The Original Gospel
Many Christians are unaware of the Bible’s definition of the gospel. The gospel or good news according to scripture is:
“. . . I (Paul) preached to you the gospel . . . that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that He was was buried, and that He was raised (raised to life) on the third day in accordance with the scriptures.” See 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Jesus prophesied 4x’s concerning His death, burial, and resurrection, and that He would rise on the third day. This is the original gospel.
“From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Matthew 16:21 (See also Matthew 17:22-23 & 20:17-18)
Jesus had also prophesied: “As Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40
John 2:18-19 & 21: “18 The Jews then said to Him, ‘What sign can you show us for doing this?’ 19 Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up. . .’ 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body.”
Jesus said to His disciples at Luke 24:46-47: “46 . . .Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”
The resurrected and glorified Christ confirmed that He was truly dead.
“. . . Once I was dead ( I was dead, I died), but now I am alive forever and ever. I hold the keys to death and the netherworld (death and Hades, the realm of the dead).” Revelation 1:18
The Apostle Paul confirmed that Christ was truly dead, once for all, and that He was raised from the dead, never to die again.
Romans 6:9-10 states: “9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 The death He died, He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives, He lives to God.”
Isaiah prophesied that the Christ would be cut off from the land of the living and stricken to His death.
Isaiah 53:8 states: “. . . He was cut off from the land of the living, stricken (to His death) for the transgressions of my people.”
Isaiah 53:12 states: “. . .because He poured out Himself (His soul) to (unto) death. . .”
The scriptures go on to tell us:
“He (Christ) was not abandoned to hades* (hell, the grave), nor will you allow your Holy One to undergo decay (His flesh see corruption).” Acts 2:31 (See also Acts 2:27)
“For you will not abandon my soul to sheol (hell, the grave), nor will you allow your Holy One to undergo decay.” Psalms 16:10*
God the Father raised Jesus from the dead.
Acts 2:32 states: “This Jesus hath God raised up where of we are all witnesses.”
Galatians 1:1 states: “Paul an apostle-not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead.” Galatians 1:1 (See also Romans 6:4 & 1 Peter 1:3)
After being dead and buried for three days and three nights, Jesus was raised from the dead by God the Father. He then appeared to His disciples over a period of forty days while still on earth, prior to His heavenly ascension. (See Bible Topic: Easter & the Death, Burial, & Resurrection)
“After His suffering, He (Christ) showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:3
“30 God raised Him from the dead and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him. . . 33 This He fulfilled to us their children, by raising Jesus; as it is written in the 2nd Psalms: ‘Thou art my Son, today I have begotten Thee.’ 34 As for the fact that He (God the Father) raised Him (Jesus) from the dead.” Acts 13:30-34
Jesus, having died and descended into hell (hades or the grave), rose on the third day. His soul was not left in hades (the grave), nor did His body undergo decay. He then appeared to more than five hundred brethren, during a forty day period, prior to His ascent to the right hand of the Father.
1 Corinthians 15:6 states: “After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep (in death).”
The gospel account of John also confirms that even after His death, burial, and resurrection, the glorified Christ had not yet ascended to the Father.
Jesus said to Mary Magdalene, following His resurrection and glorification: “Do not hold on to me; for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” John 20:17
Jesus heavenly ascension was a major event as witnessed to by His eleven apostles. Forty days after He rose from the grave, Christ was taken up to heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. This understanding of the original gospel; the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and that He rose on the third day, underscores any probability that the thief was in heaven with Christ, on the day that they were crucified. The gospel accounts chronicle the ascension of Christ as a major event.
“14 Afterward He (Christ) appeared to the eleven themselves. . . 19 So then the Lord after He had spoken to them, was taken up to heaven, and sat at the right hand of God.” Mark 16:14 & 19 (Rd. also Matthew 28:16-20, Luke 24:44-53, & Acts 1:6-11)
The Thief on the Cross
As we have already established, Jesus was dead and buried in the grave (hades or hell)* for three days and three nights, and rose to life on the third day. He remained on earth for forty more days and appeared to over five hundred brethren, prior to His ascension to heaven. (See 1 Corinthians 15:6) He then ascended to heaven and was seated at the right hand of God the Father. Someone might ask, “Why is this important?” It is important because this is the original gospel that was delivered to us by Jesus Christ Himself and the apostles. Jesus did not immediately go to heaven following His death on the cross, but ascended many days later.
From the above scriptural record, it would have been impossible for the thief to have been united with Christ in heaven, following the crucifixion. Christ did not ascend to heavenly glory, until many days later. Why then is it commonly taught in most churches that the thief inherited heavenly glory with Christ, on the day they were crucified. We will examine more of the facts and unravel the truth, according to Holy Scripture.
This is how the passage at Luke 23:42-43 is rendered in most Bible translations:
“42 And he (the thief) said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ 43 And Jesus said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.'”
From the above rendering of Luke:23:42-43 and the placement of the comma, it certainly implies that the thief was with Jesus that very day in paradise. You may have already concluded from all of the above scriptural testimony, that it would have been impossible for the thief to have been with Christ in paradise (as heaven), on the day of the crucifixion. Jesus did not ascend to heaven on that day. This is an established fact, according to the original gospel! Christ was truly dead and buried for three days and three nights. He then rose on the third day and ascended into heaven, forty days later.
As we have already confirmed from scripture, following His resurrection and glorification, Christ encountered Mary Magdalene in the garden and told her that he had not yet ascended to His God and Father. Jesus spoke of ascending to His Father in a future tense.
