THE JOYOUS RESURRECTION

During that Millennium, the resurrection will take place.  Those  who willfully sinned against God's holy  spirit, or active force, by unrepentantly acting contrary to its manifestation or leadings will not be resurrected. (Matthew 23:15, 33; Hebrews 6:4-6) Of course, God will decide who sinned in that way.  But two distinct groups will be resurrected. - "the righteous and the unrighteous."   (Acts 24:15) Since there will be proper order, it is reasonable to conclude that the first to be welcomed back to life on earth will be the righteous, those who served Jehovah loyally. -Hebrews 11:35-39.

Instead of hearing news about wars, disasters and death, Jehovah's servants will receive wonderful reports of the resurrection.  It will be exciting to learn about the return of such faithful men and women as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Job,  Moses, Rahab, Ruth, David, Elijah, Esther.  What stirring historical facts they will present as they give background details of many Bible accounts! No doubt they and righteous ones who have died in  more recent times will be just as eager to learn about the end of Satan's system and how Jehovah sanctified his holy name and vindicated his sovereignty. 

How helpful these faithful ones will be during the next phase of the resurrection, when billions of "the unrighteous" are released from the bonds of death! Most of mankind never had a chance to know Jehovah.  Satan was 'blinding their minds.'  (2 Corinthians 4:4) But the Devil's work will be undone.  The unrighteous  will come back to a beautiful and peaceful earth.  They will be welcomed by a people well organized to teach them about Jehovah and his reigning Son, Jesus Christ. As billions of resurrected ones come to know and love their Creator, the knowledge of Jehovah will fill the earth in an unprecedented way.

What joy the resurrection will bring to our hearts! Who has not suffered because of our enemy death?  Indeed, who has not felt utterly shattered when some bond of love or friendship was torn apart as sickness, old age, accident or violence claimed the life of a loved one? Imagine, then, the joy of reunions in Paradise.  Mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, friends and relatives, will run  into one another's arms, laughing and crying for joy.

Next time: PERFECTION AT LAST!

The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995