We are studying the eternal destiny of all men, according to the Bible.
2) People
in the New Testament time, by which we mean those who death occurred after
the resurrection of Christ, but before the rapture of the Church.
a) Saints:
Upon death they enter into the presence of the Lord in heaven (2 Cor.
5:1-8). At the time of the catching away
of the Church (1 Th. 4:13-18) there is a resurrection (i.e. they receive their
glorified bodies for eternity), as do those who are still alive at who go to be
with Christ. It may be that the OT saints
also receive their resurrected bodies at this time although the Bible is not
clear.
b) Wicked:
As with all the wicked, upon death they enter into Hades in the place of
torment, awaiting their final judgment at the Great White Throne.
3) People
who die during the seven years of tribulation.
a) Saints:
Upon death, most by martyrdom, these believers enter into heaven. Rev. 6:9-11 speaks of the souls of those
who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held
as being under the throne of God where they cry out for God to avenge their
blood. They rest until those martyred in
the tribulation period join them.
i) Rev.
20:4-6 speaks of the “first resurrection” as being a blessed event. This “event” includes the time when the OT
saints are resurrected as well as the time of the rapture when NT saints
receive their bodies, and finally the time when the tribulation saints receive
their glorified bodies. It is the “first”
resurrection because it involves all the saints. As Jesus pointed out, both the saints and the
wicked will be resurrected, given bodies fit for eternity.
b) Wicked:
Again, they are in Hades in torment until the time of judgment.
4) People
who die during Jesus’ earthly kingdom.
At the end of the great tribulation Jesus will return to establish His
kingdom. We believe that all who are
still alive on earth, the saved nation of Israel (Rom. 11:26-27) and many
Gentiles will all be people who have bowed the knee to Jesus as King of Kings
and Lord of Lords. But during the Millennium,
while Satan will be bound and Jesus will rule in righteousness, there will be
people born, some of whom will not submit themselves to Christ. People will live extraordinary long lives,
but even saints will die during this time.
a) Saints:
We believe that, upon death, they will receive their glorified bodies (a
continuation of the first resurrection) and will join with other glorified
saints with Christ in His kingdom.
b) Wicked:
Again, their abode at death is in Hades, awaiting their judgment.
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