“Do not hold on to me; for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” (John 20:17, previously cited)
If one acknowledges that Jesus always spoke the truth, then one must also acknowledge that neither the thief, nor Jesus, could have gone to heaven on the day they were both crucified. Following His resurrection, Jesus stated that He had not yet ascended to the Father. After His resurrection, Jesus remained on earth for forty more days, prior to His final ascent. (See Bible topic; Easter & the Death, Burial, & Resurrection)
An Issue of Punctuation
There is an issue involving punctuation in regards to the the fate of the thief. The original Greek manuscripts are without punctuation, leaving it up to the translator to determine where the punctuation should be placed in a particular scriptural passage. The placement of the comma would alter the entire implication of the text found at Luke 23:39-43 and the intent of Jesus words to the penitent thief. In the case of the thief, where the comma was placed would determine whether the thief was with Christ on that very day, or that he would be with Christ at a future time. Ex. Jesus may have actually said:
“I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise.” versus “I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Wikipedia states: The phrase translated “Amen, I say to you, today you will be in paradise” in Luke 23:43 (“Ἀμήν σοι λέγω σήμερον μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἔσῃ ἐν τῷ παραδείσῳ.”[15] Amén soi légo sémeron met’ emoû ése en tôi paradeísoi) is disputed in a minority of versions and commentaries. The Greek manuscripts are without punctuation, so attribution of the adverb “today” to the verb “be”, as “Amen I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (the majority view), or the verb “say”, as “Amen I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise” (the minority view), is dependent on analysis of word order conventions in Koine Greek. The majority of ancient Bible translations also follow the majority view, with only the Aramaic language Curetonian Gospels offering significant testimony to the minority view.”
The placement of the comma would grammatically alter what Jesus’ real intent was in His response to the thief. Was Christ saying to the thief that he would be with Him that very day in paradise, present tense (the majority view), or was Christ saying that very day to the thief, that in a future tense (the minority view), He would be with be with Him in paradise.
Another important point to consider is the expression, “Assuredly I say to you today.” This expression, “Assuredly I say to you today,” was a common Hebrew idiomatic expression, used to emphasize an important point or solemn statement.
This same idiomatic expression is also found in the following verses:
- “Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.” (Acts 20:26).
- “I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess.” (Deuteronomy 30:18).
As a result of the placement of the comma by the majority of Biblical translators, the real intent of this common Hebrew expression may have been lost in translation.
The alternative placement of the comma has now been recognized by the following Bible translations and references:
“I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise” Luke 23:43
- The Concordant Literal New Testament
- Rotherham Translation
- A Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament
- The Emphatic Diaglott
- The placement of the comma, which is a subjective call by the translator, would alter the entire meaning of the text at Luke23:43; indicating that the thief would be with Christ in paradise, not in the present tense of that day, but in a future tense when Christ got into His kingdom.
- An Alternative Definition of Paradise
There is also an alternative explanation as to the fate of the thief in defining paradise. So what did Jesus mean when He said to the thief, “you shall be with me in paradise.” What is the definition of paradise according to scripture?
Definition of paradise: 1. A park or pleasure ground, Eden. 2. The super-terrestrial place of the blessed, heaven or the presence of God. (Definitions found in most Biblical references)
As we have already concluded, none of the above definitions for paradise (Eden or heaven itself) would make any sense in light of the original gospel, as Jesus did not ascend into heaven that very day, nor was He in the garden of Eden that very day.
There is, however, a third definition for paradise that is found in most Biblical references and is commonly overlooked. This third definition makes sense and aligns with Holy Scripture and the original gospel account.
Definition of Paradise: 3. To later Jews, a common appellation for the state of bliss which awaits the just after death- they are in a paradisaical state. The lower paradise, the place of Sheol, in which the spirits of the departed righteous are until the resurrection. Unger’s Bible Dictionary
Paradise: Intermediate state: term to the condition of mankind after death and before the resurrection and final judgment. Unger’s Bible Dictionary
Paradise: In New Testament times, it was sometimes used as the place where God’s people are happy and at rest, as they wait for the final judgment. Contemporary English Version
Paradise: Paradise (like Abraham’s bosom in Luke 16:22) was a contemporary Jewish term for the lodging place of the righteous dead prior to resurrection. New Oxford Bible
Paradise: An intermediate place or state in which after death, the souls of the righteous await judgment. Webster’s Dictionary
Paradise: The part of Hades which was thought by the later Jews to be the abode of the souls of the pious until the resurrection. Strong’s Greek Lexicon
Paradise: According to some forms of Christian belief, an intermediate resting place for righteous souls awaiting the resurrection. The Free Dictionary
The above sources give an alternative definition for paradise as: a resting place or abode (sheol or hades) for the souls of the pious (the just or righteous) after death, in which the spirits of the departed are awaiting a resurrection and final judgment; an intermediate place or paradisaic state of bliss in which those who are happy and have died in God’s favor, await a future resurrection and judgment. (Luke 16:22) Upon expiring, both Christ and the thief would have entered into a paradisaic state or favorable status with God the Father; Christ, for having finished His earthly course and dying faithfully as the unblemished Lamb of God; the thief, who in an act of faith defended Jesus and requested that Jesus remember him when He got into His kingdom.
As we have already established from scripture, the thief would not have been with Christ in a heavenly paradise on that day, as Jesus did not ascend to heaven until many days later. Instead, the thief would have been with Christ in paradise as: a place of rest (Hades or sheol, the grave), an intermediate state of bliss or happiness following death, a paradisaical state reserved for the souls of the righteous, those who have died in God’s favor and await a future resurrection and judgment. (See Luke 16:22) This is the exact state that the scriptures tell us that Jesus was in following His death on the cross. Christ was dead, buried, and asleep in the grave for three days and three nights, awaiting a future resurrection.
