What is the `better resurrection? `

[Marilyn C]

What is the `Better Resurrection.`

 

Hebrews 11 is about the Old Testament saints who all had faith in what God promised them – a better resurrection. And that is better than life on this earth.

`These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, they were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have an opportunity to return.

But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.` (Heb. 11: 13 – 16)  

 

Further on it says -

`Women received their dead raised to life again. And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.` (Heb. 11: 35)

 

So, we see that God has promised these Old Testament Saints a `better resurrection` to the city he is preparing for them.

So, what is that all about?

 

God is restoring His righteous rulership in every realm, (not just the earth). Job said - `The heavens are not pure in His sight.` (Job 15: 15) And that `heavens` is the Universal realm where God has established a rulership position – Principalities and Powers.

`For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones and dominions or principalities or powers…` (Col. 1: 16)

 

This rulership realm, Principalities and powers was usurped by Lucifer when he was cast out from his throne in the third heaven. That is why he is called `the Prince of the power of the air..` (Eph. 2: 2) In the middle of the tribulation he and his fallen angels will get cast out of there and be limited to on the earth. (Rev. 12: 7 – 12)

 

However, that rulership realm will not always be vacant for God will set up His righteous rulership there through the Old Testament Saints. At this time these just/righteous ones (OT saints) are waiting in the General Assembly in the third heaven.

`…the General Assembly …. To God….to the spirits of just (righteous) men (& women) made perfect.` (Heb. 12: 23)

 

In the New Heavens and Earth God will send the city, the New Jerusalem with the Old Testament saints down to the Universal realm where they will take up the rulership position of Principalities and Powers.

`Then I, John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God..` (Rev. 21: 2)

 

This rulership is what the Old Testament saints were promised in the city, not on the earth but in the universal heavens. This is the better resurrection they looked for.

 

[Marilyn C]

Abraham was blessed by God and told -

`Then the Angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: "By Myself I have sworn, says the LORD, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son, in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is on the sea-shore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.

In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.` (Gen. 22: 16 - 18) 

`As the stars of heaven.` refers to the Old Testament saints who looked for a city (from God) that would be the ruling position in the Universal heavens. `As stars,` is a prominent position but not the predominant position. (I will write on that in another thread.)

`As the sand which is on the sea-shore,` refers to the predominant ruling position that Israel will have over the nations on the new earth. 

[Marilyn C]

[WilliamL]

16 hours ago, Marilyn C said:

Further on it says -

`Women received their dead raised to life again. And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.` (Heb. 11: 35)

 

So, we see that God has promised these Old Testament Saints a `better resurrection` to the city he is preparing for them.

So, what is that all about?

Simply put, those former resurrections were only a return of mortal life, followed by a mortal death. (Speaking of the children raised by Elijah and Elisha.) The better resurrection is into immortality.

[AdHoc]

21 hours ago, Marilyn C said:

What is the `Better Resurrection.`

 

Hebrews 11 is about the Old Testament saints who all had faith in what God promised them – a better resurrection. And that is better than life on this earth.

`These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, they were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have an opportunity to return.

But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.` (Heb. 11: 13 – 16)  

 

Further on it says -

`Women received their dead raised to life again. And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.` (Heb. 11: 35)

 

So, we see that God has promised these Old Testament Saints a `better resurrection` to the city he is preparing for them.

So, what is that all about?

 

God is restoring His righteous rulership in every realm, (not just the earth). Job said - `The heavens are not pure in His sight.` (Job 15: 15) And that `heavens` is the Universal realm where God has established a rulership position – Principalities and Powers.

`For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones and dominions or principalities or powers…` (Col. 1: 16)

 

This rulership realm, Principalities and powers was usurped by Lucifer when he was cast out from his throne in the third heaven. That is why he is called `the Prince of the power of the air..` (Eph. 2: 2) In the middle of the tribulation he and his fallen angels will get cast out of there and be limited to on the earth. (Rev. 12: 7 – 12)

 

However, that rulership realm will not always be vacant for God will set up His righteous rulership there through the Old Testament Saints. At this time these just/righteous ones (OT saints) are waiting in the General Assembly in the third heaven.

`…the General Assembly …. To God….to the spirits of just (righteous) men (& women) made perfect.` (Heb. 12: 23)

 

In the New Heavens and Earth God will send the city, the New Jerusalem with the Old Testament saints down to the Universal realm where they will take up the rulership position of Principalities and Powers.

`Then I, John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God..` (Rev. 21: 2)

 

This rulership is what the Old Testament saints were promised in the city, not on the earth but in the universal heavens. This is the better resurrection they looked for.

 

Instead of contradicting you point for point, I prefer to give my view and you can counter if you want.

