before it was separated from the soul by death. This is the expression of historic Chris tianity. Since the truth of the resurrection is so precious to many dear saints of God, it is a great encouragement to know that these bodies of ours, howsoever corrupted, wheresoever their parts are dispersed, how longsoever they may have been dead, shall one day be lifted out of their graves recollected and reunited to their souls in a fashion all too wonderful for human expression. Earnest Chris tians throughout the globe anticipate with Spirit-wrought hope the joyous day when resurrection will occur. An investigation, therefore, into this area of divine truth is fully warranted. The major concern of this study is the resurrection of believers, hence particular attention to the “ first resur rection” (Rev. 20:4-6) must be given. Let us now turn to three aspects of the study for our spiritual refreshment and strengthening. Resurrection data Space forbids one to entertain a full discussion of the bibical teaching on the topic of resurrection, yet the col lection of data is necessary if we are to tabulate justifiable conclusions. It seems pertinent to observe three facts about the concept of resurrection. 1. Resurrection is universal. Nowhere does the Bible give any thought to the perversion that only a portion of the human race will be raised from the dead. Explicitly and implicitly, resurrection is taught as a religious universal in the Word of God. Fol lowing the reference to the first resurrection, John writes: “ But the rest of the dead lived not again till the thousand years were finished” (Rev. 20:5). Later on in that same chapter a holistic view of resurrection is presented (w . 12,13). The tone of John 5:28,29 is the same. 2. Resur rection is spiritual. The struggle between light and dark ness is sharply focused in the Gospel of John. Elsewhere in the Bible the evidence is replete giving obvious demonstration to the cleavage amongst men on the ground of their relationship to God. During the sojourn of Israel in Egypt the discernible distinction between Goshen and the entire land is clear to every impartial observer. Furthermore, such phrases as “ resurrection of life,” “res urrection of damnation,” “ resurrection of the just,” and “ better resurrection” support the assertion that light and
ESURRECTION darkness are contrary the one to the other. The burden of the Bible message is that the destiny of a man pre cludes his participation in a certain resurrection. Unequivocably it may be stated that one of the general teachings of the Word on resurrection is its spiritual character. 3. Resurrection is chronological. The Old Testa ment assuredly teaches the resurrection of the dead (cf. Job 14:1-13; 19:25-26; Psalm 16:10; 49;15; Hosea 5:15-6:2; 13:14; Isa. 25:8; 26:19; Dan. 12:2). That there was chronology connected to the raising of the dead, appar ently took the disciples entirely by surprise (Mark 9:9- 10). They clearly perceived the notion of resurrection, but rising out from among the dead came as a new reve lation from their Lord. Further, the preposition “ until” connotes a time element (Rev. 20:5). Those not associated with the first resurrection are considered in the clause following this word. Indeed, should anyone prove a serious doubter concerning the role of chronology in the study of resurrection, surely the mention of 1000 years will do much to undercut his belief (Rev. 20:5)! Resurrection definitions Two terms occurring in the New Testament are rele vant and demand our consideration, namely, “ first” and “ resurrection.” The meaning of the former term is self- evident, for it designates an initial dealing of God with the matter of resurrection. That a second resurrection is included in the purpose of God is implicitly taught. The special significance of the descriptive “ first” will become evident as this study proceeds. When we examine the Scriptural evidence, we find that the word “ resurrection” occurs forty-two times in the New Testament. In only one passage of the entire forty- two does the term mean anything but physical resurrec tion, and the single exception undoubtedly bears the thought of exaltation (Luke 2:34). Bodily resurrection is in view in Revelation 20:4-6, not alone because of seman tics, but on the following grounds: 1. The drift of Reve lation 20:12,13 is unmistakably physical; that of verses 4-6 must be also. 2. The verb “ lived” (v. 4) assuredly demands bodily resurrection here, even as it does when earlier employed of our Lord (Rev. 2:8). 3. Certain had actually met death of execution. Now they are raised. We must concede this means physical resurrection. Definitively, therefore, Revelation 20:4-5 presents a resurrection, the first, and is related to a certain bodily resurrection. Resurrection details Having examined specific resurrection data, and having profitably given attention to the meaning of important terminology, we now turn to observe the fine points of the believer’s resurrection. With the foundation of the foregoing paragraphs, it is comparatively easy to proceed apace. Although the sorting of minutiae is not given to an easy solution, the major trend of the Word seem quite discernible. Let the trusting soul rejoice in all that is made plain through the blessed Book!
THE KING'S BUSINESS
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