Concerning the Christ, the Psalmist wrote: “For you will not abandon my soul to sheol (hell, the grave), nor will you allow your Holy One to undergo decay.” Psalms 16:10*
Isaiah 53:8 states: “. . . He was cut off from the land of the living, stricken (to His death) for the transgressions of my people.”
Isaiah prophesied concerning Christ: “. . .because He poured out Himself (His soul) to (unto) death. . .” Isaiah 53:12
(See also Acts 2:27 & 31, Revelation 1:18, Matthew 12:40 & 16:21, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, previously cited)
An Early Christian Confession of Faith
It is also important to note that the thief was never converted, nor did he make an early Christian confession of faith, that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, and his Lord and Savior. This confession would have been necessary for the thief’s salvation and entry into the early Christian church. (See Baptism/ Born Again Topic) Instead, he made a request that Jesus would remember him when He got into His kingdom. Most Christians are unaware of the fact that prior to this request being made, both criminals were mocking and berating Jesus
The scriptures state that both of the thieves were initially taunting and berating Jesus.
Matthew 27:41-44 states: “41 In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him saying, ’42 He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in Him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver Him now, if He wants to; for He said, I am God’s Son.’ 44 The bandits (robbers) who were crucified with Him also taunted Him in the same way.”
The later turn around on the part of this man showed a change of heart. He was now defending Jesus to the other thief, who was still acting as His accuser. The penitent thief then asked Jesus to remember him, when He got into His kingdom.
In contrast to the thief’s dying request, an early Christian’s confession of faith can be found in scripture:
Acts 8:36- 37 states: “36 And as they went along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘See, here is the water! What is to prevent my being baptized?’ 37 And Phillip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he (the eunuch) replied, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'”
Acts 16:30-31 states: “‘. . . Men, what must I do to be saved?’ 31 And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.'”
Acts 22:16 states: “. . . Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.”
Romans 10:9 states: “. . . if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
1 John 5:1 states: “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God (is a born again child of God), and whoever loves the Father (the parent, that begot him, Him who begot), loves the child (His child, the one born of Him, His offspring, who is begotten of Him, whom He begets, Him who is the Father’s child).”
The above verses reveal that an early Christian confession of faith was necessary for obtaining salvation and admission into the early Christian church. The thief never made a confession of faith; that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, and His Lord and Savior. Instead, he made a request that Jesus remember him when He got into His kingdom.
Thus far, the scriptures establish as fact:
1. Jesus did not ascend into heaven on the day that He was crucified. According to the original gospel, Christ was dead and buried for three days and nights and rose on the third day. After His being raised from the dead, Jesus confirmed with Mary Magdalene that He had not yet ascended to the Father. Forty days after this, Jesus ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of God the Father. This established scriptural fact would have made it impossible for the thief to have been with Christ in heaven, on the day of the crucifixion.
2. The issue of punctuation would also alter the implication and meaning behind Jesus’ words and the destiny of the thief; whether he was in paradise as heaven that very day with Christ, or that he would inherit paradise at a future time, when Jesus got into His kingdom. The most common rendering of Luke 23:42-43, “I tell you, today you shall be with me in paradise,” has alternatively been rendered as, “I tell you today, you shall be with me in paradise.”
3. Paradise can also be defined as a favorable status with God the Father, an intermediate state of bliss or happiness for righteous souls, following death and awaiting a future resurrection and judgment. (See Luke 16:19-26) After expiring, both the thief and Christ would have been in a favorable or paradisaic status with God the Father.
4. The thief never made an early Christian confession of faith; that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, and his Lord and Savior. Instead, he made a request, that Jesus remember him when he got into His kingdom. The fact that the thief never confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior and was never baptized in water and Spirit (born again) would have nullified his salvation status and his admission into the first century church.
Thus far, we have established from Holy Scripture that the thief did not ascend into heaven to be with Christ, on the day they were both crucified. The following scriptural testimony gives more evidence to this fact.
Seated at the Right Hand of God
The Old Testament prophesies and New Testament writers tell us that Christ was exalted to God’s right hand and would remain there until a future date in history. God would then make His enemies a footstool for His feet. The following verses confirm that even after His death and resurrection, the glorified Christ had not yet received a kingdom, but was seen at the right hand of the Father, awaiting kingly power and authority.
Psalms 110:1 states: “The LORD (Yahweh) says to my Lord (Christ): ‘Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'”
Acts 2:34-35 states: “34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, for he himself says, The LORD (Yahweh) says to my Lord (Christ): ‘Sit at My right hand, 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'”
Mark 16:19 states: “So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.”
Jesus said at Luke 22:69 “But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”
Romans 8:34 states: “. . .It is Jesus Christ, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.”
Ephesians 1:6 states: “God (the Father) put this power to work in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.”
Colossians 3:1 states: “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are from above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”
Hebrews 8:1 states: ” Now the main point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest (Christ), one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.”
Hebrews 10:12-13 states: “12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God, 13 then to wait until His enemies should be made a stool for His feet.”
Acts 7:55-56 states: “55 But filled with the Holy Spirit, he (Stephen) gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God (the Father) and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
In the above passage, Jesus is seen standing at the right hand of God the Father. This act of standing was in honor of Stephen’s powerful testimony and faithfulness, even unto death. Christ stood up for Stephen! Stephen became the first Christian martyr.
Well into the writing of the New Testament and decades after His ascension, Jesus is still seen sitting at the right hand of the Father and awaiting kingly authority. This scriptural fact confirms that the thief could not have been with Christ in His kingdom, on the day of the crucifixion. The thief’s request was that Christ would remember him, when He got into His kingdom. Jesus had not, and would not, be enthroned and inherit the kingdom from His Father, until a future time and date in history.
