This week we will draw to a close the six foundational principles found in Hebrews chapter 6. Remember, these are simply the foundations and not the whole of Christianity. These are where you start, not where you stop. As you grow in your relationship with God by reading The Word, praying, going to church, etc.; you will receive more and more revelation of the deeper things of God. Always be satisfied with God, but never be content to stay where you are in your relationship with Him. Seek Him; hunger for Him; long to learn more of Him. You will never be disappointed.

The last two doctrines are the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. These, like the others, are foundational to the faith. Regardless of your theology concerning the end times, two things are for certain: 1. All men will be raised from the dead 2. All men will be eternally judged (Dan 12:2, Jn 5:28-29).

Paul taught that the resurrection of the dead is so foundational to the Christian faith, that if it were not true, our whole life is in vain (worthless) (1Cor 15:13-19). Had Jesus not risen from the dead, He would have been a liar (Mk 8:31); and Christianity would have never existed. If they would have just produced the body of Jesus, they could have destroyed Christianity before it even started! Of course, they could not produce His body, because He is risen!

There are two resurrections in Scripture. The first resurrection and the second resurrection. You definitely want to be in the first resurrection; and you definitely do not want to be in the second resurrection. The Bible says in Rev 20:6 that he that has part in the first resurrection is blessed and holy. The first resurrection consist of Jesus Himself (Mk 16:6); some Old Testament saints (Mt 27:50-53); The catching away (rapture) of the church (1Cor 15:51-52, 1Thess 4:13-18); the tribulation martyrs (Rev 20:4-6); All whose names are written in the book of life (Rev 21:27).

The second resurrection is at the Great White Throne judgment. If you are at this resurrection, it means your name is not written in the Book of Life, and you will at this point be eternally judged based on your works. How do we know the Lake of Fire is eternal? Because the Bible says the torment is day and night, forever and ever (Rev 20:10).

The Judgment Seat of Christ is where Christians will appear; but it is not determining salvation. If you’re there, you are already saved. Rather, this is for our rewards for things done unto The Lord out of a pure heart. This is called gold, silver, precious stones. The works that will burn are called wood, hay, & stubble. These are carnal things we do: not only transgressions, but religious things done with a wrong motive (1Cor 3:12-15, 2Cor 5:10, 1Sam 16:7).

We have already determined that we will be raised from the dead, and we will be eternally judged. The only question is this: What resurrection will you be in; and where will you spend eternity? Those that have repented and put their faith in Jesus, have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. They will be in the first resurrection, and their eternity will be with Christ Jesus forever. Those that have rejected Jesus, will not have their names written in the Book of Life. They will be judged according to their works (which will always fall short {Rom 3:23}); and they will spend eternity in the lake of fire in torment forever.

The choice is yours. Simple as that. If you’re not saved, get saved now. Call on Jesus. Repent. Believe. Be aware of this: If you do refuse to be saved, you will be reminded of this opportunity forever in Hell (Lk 16:19-31). In the name of Jesus, don’t go there! Be born again, and until next time, rejoice in the Lord (Phip 4:4)!