FIRST RESURRECTION

Memorise: "And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just" (Luke 14:14)

Read: Revelation 20:5-6

The Book of Revelation is loaded with blessings for readers, hearers and doers. It catalogues categories of those who can benefit from these blessing: Those who read, hear and adhere to the teachings of the Book; those who faithfully serve the Lord till death and those invited to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. But there are more! Revelation 20:6 says, "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years".
Although the word 'rapture' is not in the Bible, it is however denoted by phrases such as 'caught up' and 'first resurrection'. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 says when the Lord Jesus Christ returns, He will come in company of departed saints - those who had already slept in the Lord whose souls and spirits were in paradise. While the Lord will wait for them in the air, they will descend to earth to pick up their bodies. Some of these bodies would have been cremated, turned to bones, or even sand. By God's miraculous power, every cell which composed each of their bodies will come together to reform their bodies. As they put them on, their bodies will be changed into glorious, immortal bodies. These saints will return to join the Lord in the air while those of us who are born again and in right standing with God and still alive will also experience a change from mortal to immortal bodies and we will go and meet them in the air. This is the rapture or first resurrection. As many as take part in the first resurrection will never taste of death again.

However, during this event - the change in the departed saints and the living saints, will take place in a moment. In the split of a second both had taken place. Some people are waiting for raptured saints to grab in order to gain access into Heaven. Sorry, it will be so fast and at an unannounced moment that before people will realize what is going on, it has been concluded. After the saints have gone, the greatest suffering, pain and sorrow ever known to man will begin. Today, you could prepare to be a part of the first resurrection. Are you born again but still holding a grudge against your offender? It is enough to stop you from going with the saints. Examine your life today and prayerfully repent, confess and restitute where necessary. Expunge any vice in your character. Live each day in expectation of your Master's return. He is coming sooner than you think.

ACTION POINT
Father, anything that will hinder me from making it to Heaven during the rapture, take it away from me today.