Christ, The First to Rise From the Dead
The scriptures clearly state that Christ was the first to be raised from the dead, as first fruits to God. He was the first-born among many brethren, to be resurrected to heavenly glory and immortality.
The Apostle Paul stated at Acts 26:22-23: “22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass; 23 that Christ must suffer; and that, by being the first to rise from the dead (first by the resurrection of the dead), He would proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.”
At 1 Corinthians 15:20 & 23 Paul wrote: “20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 23 But each in his own order; Christ the first fruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ.”
The Apostle Paul also wrote at Colossians 1:18: “He (Christ) is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning the first born from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent (first in all things, so that He is first in everything).”
At Romans 8:29 Paul states: “For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He (Christ) might be the first-born among many brethren.”
The above scriptures confirm that Christ was asleep in the grave and was the first rise from the dead. It would have been impossible for the thief to have gone to heaven (as paradise) on that day to be with Jesus. Christ did not rise from the dead, until three days after the crucifixion, and did not ascend to heaven until forty days later. Had the thief entered heaven on the day of the crucifixion, he would have preceded Jesus into heaven as the first to rise from the dead. Instead, both the thief and Christ were at rest or asleep in the grave, awaiting a future resurrection. According to scripture, only Christ is designated “the first-born from the dead” or ” the first to rise from the dead,” that Christ might be preeminent or first in all things. (See Colossians 1:18, previously cited)
It is commonly taught that Christ, being the first-born from the dead, means that He was supreme over the dead and presiding over the dead. While this theology is partly true, in that Christ is given authority by His Father to resurrect and judge the dead, this theology is incomplete and flawed in the light of the above scriptural passages, which clearly state that Christ was the first to rise from the dead. (Rd. John 5:19-29 & Revelation 1:18)
“The Christ must suffer; and that, by being the first to rise from the dead (first by the resurrection of the dead)” Acts 26:23
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. ” 1 Corinthians 15:20
Christ, who was truly dead and asleep in the grave, is now eternal, having been the first to be raised to life and given immortality by His God and Father. Death no longer has dominion over Him as He will never die again.
Note, how once again, the following passages confirm this scriptural fact:
“30 God raised Him from the dead and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him. . . 33 This He fulfilled to us their children, by raising Jesus; as it is written in the 2nd Psalms: ‘Thou art my Son, today I have begotten Thee.’ 34 As for the fact that He (God the Father) raised Him (Jesus) from the dead.” Acts 13:30 & 34″
“9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 The death He died, He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives, He lives to God.” Romans 6:9-10 (Previously cited)
“This Jesus hath God raised up where of we are all witnesses.” Acts 2:32
“Paul an apostle-not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead.” Galatians 1:1
“. . . It is Jesus Christ, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.” Romans 8:34 (Previously cited)
“God (the Father) put this power to work in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:6
Jesus confirmed this scriptural truth, stating: “. . . Once I was dead ( I was dead, I died), but now I am alive forever and ever. I hold the keys to death and the netherworld (death and Hades, the realm of the dead).” Revelation 1:18 (Previously cited)
Christ, having once been dead, is now alive forever (immortal) and has the keys to death and Hades (Hell or the grave).* Christ, having been the first to rise from the dead, now has the authority to resurrect all of the rest of the dead at a future time, including the thief on the cross.
“No One Has Ascended To Heaven”
Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven” (John 3:13).
This is another declaration made by Jesus Christ, that most Christians ignore. Once again, these are the very words of our Lord and Savior. Jesus stated that no one had ascended to heaven, except He who came down from heaven! Yet, millions of Christians will tell you that prior to Jesus, people died and immediately went to heaven. If Christ said that no one had ever gone to heaven, prior to the time that He spoke those words, why would we assume that the thief preceded Christ into heaven? Remember, Christ was dead and buried for three days and three nights and afterward He appeared to His disciples, over a period of forty days, prior to His ascension. The above scriptural passages confirm that Jesus was truly the first to rise from the dead and inherit heavenly glory. It would have been impossible for the thief to have preceded Christ into heaven, as Christ did not ascend to heaven, until forty days after His resurrection. Prior to Jesus’ ascension to heaven, no one, including the thief, had inherited heavenly glory and immortality.
The Resurrection of the Saints
The scriptures go on to reveal, that those who have fallen asleep and belong to Christ are not raised and awarded with heavenly glory, until Christ’s return or coming. The Apostle Paul wrote that those who have fallen asleep in death, the dead in Christ, shall rise first! This takes place at the second coming of the Lord, on the last day. The surviving saints, who are still alive and remaining on earth, will then be caught up (raptured) and changed (transformed) to meet the Lord in the air. Thus, they shall always be with the Lord.
The Apostle Paul refers to the brethren, who had fallen asleep in death, at 1 Corinthians 15:6: “6 After that He (Christ) appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep (in death, have died).”
The Apostle Paul states at 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17: “13 But we do not want you to be uninformed brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain (who are alive, and are left, who are living, who survive) until the coming (appearing, presence) of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep (in death). 16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17 Then we who are alive (are left, still alive) and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
The Apostle Paul affirms the above passage at 1 Corinthians 15:23 &51-52: “23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. . . 51 Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed (transformed), 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed (transformed).”
The above passages clearly state that with the sound of a trumpet blast, the sleeping saints or dead in Christ shall rise first. This takes place at the coming of the Lord, on the last day. Note, Jesus’ promise (stated 4x’s) to all who believe (His disciples), that He would raise them on the last day.
Jesus said at John 6:39-40, 44 &54: “39 And this is the will of Him (My Father) who sent Me, that I should lose nothing of all that He has given Me, but raise it up at the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life; and I will raise him up at (on) the last day. 44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at (on) the last day. 54 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life; and I will raise him (up) at (on) the last day.”
