Standard 9 · Lesson 12
The Seven Orders of Resurrection (Part I)
Reading Portion
I Corinthians ch.15
Lesson Content
The true Christians have been given a lively hope of a glorious resurrection and an eternal inheritance reserved in heaven because Jesus died and rose again (I Pet.1:3,4). If Christ was not raised, then our faith also would have been vain (I Cor.15:17). “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (I Cor.15:19). Jesus has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, by His death and resurrection (II Tim.1:10). Jesus overcame the devil, death and hell and is alive for evermore. He has all power in heaven and in earth and is raised up to the throne of the Father. He is preparing a place for us and He ever liveth to make intercession for us. Therefore, we are able to lead a victorious Christian life and we press forward to the hope set before us (Rev.1:18; Matt.28:18; Heb.7:25; Jn.14:3). In the Resurrection there are various orders and differing glories (I Cor.15:23,40,41). There are seven orders in all. The first five orders are called the ‘first resurrection’ or the ‘better resurrection’ (Rev.20:5,6; Heb.11:35). Of this, the first order is Christ. This has already taken place. The rest will take place before the Millennial Reign. The last two orders of resurrection form the ‘second resurrection’ or the ‘general resurrection’ (Rev.20:12,13). These take place after the Millennial Reign.
Moral
Our aim should be either to be transformed or to partake of the resurrection at the Secret Coming of Christ.
Memory Verse
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
I Peter 1:3-5