Paul claimed 3 times that Revelation 20:4 was a current reality.

[CadyandZoe]

Physical martyrdom!

No, that is what it actually is. John says they were endowed with life. If the martyrdom is literal, then so is the rising from the dead.

 

[rwb]

No, that is what it actually is. John says they were endowed with life. If the martyrdom is literal, then so is the rising from the dead.

Yes, the physical resurrection at the last day of this age will be literal. And I'm certain these martyred saints will confirm they were literally, physically martyred for their faith. What you don't seem to understand is that whosoever is in Christ need have no fear of physical death. Because physical death has NO POWER over them. When believers die, we die IN CHRIST, and just as death could not hold Him, neither can it hold all who physically die IN HIM. Why? Because death no longer has power over all who are in Christ. That's why Christ tells us "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Mt 10:28) These martyred saints John tells us had in life/time (a thousand years) part of the first resurrection and are called blessed and holy. The blessed and holy of vs 6 are of the first resurrection and have overcome the second death, that is the lake of fire. Even those who are in Christ physically die because physical death won't end until the last day of this Gospel age (a thousand symbolic years) and Christ comes again with immortality and incorruption for all who are found in Him.

Revelation 20:6 (KJV) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

 

[CadyandZoe]

Yes, the physical resurrection at the last day of this age will be literal. And I'm certain these martyred saints will confirm they were literally, physically martyred for their faith. What you don't seem to understand is that whosoever is in Christ need have no fear of physical death. Because physical death has NO POWER over them. When believers die, we die IN CHRIST, and just as death could not hold Him, neither can it hold all who physically die IN HIM. Why? Because death no longer has power over all who are in Christ. That's why Christ tells us "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Mt 10:28) These martyred saints John tells us had in life/time (a thousand years) part of the first resurrection and are called blessed and holy. The blessed and holy of vs 6 are of the first resurrection and have overcome the second death, that is the lake of fire. Even those who are in Christ physically die because physical death won't end until the last day of this Gospel age (a thousand symbolic years) and Christ comes again with immortality and incorruption for all who are found in Him.

Revelation 20:6 (KJV) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

During the church age, only the martyrs are endowed with life?

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

Isn't the first resurrection recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4?

No, it's recorded here:

Acts 26:22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

The resurrection recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4 is the next resurrection in order after the first resurrection, which was Christ's resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

 

[rwb]

During the church age, only the martyrs are endowed with life?

If you mean life through the Spirit in them, I agree! When we possess this life through His Spirit in us the life we have through Him is eternal, and shall never end.

 

[Timtofly]

Physical martyrdom!

Only those martyred get resurrected? What about those who die of old age, or killed, not martyred?

 

[Timtofly]

No, it's recorded here:

Acts 26:22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

The resurrection recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4 is the next resurrection in order after the first resurrection, which was Christ's resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

You still have to identify these beheaded as with Christ in that first resurrection. John never states a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th resurrection.

These beheaded souls are given that first resurrection, not any other resurrection.

Being the first to be resurrected is not the implication in Revelation 20:4. John is specific in saying these beheaded had the first resurrection experience.

Besides those in the last 1992 years reigning with Christ were given the second birth. They were born into the family of God. That prevented them from ever tasting death again. This eternal reign is because of the second birth, not a first resurrection.

You are literally postponing everlasting life, even to those who were spiritually born from above.

But yet you deny a first resurrection to all those who have been given a physical bodily resurrection into Paradise. Pretty sure they are enjoying their permanent incorruptible physical body right now, despite you denying that fact.

I am curious, that God forbid, you pass on into Paradise, are you going to turn down that permanent incorruptible physical body, and tell God you would rather wait until the Second Coming?

Those in Thessalonica and Corinth had heard about a resurrection, and thought they had missed out on it, being still here on earth. Paul was explaining they did not. Paul never claimed it never happened. He went on to explain the future Second Coming. Paul never used the words, "first resurrection". He did explain that all in Christ are resurrected first, and no one on earth could prevent that.

All experience the first resurrection upon the soul leaving this dead physical body. 2 Corinthians 5:1.

 

[rwb]

Only those martyred get resurrected? What about those who die of old age, or killed, not martyred?

They were martyred because they had partaken of the resurrection of Christ while still alive. Christ is the first resurrection we must partake of to live with Christ in heaven after death. Not every believer is martyred for their faith. That does not mean they are not part of the resurrection of Christ, the first resurrection when they have been born again, and therefore have no fear of the second death. John is not seeing the full embodiment of believers in heaven. Only those who have been martyred after having partaken of the resurrection life of Christ.