These verses confirm that the deceased saints are not awarded with heavenly glory, until the second coming of Christ. Christ’s return takes place on the last day, at the last trumpet, at the end of the world. This occurs when the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. It is not until Christ returns and begins His reign, that the sleeping saints are resurrected, judged, and awarded with heavenly immortality. It is then that they are finally at home with the Lord and receive their mansions. The judgment begins with the house of God or church! The following verses confirm this:
Jesus, at John 14:2-3 said: “2 In my Father’s house there are many rooms (mansions). . . 3 And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come (back) again (a second time) and take you (home) to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
Hebrews 9:27-28 states: “27 And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes the (certain) judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time (at the end of the world, at the end of the ages, at the end of this old order), not to deal with sin (not to bear sin, not as a sin bearer) but to save those who are eagerly (ardently, constantly, patiently) awaiting Him (looking for, expecting Him).”
The Apostle Paul wrote at 2 Timothy 4:1: “I charge you in the presence of God and of Jesus Christ, who is (destined) to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing (coming) and His kingdom. . .”
Revelation 11:16-18 states: “16 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘ The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever. . . 17 We give thanks to thee, Lord God Almighty, who art and who was, that thou hast taken thy great power and begun to reign. 18 The nations raged but thy wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, for rewarding thy servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear thy name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.'”
The seventh trumpet is the last trumpet, announcing the coming of the Lord. The above passage at Revelation 11:16-18, aligns perfectly with 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. The seventh trumpet of Revelation signifies Christ’s return, the resurrection of the dead, the judgment of the church, and the rewarding of God’s servants, saints, and prophets with heavenly glory. This would include the saints who have been asleep in their graves, and the remaining saints who are still alive on the earth.
2 Corinthians 5:10 states: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what he has done in the body.” (See also Romans 14:10-12)
1 Corinthians 4:5 states: “Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.”
1 Peter 4:17-18 states: “17 For the time has come for the judgment to begin with the household of God (the church); and if it begins with us (we as Christians), what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel (good news) of God? 18 And if the righteous man is scarcely saved (the good man is saved only with difficulty, if it is hard for the upright man to be saved), where will the impious and sinner appear (what will become of the godless man and the sinner)?”
Just prior to his martyrdom, the Apostle Paul wrote: “6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give (award) me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for (loved) His appearing (His coming).” 2 Timothy 4:6-8
The saints, who are raised to life at Christ’s coming, constitute what the scriptures refer to as “the first resurrection.” These saints are the first to be raised and face Christ in the judgment. They will receive their reward, heavenly immortality, when they are raised on the last day at the coming of the Lord. The judgment begins with the household of God! Power of judgment is given them over the rest of humanity and all future resurrected ones. By receiving immortality, the second death has no power or authority over them and they shall reign with Christ for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:4-6 states: “4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom (power of) judgment (judging) was committed (given them). Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life, and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power (authority), but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and they shall reign with Him a thousand years.”
The above verses confirm that the saints or holy ones are not raised to heavenly glory, until the coming of the Lord, on the last day, at the end of the world. These resurrected saints will constitute the first resurrection. Had the thief ascended into heaven on the day he was crucified, he would not only have been the first to be raised ahead of Christ, but also the first to be raised ahead of all the sleeping saints. The saints, who have fallen asleep in Christ, are not resurrected until the last trumpet, which signifies the return of Christ. (See 1 Corinthians 15:6, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16, & 1 Corinthians 15:23 & 51-52, previously cited)
The truth of the original gospel smacks up against the false theology that has been preached for centuries; that Christ and the sleeping saints were resurrected and awarded with heavenly immortality, the very moment they died. This false narrative was devised as a way of consoling family members and friends of the deceased. It was also a carry over from pagan Greek philosophy, which taught that the soul never dies and continues to live on after death. The Bible clearly teaches that the soul dies. Ezekiel 18:4 states: “The soul who sins shall die (the soul that sinneth, shall surely die).” (See Bible Topic: Body, Soul, & Spirit) The original gospel clearly states that Christ was truly dead and rose on the third day. (Matthew 16:21 & 12:40, John 2:18-19 & 21) He poured out His soul unto death! (Isaiah 53:12) His soul was not forsaken in Hades (the grave), neither did His flesh see corruption. (Acts 2:27 & 31) He did not ascend into heaven, until forty days after His resurrection. (Acts 1:3 & 13:30-34) Correspondingly, the dead in Christ (the sleeping saints) are not raised to life, until the coming of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16) This is the first resurrection. Happy and holy is anyone who is part of the first resurrection. (Revelation 20: 4-6) The first resurrection is a major event! It is then, and only then, that the saints are finally at home with the Lord. (John 14: 1-3)
Born Again, in Water & Spirit
1. Jesus stated that a true disciple must be born again of water and Spirit, in order to enter or see the kingdom of God.
Jesus said at John 3:3: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Jesus said at John 3:5: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Jesus said at John 3:7: “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’”
At Acts 2:38, the Apostle Peter exhorted all of those at the festival of Pentecost to: “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
All early Christians were baptized in water and Holy Spirit or born again!
The Apostle Paul at 1 Corinthians 12:13 wrote: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”
The Apostle Paul at Galatians 3:27 stated: “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
At Acts 1:5, Jesus told His disciples: “For John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
The writer of Hebrews refers to these steps in the conversion of every Christian, as elementary teaching or doctrine. These steps were something that each convert would have experienced or been familiar with, along with the resurrection of the dead and the eternal judgment.
Hebrews 6:1-2 confirms this: “1 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching (doctrine) about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.”