The first thing to establish is that all men will be resurrected (Jn.5.28-29, 1st Cor.15:22). This is not because men have earned this, but because in His recovery of His plan with the earth, God will subdue death. Upon studying 1st Corinthians 15 and 2nd Corinthians 5 we learn that while "ALL" men who were IN Adam - that is, every man except Jesus (because He came from the Holy Spirit as the Male part), will be resurrected, 1st Corinthians 15 assures us that in resurrection there are varying types of flesh and varying glories (Vs.34-50). The reason for this is that dying is being planted and resurrection is the sprouting forth of the issue of a grain. And this process of bring forth seed is governed by Genesis 1:11-12 - the Law of KINDS.

The Law of KINDS says that everything that brings offspring (1) will bring forth the same kind, and (2) cannot bring forth another species. Now, you do not have to be a biologist to understand that if a "thorny" man dies (is planted), a "thorny" man will come out of the ground. If Paul dies and is resurrected a most trustworthy, diligent, courageous and self-sacrificing man will come out of the ground. And at once it is clear that Paul's resurrection was "better" than the "thorny man". Let us take another example;

In Romans Chapter 6:3-5 we read; 

 3  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Verse 3 says that we are "immersed" into Christ's death when we are Baptized
Verse 4 says that in the LIKE manner that we were immersed, in this manner we will be raised.

Now, if you are a lover of God's Word and believe it, this verse 4 simply says that if you are not baptized your resurrection will not be like Christ's. You can scheme all you like but your fellow Christian, who was Baptized, will have a "better resurrection" - because his was an immersion LIKE Christ's death and you stood in disobedience and refused immersion. And there is no substitute. Baptism is baptism. Refuse it and you are a rebel. The rebel Christian shows by his disobedience that he is not fit to serve the Lord as a co-king in the next age (Lk.19:17-19).

Now, if your glory, status and "joy" in resurrection s LIKE Christ's you will enjoy the millennial reign greatly. But if you had a resurrection like Hitler or Genghis Khan, you will not be counted fit for the Kingdom. You will "hear the Lord's voice and be raised" on the appointed day - for ALL that are in graves will hear and rise (Jn.5), but you will not be found fit for the Kingdom at your Judgment a few minutes later.

God values your sacrifice. Whether Praise, time, money or lost sleep, God will reward you. But what He prizes most after FAITH is OBEDIENCE. The next thing He prizes is a man who set his flesh aside for God's cause. And the most extreme setting aside of your flesh is MARTYRDOM. That is a "Better PLANTING" and will produce a "better resurrection".

[Marilyn C]

5 hours ago, AdHoc said:

Instead of contradicting you point for point, I prefer to give my view and you can counter if you want.

 

I can only stand on what God says concerning this matter.

 

`These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, they were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have an opportunity to return.

But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.` (Heb. 11: 13 – 16)  

 

[Marilyn C]

6 hours ago, WilliamL said:

Simply put, those former resurrections were only a return of mortal life, followed by a mortal death. (Speaking of the children raised by Elijah and Elisha.) The better resurrection is into immortality.

Also, to you Willian, God`s word says -

`These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, they were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have an opportunity to return.

But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.` (Heb. 11: 13 – 16)  

 

[AdHoc]

35 minutes ago, Marilyn C said:

I can only stand on what God says concerning this matter.

 

`These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, they were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have an opportunity to return.

But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.` (Heb. 11: 13 – 16)  

 

God gave Abraham promises. One of then was that HE and HS SEED would be given Canaan as an "everlasting possession". In His next breath, God tells Abraham that he will die a stranger in the Land and what's more, four generations would live and die in a foreign land. Abraham believed God. What was his belief? There was only one way that he could die without getting the Land and still get it. That is, by being raised from the dead. This had never happened before.

This belief in resurrection reaches a new height in Abraham's near offering of Isaac. God had promised that (1) Abraham's heir would come from his loins, and (2) this would become a great nation. But it was not enough to just believe in the resurrection since Luke 20:35-36 tells us that men in resurrection are not given in marriage. And the angels that did go in unto the daughters of men reap eternal damnation and torment. So resurrection, which had never happened to men, was the driving force behind Abraham's faith. by FAITH he could let Lot take the choice land. He would, if God as true, get the Land anyway.

It was also his motivation in refusing the spoils of the slaughter of kings, him setting his heart to wait to receive them from God's hands and not Canaanites. And it was the motivating power for him to still pay for his burial field, even when it was offered to honor him. Abraham's view of things is very New Testament. Joshua takes the spoil of the conquest of Canaan, but Christ refuses it in His temptation. But Christ will ultimately get the Kingdoms of this World when He ushers in the Kingdom (out of ) HEAVEN. And his disciples are from those of the HEAVENLY CALLING (Heb.3:1), who have the HEAVENLY VISION (of Christ - Act.26:19), who have a BIRTH "FROM ABOVE" (lit. Gk. - Jn.3:3), who are like angels "ASCENDING on a ladder to HEAVEN and then DESCEND back to earth", and who receive a new BODY made in HEAVEN (2nd Cor.5:1-5) at the time when their King COMES FROM HEAVEN.

