We Believe in the Resurrection of Both the Saved and the Lost

Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:2–3 (NIV)

We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved into the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.

Teaching on heaven and hell has in large part disappeared from the modern church. Although it is theologically central, it seems to be practically neglected. The anticipation of heaven has largely faded from modern church life, with unbelief eroding Christian hope to the point where few genuinely expect an eternal inheritance. Many decades ago, A. W. Tozer wrote:

“It is safe to say that the pleasurable anticipation of the better things to come has almost died out in the church of Christ. It is a great temptation to take the shallow view that we do not need any heaven promised for tomorrow because we are so well situated here and now.”

There was a time when people were accused of “being so heavenly minded, that they were no earthly good.” Whether or not that was actually true, it seems as though the pendulum has swung in the other direction. Heaven is given very little attention or consideration. There has been a recent theological emphasis that accentuated God’s love at the expense of judgment, wrath, and hell.

When believers lose sight of ultimate consequences, urgency disappears. It is time to restore the perspective that there will one day be a resurrection that will separate the saved from the lost.

The Father’s Heart

For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death. This is the declaration of the Lord God. So repent and live! Ezekiel 18:32 (CSB)

A strong majority of those who believe that there is a heaven believe that they are going to be there. These same people are less sure about their friends and other people. Several times God declares that he does not take pleasure in anyone’s death. Can we always say the same thing?

Our alignment with God’s heart can be put to the test when we hear about or encounter people who have committed heinous crimes. Would we be sad or disappointed to learn that some notorious criminal had repented and asked for forgiveness before they died?

Most Christians have a difficult time witnessing and sharing their faith with others, but it is even worse when they judge people as not being worthy of God’s salvation. This is in contrast to universalism, which holds that eventually everyone will be saved. If this were true, why should anyone bother with evangelism? Why should anyone care about living a holy and godly life?

The subject of eternity and ultimate destinations can stir up many emotions. That may be why consideration of heaven and hell is rare these days. Perhaps it is because we have loved ones who are far from God, and therefore they find it difficult to contemplate that they could be lost eternally.

Peter addresses this issue in his second letter. He talks about scoffers who question the reality of the coming judgment and destruction of the ungodly. He goes on to explain: The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (CSB)

Repent and be Saved

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well. Luke 13:3 (CSB)

Hope is not a strategy. Without a doubt, there are some people who hope that everyone will be saved and spend eternity in heaven. There is nothing wrong with being hopeful, but we have responsibilities to preach the gospel and make disciples.

Both John the Baptist and Jesus preached the kingdom message with a strong emphasis on repentance. And it was repentance that Peter declared on the day of Pentecost. Repentance involves more than just agreeing with the doctrine or creed. It is a change of direction.

Faith and repentance are inseparable. Without faith, no one can truly repent, and there is no saving faith without repentance. The Universalist is focused on final destination rather than restored relationship. Repentance brings our hearts and our actions in alignment with God’s nature.

Our gospel message is centered on Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice and his bodily resurrection. Paul told the Corinthians that his message was: “Jesus Christ and him crucified.” The message of the gospel requires a response: repentance for forgiveness of sin and trust in Jesus Christ. Repentance is not optional.

With Christ

And he said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 (CSB)

The doctrinal statement that we are considering today focuses on the resurrection of both the saved and the lost. It is an important doctrine, but we must not lose sight of what is most important.

When we read or listen to Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross, it is telling what we might consider to be the most important aspect. Too many people are likely to focus on the phrase “in paradise.” This thief, without the benefit of baptism or discipleship, would be in paradise today, and not the place of torment.

But what if the most important aspect was not paradise, but the fact that Jesus said to the thief, “You will be with me.” How would it change our lives if we considered that the most important thing about the resurrection of the saved was not that we spent eternity in heaven, but that we would be with Jesus?

We may have many questions about heaven and eternity. Perhaps the concept is too abstract and distant for us to comprehend. It will not matter if it is a cottage or a mansion. We can look forward to being with Jesus forever. Let us not forget: Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

Steve Ekeroth

Apotheosis of St Ignatius – Baciccio  (1685)