Other translations render verse 2 as: “the doctrine of baptism and the laying on of hands,” “the teaching of immersions and the laying on of hands,” “the teaching of ceremonial washings and the laying on of hands.”
Repentance, confession of faith, water baptism, and the laying on of hands to receive the Holy Spirit, were all considered elementary doctrine in the early church. If someone were to deny or reject this doctrine, they would in essence be denying and rejecting the very foundation and theology of the first century church. (See Bible Topic: “Baptism/ Born Again”)
As we have already established, the thief never confessed faith in Jesus as his Lord and Savior, nor did he have a chance to repent of his sins. Correspondingly, he was never born again in water and Spirit, by undergoing water baptism and receiving the out pouring of the Holy Spirit. As a result, he was never a part of the body of Christ, the early Christian church. Had he lived, he may have followed in the footsteps of every early convert, but his life was cut short.
The Communion or Eucharist
Jesus said, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves.” This sacred act is known as the Communion or Eucharist. Jesus then told His disciples, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
Jesus said at John 6:53-54: “53 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. 54 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
That night, Jesus made a covenant with His disciples that they would not eat and drink with Him again, until the kingdom of God had come. They would then sit on thrones in that kingdom and judge the twelve tribes of Israel.
Matthew 26:26-29 tells us: “26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’” (See also Mark 14:22-25)
Luke 22:17-20 states: “17 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, ‘Take this and share it among yourselves; 18 For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.’ 19 And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ 20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.’”
Jesus said at Luke 22:28-30: “28 You are those who have stood by Me in My trials; 29 and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
All early Christians partook of the blood and body of Jesus Christ. In this way, early believers became one body in Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 states: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.”
Early Christians partook of the Lord’s evening meal, in commemoration of Christ’s death and ransom sacrifice. By doing this, they proclaimed the death of the Lord, until He comes again.
Jesus said at Luke 12:19: “. . . do this in remembrance of Me.”
1 Corinthians 11:26 states: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
The thief never repented of his sins or confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior, nor was he baptized or born again in water and Spirit. Similarly, the thief never partook of the communion, the blood and body of Christ. As a result, he was not part of the body of Christ, the early Christian church. The thief asked Jesus to remember him, when He got into His kingdom. This does not mean that he would become part of that kingdom. It is an entirely different matter to enter into a covenant with Christ, receive a crown, be enthroned as a king and priest, rule with Christ for a thousand years, and judge the rest of humanity and angels.
The Apostle Paul at 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 wrote: “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels-to say nothing of ordinary matters?” (See Bible Topic: “Three Basic Scriptural Truths”)
Contrast the thief: who in his dying moments ceased ridiculing Jesus, defended Christ to the other thief, and then asked Jesus to remember him when He got into His kingdom; to an early Christian who repented of their sins, put faith in Christ (confessing Him as their Lord & Savior), immediately got baptized in water & Holy Spirit, embraced and understood the gospel, preached and taught the gospel to others, partook of the communion, and died as a martyr for their faith.
Who do you think would be competent to judge the world and angels: a penitent thief, who in his dying moments requested that Jesus remember him when He got into His kingdom; or a born again, baptized, spirit begotten saint, who confessed Christ as their Savior, preached and taught the gospel, partook of the communion, and was faithful unto death?
- The bread is a representation of Christ’s flesh.
- The wine is a representation of Christ’s blood.
- The partaking of the wine and bread establishes a covenant with Christ and the believer; to receive forgiveness for their sins, and to eat and drink with Christ in His kingdom. The saints (who are partakers) receive both enthronement and power of judging, in the kingdom of God.
- Those who partake of the wine (the blood) and the bread (the flesh) of Christ, become one body in Christ.
“What About the Thief?”
This has become the battle cry of many contemporary Christians. Many modern day, self proclaimed, Christians use this as a slogan or excuse, not to be baptized or to preach the gospel. They insist that all a person has to do is say that they believe and that anything beyond this is a work, even if it is a direct commandment and divine commission from our Lord and Savior. They fail to delineate that the thief never confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior, but instead, requested that Jesus remember him when he got into His kingdom. They fail to tell others that up until his dying moments, the thief was initially bashing Jesus with the other thief. How ironic it is that we never find in Holy Scripture, any evidence that the early Christians used this same argument that is so common today, “What about the thief?” This slogan is used as an excuse by contemporary Christians, for not getting baptized in water and Spirit or preaching and teaching the gospel. In contrast, early Christians repented and confessed Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and immediately got baptized in water and Holy Spirit. They obeyed the divine commission to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them, til the end of the age.
Early documentation reveals that unless someone was baptized (born again in water & Holy Spirit) they were not allowed to partake of the Lord’s evening meal (the Eucharist). They were not part of the church.
The Didache, an early Christian document states:
“No one is to eat or drink of your Eucharist but those who have been baptized in the Name of the Lord; for the Lord’s own saying applies here, ‘Give not that which is holy unto dogs.'”
Justin Martyr (100-165 CE) also wrote concerning the Eucharist, that it only be dispensed to baptized believers, who were living as Christ directed:
“And this food by us is called the Eucharist, of which no one is allowed to partake but he who believes the truth of our doctrines; and who has been washed (baptized) in the laver for forgiveness of sins, and to regeneration; and who so lives, as Christ has directed.”
These early Christian writings reveal the emphasis that the early Christians placed on being baptized in water, before partaking of the communion. Certainly, no one off the street or for that matter an unbeliever would have been allowed to partake of the sacraments (the wine & bread), which is so common in churches today. To partake of the Eucharist, one had to believe in the true doctrine. They would have also been washed (baptized) in the water for forgiveness of sins, and regenerated or born again. It was also expected that those partaking be living their lives as Christ directed.
