Part 5: The Righteous
12. Will Christ raise the righteous dead?
“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep***. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16 (For further study see John 5:28 and 1 Corinthians 15:52 .)
13. Will God give us new bodies?
“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 (For further study see Philippians 3:21 and Job 19:26.)
Note: God hates sin, but He loves the sinner. Only those who cling to their sin will be among the lost when Jesus returns. They would not be happy in heaven. Heaven would be an eternal hell for them. “…As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” Ezekiel 33:11. Just as God pleaded with ancient Israel so He pleads with all sinners. Through Christ we can be victorious.
14. What is the character of the righteous?
“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14 (For further study see Matthew 25:34-40.)
15. How will the righteous react to Christ’s second coming?
“Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.” Isaiah 66:5 (For further study see Isaiah 25:9.)