The word "heavenly" does not show it geographical PLACE. It shows ITS NATURE. All government is from heaven where God's throne is, but man has been made for bringing the heavenly nature of God's Kingdom to earth.

The Heavenly City, New Jerusalem, is a compound vision of God's plan consummated. It starts as a Garden on earth with Gd and man fellowshipping and materials to build it into a City. The building is delayed until the appearance of Israel. But they refuse the heavenly part, and so its further building is delayed until the Church arrives. Then, in the New Testament age the Church is built but Israel delays. So Galatians 4:26 says of Israel and the Church - two separate entities - that "Jerusalem aboe is mother of US ALL. "Jerusalem Above" is a Kingdom made of God's full testimony.
1. A City for ruling (Rev.22:5)
2. A Mother
3. A Wife
4. A Tabernacle
5. Having the glory of God
6. Home to the Tree of Life
7. Home to the River of Life
8. Having the shape of the Holy of Holies
9. Being heavenly in Nature - but situated on earth
10. Having as its Walls (of separation), the Church
11. Having as its Gates (of refusing the profane), Israel's 12 Tribes
12. Having PEARL instead of Bdellium and/or Silver
13. Being of Gold - the nature of God
14. Being constructed of Precious Stones - the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit

This is what Abraham, and all of faith wait for. A Land prepared and given to HIS PEOPLE FROM HEAVEN, not IN Heaven.

[AdHoc]

1 hour ago, Marilyn C said:

Also, to you Willian, God`s word says -

`These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, they were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have an opportunity to return.

But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.` (Heb. 11: 13 – 16)  

 

My previous posting should explain your last scripture. I would like to comment of the first two.

There are TWO attributes of God's Kingdom.
1. Luke 19:12 shows that Christ receives the Kingdom AND RETURNS. And He, in turn, gives it to us who overcome (Lk.22:29). That is, though it is called "The Kingdom of God", it is MANAGED by a MAN - The Second Adam. Until HE gives us the Kingdom, the earth is under another "Prince". For the Church it is HOSTILE. And so we are truly "strangers and pilgrims". But this will change abruptly when Armageddon is won.
2. Christ has PREEMINENCE in ALL things. He gets the Kingdom FIRST. Then only do we get it. Until Christ returns we are strangers in OCCUPIED TERRITORY.

The next verse says that these men and women of faith seek (present continuous tense) a "homeland". The home land is defined here as THE EARTH because the Land they could have returned to was either Chaldea (Abraham) or Egypt (Moses). These two "countries" typify the economy and religion of the world - idol worship. Both these lands had a River which watered it, but the water had to be pumped UP by human effort (Deut.11:10). The Land of Canaan received its water FROM HEAVEN (the early and the latter RAIN). So, in the INTERIM, the Land of the faithful is NOT EGYPT or CHALDEA, NOR is it Canaan because the "cursed ones" still rule. But we live in it so we are "pilgrims"

But this is not all. Israel seventh generation after Abraham, took possession of Canaan but it could never be "an everlasting possession" - because another Covenant - that of Sinai, hindered Israel because it addressed the flesh. But Ezekiel 37 shows that the FIRST STEP in Israel fulfilling the Promises, is RESURRECTION. Then follows the regrouping of BOTH HOUSES of Israel from all the Nations to which they were dispersed And when this is done, the New Covenant of Jeremiah 31:31-33 is intiated (with both Houses becoming ONE)

[Marilyn C]

2 hours ago, AdHoc said:

God gave Abraham promises. One of then was that HE and HS SEED would be given Canaan as an "everlasting possession". In His next breath, God tells Abraham that he will die a stranger in the Land and what's more, four generations would live and die in a foreign land. Abraham believed God. What was his belief? There was only one way that he could die without getting the Land and still get it. That is, by being raised from the dead. This had never happened before.

 

God actually gave the revelation of a `better resurrection,` the resurrection of the righteous, starting at Abel.

`By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was more righteous, God testifying of his gifts; through it he being dead still speaks.` (Heb. 11: 4)

And he and the other `righteous` men (& women) were NOT looking to come back to earth but to the promised city, the New Jerusalem which will come out of the third heaven to the universal realm so that the glory of God and His righteous rulership will be over the earth.

`But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.` (Heb. 11: 16)