Jesus commissioned (commanded) His followers to:
Matthew 28:19-20: “19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age (world).”
Mark 16:15-16: “15 And He (Jesus) said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.’”
Upon receiving salvation, the early believer showed his love for God and Christ by keeping the commandments.
At John 14:15, Jesus said: “If you love me, you will keep My commandments.”
At John 15:10, Jesus said: “If you obey my commands (keep my commandments), you will remain (abide) in my love, just as I have obeyed (kept) my Father’s commands (commandments) and remain (abide) in His love.”
1 John 5:3 states: “For this is the love of God, that we keep (obey) His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”
At Mathew 7:24-27, Jesus said: “24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them (does them), may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock (Jesus Christ). 25 And the rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. 26 and everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act upon them (does not do them), will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house, and it fell, and great was its fall.”
Narrow is the Gate, With Few being Saved
Adding to all of the above scriptural truth, the scriptures make it plain that to enter the kingdom of God it would be extremely difficult, even for a righteous man, a born again, spirit begotten, baptized saint. This theology is contrary to what is commonly taught in so many churches today. Jesus said that many would be called, but few chosen. Broad and spacious would be the road to destruction, with many on it; whereas narrow and cramped the road leading to life, with few finding it. Only those doing the will of the Father would enter into the kingdom. Many would be saying, “Lord, Lord,” and doing powerful works in Jesus’ name, and still be rejected. Note, Jesus’ own words in the following passages:
Jesus said at Matthew 22:14: “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Jesus said at Matthew 7:13-14: “13 Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.”
Luke 13:22-24 states: “22 Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as He made His way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked Him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, 24 ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door (force yourselves through it, strain every nerve to get in, struggle to get in, do your utmost to get in, vie with each other to come in, exert yourselves vigorously); for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.'” (See also 1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
The Apostle Peter wrote, at 1 Peter 4:17-18: “17 For the time has come for the judgment to begin with the household of God (the church); and if it begins with us (we as Christians), what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel (good news) of God? 18 And if the righteous man is scarcely saved (the good man is saved only with difficulty, if it is hard for the upright man to be saved), where will the impious and sinner appear (what will become of the godless man and the sinner)?” (Previously cited)
Jesus also said: “Not everyone saying to me, “Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom, but the one who is doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ And yet then I will confess to them, ‘I never knew you, get away from me you workers of lawlessness.'” Matthew 7:21-23
Jesus said: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13
In Conclusion
Even though he was never part of the church, the thief on the cross will be back in a future resurrection and have the prospect of receiving his reward. The fact that he had a change of heart and defended Christ in his dying moments, will act in his favor. He (the thief) entered into a paradisaic state with God, upon expiring. The Bible tells us, there is going to be a resurrection of the good and the bad, the righteous and the unrighteous, following the thousand year reign of Christ. This resurrection culminates, in what is known as the Great White Throne judgment. When this judgment occurs, Christ is depicted as being seated on His throne and ruling as the Messianic King in His kingdom. He is no longer sitting at the right hand of the Father! The saints, who were part of the first resurrection, are now assisting Christ in the judgment of both the world and angels. All of the rest of mankind, those who were never part of the church, will be resurrected to face Christ and be judged according to their deeds or the things done in their former lifetimes.
The Second Resurrection
As was stated above, the rest of the dead are not resurrected until after the thousand year reign of Christ has ended. All of the rest of humanity, those who do not comprise the church, will be resurrected and face Christ in “the Great White Throne Judgment.” This is the final resurrection!
Revelation 20:5 states: “The rest of the dead did not come to life until after the thousand years have ended. . .”
Revelation 20:11-12 states: “11 And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it. . . 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Also another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, by what they had done.”
These verses, along with the many other passages of scripture already considered, consolidate that the rest of the dead are asleep in their graves and await a future resurrection and judgment at the end of the thousand year reign of Christ. (See John 14:11-15, Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2 & 13, John 5:21, 28-29, previously cited)
The books or scrolls that are opened will provide a record, documenting all of the deeds that were done in the former lives of those resurrected. After the judgment has been completed, those judged worthy will either receive life (having their names written in the book of life) or eternal damnation (not having their names found in the book of life) and cast into the lake of fire for all eternity.
It should be noted that the “Great White Throne Judgment” is just that, a judgment! It is not a court of damnation for all of those who have been resurrected out of hades (hell or the grave) and the oceans (the watery deep). This resurrection will include millions of people from throughout history and also the thief on the cross. Many of those who are resurrected may have never heard the gospel, concerning our Lord Jesus Christ. They may have lived exemplary past lives, without ever knowing the true God and the One whom He sent forth, Jesus Christ. (See John 17:3)
It would make no sense for Christ to resurrect such ones out of Hades (Hell or the grave) and the waters (the sea), only to have them face certain execution and damnation without a fair trial. That this is a just trial and judgment, with Christ presiding as supreme judge, is evident from scripture. This will be an earthly judgment. Although not part of the heavenly calling or church, those who are resurrected will have the prospect of living forever on a new earth.*
Isaiah 11:2-5 states: “2 And the Spirit of the LORD (Yahweh) shall rest upon Him (Christ), the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD (Yahweh). 3 And His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what His eyes see, or decide by what His ears hear, 4 but with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of His loins.”
In the book of Revelation, John is then given a vision of a new heavens and new earth. The bride of Christ (the church or new Jerusalem) comes down out of heaven to the earth. The tent of God will be with mankind and He will dwell with them. John envisions a new earth in which tears, death, mourning, and pain will be no more. God will make all things new, the former things things have passed away. The meek will inherit the earth.
