"AND THE SEA GAVE UP THE DEAD"
The words of the vision show that the dead of every generation, of every clime and country, no matter how or when they met their death will be awakened before that thousand-year day is over. The Scriptures in referring to this awakening imply that they will come forth, not all at the same time, but in companies or bands.
On the statement, "And the sea gave up Those Dead which were in it," the Pastor very truly says: "The succeeding verse is in harmony, and says that 'the sea [the masses of mankind not under religious restraint] delivered up the dead which were in it;' that is to say mankind will be taken out of THAT CONDITION, and brought under the restraints of the great white Throne. Consequently, when all are restrained there will be 'no more sea' See Jude 13; James 1:6.--'And death and the tomb delivered up the dead which were in them, and they were judged every man according to their works.' (I.e. during that Age or Day)"--Z March '82-8
Thus we see the TRUE symbolic meaning of the statement “the sea (the unrestrained class or condition) gave up the dead (those still under the death sentence, under condemnation) who were in it”, this is not to say that the literal seas as well as earth will not give up the dead who perished in them as well.
Concerning some of the features of the judgment assize, we have these words:
"The Greek word here rendered judged has the significance of tried or tested. Paul's use of the same word will prove this. We here give a quotation in which he uses the same word (krino) three times: We italicize the words translated from this Greek word.
“Dare any of you, having a matter against another, (1) go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints (2) will judge the world? And if the world (3) will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?” (1 Cor 6:1, 2)
"Here Paul refers to the coming trial of the world when the over-comers of the present trial, shall be their judges-judges, who like their Head, Jesus, will not only be able to assist the world as the kings, but also to sympathize with them-having been themselves tempted in all points…
"This trial includes the entire world (but [of course] not the saints-John 5:24), and is indeed the grand prospect held out before them. By means of that trial, the entire groaning creation may be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty (freedom from death) of the sons of God."--Z March '82-8.
WHATSOEVER A MAN SOWS THAT SHALL HE ALSO REAP
Concerning how the present conduct, deeds, etc., evil or good, will affect the world in that trial day, the Scriptures are clear. The principles that will be in operation at that time are embodied in the words of Christ, to those who dwelt in the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum:
“Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the Day of Judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the Day of Judgment than for you.”– (Matt 11:20-24)
We learn from these words of our Savior that those who have opportunities now and neglect them will need and receive the severer chastening in that thousand year trial day. We can see that in that day the punishments (chastisements) will be in proportion to past guilt, but will be for correction. The following we believe is well stated:
"Every sin indulged in now, every evil propensity cultivated, hardens the heart, and will make the way back to purity and virtue at that time all the more difficult. On this account sins willfully indulged in now will require punishment in that trial day of the world; and the more deeply a person is dyed in willful sin now, the more severe will-be the measures required on the part of the great judge to correct them (NOTE: not to destroy them, but to correct them, if they so will).
As stated:
"These punishments, however, will be corrective and will be designed for their discipline, even as the christening of God to those now on trial to be His sons, are for their correction and, development in holiness.
"God's punishments at that time will always be administered in justice, tempered with mercy and they will be relieved by His approval and reward to those who are exercised aright by them. And it will only be when punishments, instructions and encouragements fail; in short when God's mercy and love have done all that His wisdom will approve (and who could ask more than this) that any in that great day will meet the final capital punishment that his case demands-the Second Death.
"The character of the judge [Christ] who will superintend the judgment or trial of the world assures us of a just and righteous judgment."
Continued with next post.