 

[Brakelite]

False Teachings From 7th Day Adventist Ellen G. White The (False Prophetess)

KJV 1 Thessalonians 4:16
16 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:

KJV Daniel 12:1-2
1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

KJV Jude 1:9
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee .

Twice "archangel" is mentioned in scripture. Both times in connection with resurrection.

5 times Michael is mentioned as chief Prince, head of all the angels, and again once in direct connection with a resurrection.

KJV Revelation 12:10
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
KJV Revelation 12:7
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.

KJV Joshua 5:14
14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
KJV Joshua 5:15
15 And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

Compare scripture with scripture.

 

[Truth7t7]

KJV 1 Thessalonians 4:16
16 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:

KJV Daniel 12:1-2
1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

KJV Jude 1:9
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee .

Twice "archangel" is mentioned in scripture. Both times in connection with resurrection.

5 times Michael is mentioned as chief Prince, head of all the angels, and again once in direct connection with a resurrection.

KJV Revelation 12:10
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
KJV Revelation 12:7
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.

KJV Joshua 5:14
14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
KJV Joshua 5:15
15 And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

Compare scripture with scripture.

Michael isn't Jesus, it's a false teaching of 7th Day Adventism's Ellen G. White the (False Prophetess)

Did Ellen G White have 2,000+ dreams and visions given by God "Absolutely Not"

1.) Michael isn't Jesus

2.) Soul Sleep is a false doctrine

3.) Sunday Observance isn't the mark of the beast

4.) Ellen G. White didn't have 2,000+ dreams and visions given by God as she claimed

 

[Timtofly]

They were martyred because they had partaken of the resurrection of Christ while still alive. Christ is the first resurrection we must partake of to live with Christ in heaven after death. Not every believer is martyred for their faith. That does not mean they are not part of the resurrection of Christ, the first resurrection when they have been born again, and therefore have no fear of the second death. John is not seeing the full embodiment of believers in heaven. Only those who have been martyred after having partaken of the resurrection life of Christ.

They were given the first resurrection after physically dying. Why do you keep changing the Word of God? John is not seeing any one in Paradise. He is seeing beheaded souls taking part in the first resurrection to a permanent incorruptible physical body, to live on earth. All these changes to the Word of God. This birth that is spiritual is the second birth, not the first resurrection. Changing the meanings and terms to support an eschatology is not interpretation. It is the formation of doctrine that is not aligned with Scripture.

 

[rwb]

They were given the first resurrection after physically dying. Why do you keep changing the Word of God? John is not seeing any one in Paradise. He is seeing beheaded souls taking part in the first resurrection to a permanent incorruptible physical body, to live on earth. All these changes to the Word of God. This birth that is spiritual is the second birth, not the first resurrection. Changing the meanings and terms to support an eschatology is not interpretation. It is the formation of doctrine that is not aligned with Scripture.

No they physically died because they had partaken of the resurrection of Christ, Who is the "first resurrection". Why do you keep denying that one must partake of the resurrection of Christ to have eternal life? John sees beheaded LIVING; i.e spiritual life, souls in heaven after they had physically died on earth, because in life (a thousand symbolic years) they had partaken in the resurrection life of Christ. To partake of the "first resurrection" is to be born again of His Spirit. "Ye must be born again", in Christ, Who says,

John 11:25-26 (KJV) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

 

[Brakelite]

Michael isn't Jesus, it's a false teaching of 7th Day Adventism's Ellen G. White the (False Prophetess)

Did Ellen G White have 2,000+ dreams and visions given by God "Absolutely Not"

1.) Michael isn't Jesus

2.) Soul Sleep is a false doctrine

3.) Sunday Observance isn't the mark of the beast

4.) Ellen G. White didn't have 2,000+ dreams and visions given by God as she claimed

What a curious response. One glib denial of the original idea without explanation or reasoning, and some unsubstantiated unrelated statements irrelevant to the discussion. A post reflective of a personal animosity and prejudice rather than anything derived from biblical studies.

 

[Brakelite]

False Prophetess

So either you
A. aren't watching the news, or
B. You haven't read anything she wrote.

 

[Brakelite]

So what do you think happens after death?

Sleep. Human life in this sinful world is fragile and transitory (Isa. 40:1–8). Nothing infected by sin can be eternal by nature. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Rom. 5:12, NKJV). Death is the natural consequence of sin, which affects all life here.

On this matter, there are two important biblical concepts. One is that human beings and animals both die. As stated by King Solomon, “ ‘Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. . . . All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return’ ” (Eccles. 3:19, 20, NIV).

