Posted by Gary [GLamotta] on April 02, 1999 at 18:17:22 {ppHCdFLRUMMSSTtTA17sboLUiPtahc}:
In Reply to: *JOSEPH; INCORRUPTIBLE SURPRISE posted by Joseph Malik on April 02, 1999 at 08:12:33:
Dear Joseph,
Sorry, but I disagree that the first resurrection and the resurrection of the 144,000 is the same as the general resurrection. These 144,000 have to become the Bride of Christ and will join him in Heaven eventually. That is not what is going to happen to everyone as there will be those who remain perfect on the earth. So there is a difference.
Furthermore, it can be interpreted that Paul's discussion of the resurrection was specifically for the anointed ones and not pertaining to the general resurrection.
The main point I wanted you to see is that the first resurrection is in phases and the first phase is a fleshly phase. Those who are resurrected have to take on a fleshy body again first.
So as 1 Corinthians 15:46 says regarding the phases of the resurrection: Nevertheless, the first is, not that which is spiritual, but that which is physical, AFTERWARD that which is spiritual."
Incidentally, that proves right there this is the first resurrection since the second resurrection only involves being resurrected again in the flesh and not later putting on incorruptible bodies of "spirit."
That fits perfectly the outline of events, that is, the 144,000 ruling with Christ in the flesh during the millennium and Judgment Day(whenever) and then when all their earthly duties in the flesh are over, when the "last enemy death" has been done away with, it is then that the 144,000 become spirit beings and put on their "incorruptible" spiritual bodies.
But first, it's a physical resurrection which relates to them being "born again" in the flesh.
Cheers,
Gary