The resurrection of the righteous and the wicked

“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out – those who have done good will rise to live and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” - John 5:28-29

Are you ready to face Jesus? Will you rise to live or rise to be condemned?

We all will one day be raised, and given bodies fit for eternity. Bodies ready for an eternity of joy with God. Or bodies ready for an eternity of torment under God’s wrath. Acts 24:15 says, “there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” And Jesus tells us to fear God who can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:28). Hell is eternal and it is a place where body and soul will be tormented for eternity.

So, ask yourself, will you receive a resurrection body fit for eternal destruction or fit for eternal life with God? God the just judge will do what is right. Evil will be dealt with. And the alarming problem is, we are all evil. We are all sinners! How can we rise to live? How can we be sure we will not rise to be condemned?

Romans 8:1 gives us the hope we need, “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. Through Jesus we are set free from the bondage of sin. Free from all its burdens and the punishment it deserves. That’s why John 3:36 says, “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

Do not go on rejecting the eternal life God offers when you the know eternal destruction you deserve. Stop putting off knowing whether you are saved and secure in Jesus. Stop being so calm when you know you will rise and be give a body ready to be condemned for eternity. Come find forgiveness in Jesus. Come find righteousness in him, which he offers to you. Come with faith, desperately seeking the salvation found in him alone. And then live this life, as someone who knows they will rise to live forever with Jesus!