Revelation 21:1-5 states: “1 Then I saw a new heavens and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.* 2 And I saw the holy city new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; 3 and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them; 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.’ 5 And He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.”‘
Jesus own words confirm this, at Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
Jesus own words also confirm this, at Matthew 6:10: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
During the Great White Throne Judgment, more than one scroll will be opened, by which to judge the resurrected dead. There is scriptural evidence indicating that these scrolls are the book of memory, the book of deeds, and the book of life. (See Malachi 3:16 & Revelation 20:5 & 12)
As was stated in the above verses, the dead are judged by their deeds or by what they had done in their former lifetimes.
Note, Jesus’ own words at John 5:25-29: “25 Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; 27 and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice. 29 and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.”
At Romans 2:14-16, the Apostle Paul states: “14 When Gentiles (people of the nations) who do not have the [divine] Law do by nature (instinctively) what the Law requires, they are a law to (unto) themselves, even though they do not have the Law. 15 They show that what the law requires is written in their hearts (is operating there), while their consciences (their sense of right and wrong) also bears witness; and their conflicting thoughts (their condemning or approving thoughts) accuse or perhaps excuse them. 16 On that day when, according to my Gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. (God by Jesus Christ will judge men in regard to the things which they conceal, their hidden thoughts).” *
As Jesus stated, those who did good deeds will come forth from their tombs to a resurrection of life, those who did evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. The Apostle Paul reveals that people of the nations (the Gentiles), who did not know divine law, will be judged by their hearts, their consciences, and their thoughts; on that day when God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. After standing before a fair and just tribunal, the dead are either given life or sentenced to eternal damnation. The following verses are recommended reading concerning the judgment. (Rd. Isaiah 11:1-5, John 5:28-30, Romans 2:6, Romans 2:14-16, Acts 17:30-31, Acts 24:14-15, & 2 Corinthians 5:10) *
Paradise & the New Earth
Having been in a paradisaic state, the resurrected thief will be shown divine favor during this judgment for having defended Jesus in his dying moments. Jesus will remember him when He is enthroned in His kingdom. The thief will then have the prospect of living forever with Christ in His kingdom, on a new earth. What may have been the result of an error in translating scripture, will at that future time be revealed.
“42 And he (the thief) said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ 43 And Jesus said to him, ‘Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise.'” Luke 23:42-43
At Revelation 22:1-2, it states that a river of life will flow from the throne of God and the Lamb through the street of the holy city (New Jerusalem); and the leaves of the tree of life will be for the healing of the nations, those occupants of the new earth. The words of the Lord’s prayer will be fulfilled, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Paradise or Eden will be established here on earth, just as it is in heaven. (See Matthew 6:9-10, previously cited)
“1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life, with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” (See also Revelation 20:7-10, which confirms that there will be human inhabitants and nations on earth, following the 1,000 year reign of Christ)
The following verses define what paradise will be like, for those destined to inherit the earth.
Isaiah 2:1-4: “In the latter days, the mountain of the LORD (God’s kingdom) will be established over the whole earth. Nations and peoples will stream to it and will be taught by the LORD. They will never again learn war any more.” (See also Micah 4:1-4)
Isaiah 11:1-9: “Christ (the stem or root of Jesse) will judge in righteousness and fairness in behalf of the meek of the earth and with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. The wolf and the lamb, the leopard and the kid, the calf and the young lion, and the cow and the bear, shall feed and lie down as one. A young child shall lead them all and a weaned child shall play on the den or hole of the venomous snake. They shall cause no harm or ruin in all my holy mountain saith the LORD. The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD (Yahweh) as the waters cover the sea.”
Isaiah 65:20-25: “There will be a blessing of longevity, productivity, peace, tranquility, and security for the earth’s inhabitants, as well as the domestication of the animal kingdom. Although a hundred years of age, one will die as a mere boy; and as for the sinner, although a hundred years of age, he will have evil called down upon him. They shall build houses and inhabit them, and they shall plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of my people. They shall not labor in vain or bring forth children for sudden terror or calamity. Their offspring and descendants shall be the blessed of the LORD. The wolf and the lamb shall feed as one, the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall cause no ruin or hurt in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD (Yahweh).”
Psalms 37:9-11, 29: The evildoers will be cut off from the earth, but the meek ones themselves will possess the earth and reside forever upon it.
Psalms 45:16: In place of the forefathers there will come to be sons who will be princes in the earth. (See also Isaiah 32:1-2)
Psalms 46:8-11: The LORD will make wars to cease to the ends of the earth and will destroy all weapons.
Proverbs 2:21-22: The upright or meek will inherit the earth and the wicked will be torn away from it.
Hosea 2:18: The LORD will make a covenant with all creatures and abolish war from the earth.
Isaiah 65:17: There will be a new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not come to mind.
Isaiah 25:6-8: The LORD will prepare a banquet for all peoples and swallow up death forever. He will take away the reproach from His people and wipe away all tears from their faces.
*Definition of hades (Hebrew, sheol; English, hell) translated grave, pit, or death. The underworld or region of the departed spirits. The intermediate state between death and a future resurrection. The subterranean abode or resting place of the dead. Webster’s Bible Dictionary, Unger’s Bible Dictionary
*Some theologians & scholars have speculated that the verses found at Daniel 12:2 & 13, might indicate the possibility of a third resurrection, comprised of the faithful men of the Old Testament. If this were so, such a resurrection would most likely occur during the 1,000 year reign of Christ. Faithful men such as King David and John the Baptist would then receive their reward on earth, during the millennium. This would be prior to the final resurrection of the rest of the dead and the Great White Throne Judgment, which takes place after the thousand years have ended.
*Red print is for variations of scriptural passages and/or for clarification.