The second concept is that the physical death of a person implies the cessation of his or her existence as a living soul (Hebrew nephesh). In Genesis 2:16, 17, God had warned Adam and Eve that if they should ever sin, by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they would die.

Echoing this warning, the Lord reinforced the point in Ezekiel 18:4, 20: “ ‘The soul who sins shall die’ ” (NKJV). This statement has two main implications. One is that since all human beings are sinners, all of us are under the unavoidable process of aging and dying (Rom. 3:9–18, 23). Another implication is that this biblical concept makes void the popular notion of a supposed natural immortality of the soul. If the soul is immortal and exists alive in another realm after death, then we don’t really die after all, do we?
In contrast, the biblical solution for the dilemma of death is not a bodiless soul migrating either into Paradise or into purgatory, or even into hell. The solution is indeed the final resurrection of those who died in Christ. As Jesus stated in His sermon on the Bread of Life, “ ‘Everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day’ ” (John 6:40, NKJV).

 

[Brakelite]

L

First that is an assumption, and second Michael doesn't raise anyone from the dead only God can do that.

Have you ever read concerning the voice of the archangel?

 

[rwb]

Sleep. Human life in this sinful world is fragile and transitory (Isa. 40:1–8). Nothing infected by sin can be eternal by nature. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Rom. 5:12, NKJV). Death is the natural consequence of sin, which affects all life here.

On this matter, there are two important biblical concepts. One is that human beings and animals both die. As stated by King Solomon, “ ‘Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. . . . All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return’ ” (Eccles. 3:19, 20, NIV).

The second concept is that the physical death of a person implies the cessation of his or her existence as a living soul (Hebrew nephesh). In Genesis 2:16, 17, God had warned Adam and Eve that if they should ever sin, by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they would die.

Echoing this warning, the Lord reinforced the point in Ezekiel 18:4, 20: “ ‘The soul who sins shall die’ ” (NKJV). This statement has two main implications. One is that since all human beings are sinners, all of us are under the unavoidable process of aging and dying (Rom. 3:9–18, 23). Another implication is that this biblical concept makes void the popular notion of a supposed natural immortality of the soul. If the soul is immortal and exists alive in another realm after death, then we don’t really die after all, do we?
In contrast, the biblical solution for the dilemma of death is not a bodiless soul migrating either into Paradise or into purgatory, or even into hell. The solution is indeed the final resurrection of those who died in Christ. As Jesus stated in His sermon on the Bread of Life, “ ‘Everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day’ ” (John 6:40, NKJV).

While I find much agreement in your biblical understanding of the physical body of all life on earth, you seem to have no understanding of the spirit or breath of life that every living creature upon this earth must have to be a complete soul. God took the clay (dust of the earth) and formed outer man (physical body), then He breathed His breath of life (spirit) into man and man then (possessing both body & spirit) became a living soul. Then God placed man (male & female) in the garden and commanded them not to eat of the forbidden tree, and if they did not obey Him they would die. We all know the story about how sin and death through sin entered into God's creation at that point.

Since God promised death if man disobeyed Him, why didn't humanity die as God promised they would?

 

[CadyandZoe]

If you mean life through the Spirit in them, I agree! When we possess this life through His Spirit in us the life we have through Him is eternal, and shall never end.

I think you may be using "life" in two different senses. Are you?

 

[rwb]

I think you may be using "life" in two different senses. Are you?

Man (male & female) possessing the faith of Christ are promised eternal life through Him even though we die. The eternal life Christ gives those of faith is not physical but spiritual, and comes not through natural birth, but supernaturally being born again, born from above through His Spirit in us. While the physical body is ordained to die even for those of faith, the supernatural life we receive through His Spirit in us when we are born again NEVER dies. That's why Christ says, the one who lives (physically) and believes (has faith) in Him shall NEVER die. Christ would not promise the life we have through Him is eternal if physical death keeps us from being with Him after our body returns to the dust from which it came.

 

[CadyandZoe]

Man (male & female) possessing the faith of Christ are promised eternal life through Him even though we die. The eternal life Christ gives those of faith is not physical but spiritual, and comes not through natural birth, but supernaturally being born again, born from above through His Spirit in us. While the physical body is ordained to die even for those of faith, the supernatural life we receive through His Spirit in us when we are born again NEVER dies. That's why Christ says, the one who lives (physically) and believes (has faith) in Him shall NEVER die. Christ would not promise the life we have through Him is eternal if physical death keeps us from being with Him after our body returns to the dust from which it came.

Doesn't Paul argue that we will be resurrected and move from corruptibility to incorruptibility? 1 Corinthians 15 Then how to you say that Eternal life is not physical?