The Four Eleven Foundation: 1 Thessalonians

6.3.6. "OF RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD" (Hebrews 6:2 KJV)

There Will Be The Resurrection Of The Just
Jesus said this to be the resurrection of life (John 5:28-29 ). The body without the spirit is dead (James 2:26 ). The spirit is united with the sleeping body at resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16 ). The believers who die in the Lord are in a conscious state with the Lord (Philippians 1:21- 24; 2 Corinthians 5:8 ). They receive new bodies at the Lord's coming again. Those who sleep in Jesus - as to their bodies - Jesus will bring with Him, and their bodies will be raised and changed (1 Thessalonians 4:14 ). Those believers not physically dead at His coming will be changed and caught up together with them (1 Thessalonians 4:17 ), so partaking in the resurrection of the just, called the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6 ).
Daniel was given the revelation that the Old Testament saints would partake in the resurrection to everlasting life (Daniel 12:2 ). Also included in the first resurrection will be those who will be beheaded because of their witness to Jesus and the Word of God during the tribulation period (Revelation 20:4 ).

There Will Be The Resurrection Of The Unjust
Daniel was given knowledge of the two resurrections, and speaks of the second being to shame and everlasting contempt (Daniel 12:2 ). Daniel was not told the time period between the two resurrections. This is said to be 1 000 years, in the revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 20:4-6 ).

6.3.7. "AND OF ETERNAL JUDGMENT" (Hebrews 6:2, 3 KJV)

The second resurrection will be that of all the unsaved people, who will stand before the great white throne in judgment (Revelation 20:11-15 ), which results in eternal judgment which is the second death. We know what it is (Revelation 20:14 ), and for whom prepared (Matthew 25:41 ). Diligence in study of eternal judgment will prevent confusing it with other judgments revealed in God's Word:

That Of Judgment Of Believers' Works Done Since The Time Of Salvation
Each will gain rewards or loss of rewards. (See 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10 ).

That Of The Judgment Of The Gentile Nations
The serving nations at the time of Christ's return will be judged on the basis of their treatment of Christ's "brethren" (Matthew 25:31-46 ). There are those who interpret "brethren" to mean Israel - others hold that it refers to all believers actually living out witness for Christ, facing hunger, thirst, suffering for Christ. To support Christ's brothers is to stand for Christ's kingdom, and not against it. Jews surviving the tribulation will also be judged at this time (Ezekiel 20:33-38 ). There will be those allowed to enter the kingdom, and those who will not.

That Of The Judgment Of Fallen Angels
We do not know when, as to time, but most probably it will take place after the millennium. These angels that disobeyed God in following Satan in his revolt, will be judged by Christ and His saints (Jude 6; 1 Corinthians 6:3 ), as joint-heirs with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17 ). Reigning with Him it follows that we shall share in administration over angels and the universe, being in our glorious union with Him.
For those who shy away from the thought of "everlasting punishment" (Matthew 25:46 ) it has to be said it is as real as life eternal for those who are righteous through reliant faith on Christ. It is the same Greek word 'aionios' that is translated "everlasting" and "eternal." So both are eternal and everlasting. No believer should be able to study the eternal judgment of unbelievers without experiencing a compulsion of the Holy Spirit moving them to witness compassionately to those facing eternal separation from God, which is the second death in the lake of fire (Revelation 2:11; 20:6,14; 21:8 ).
Along with the compulsion and compassion of the Holy Spirit, there will be those whom the Spirit will cause to visit us, as in the case of Nicodemus seeking out Jesus. We can be ready with the message Christ Jesus gave to him:

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (KJV)

Diligence in grasping the first principles of Christ will bring maturity as a soul winner. The intention of the writer of Hebrews is to go on to give strong meat to feed the mature.

Hebrews 6:1 "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God," (KJV)

Hebrews 6:3 "And this will we do, if God permit." (KJV)

It is important to understand that we can only do so from the basis of our understanding, or maturity in the foundational truths. Dependence on the Lord, is expressed in the words "if God permits", for the Lord alone can open the spiritual understanding, and does so in response to the hungry desire of the believer.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

Can you describe what is meant by the resurrection of the just? Why can you be sure of taking part in the first resurrection (John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:4-5 )?
What period of time separates the resurrection of the just, and the unjust (Revelation 20:4- 6 )?
What will be the eternal judgment of those who reject Christ (Revelation 20:11-15 )? For whom was this judgment prepared (Matthew 25:41 )?
What other judgments are revealed in the Word of God? Which judgment can bring to you as a believer, gain or loss (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10 )?
Do you believe that diligence in grasping the foundational principles of Christ will result in you being a mature soul-winner?