Resurrection Of Saints And Gathering Of The Elect

by Brindle, H. | Category: The Coming Again Of The Lord Jesus Christ: | Oct 1954

What can be learned from the Scriptures about the resurrection of faithful ones-saints outside the present dispensation of grace whom death claimed, but whose future state is bound up with promises from God which have not been fulfilled? When will Abel, Noah, Abraham, David, and numberless other saints, who died in faith, not having received the promises, be raised from the dead?

Their state has already been altered at the resurrection of Christ, because He then led captivity captive (Ephesians 4. 8. Hebrews 2.14-15), but of them we may truly say after millenniums have intervened :"Still the silent grave is keeping

Many a seed in weakness sown."

Doubtless such men contemplated the truth of the resurrection of the body, else the stories concerning the field of Ephron, and the cave of Machpelah to bury the dead, would have' little significance. Why should Jacob charge his sons to bury his body there, or why were his sons all buried in Shechem in the land of promise? The answer must be found in their hope of a resurrection, and their faith in the promises of God, which promises are not possible of fulfilment to those who have received them, apart from the resurrection.

Meanwhile we know that such men are alive even as Christ has declared, for God is the God of the living, not of the dead. He is not ashamed of them to be called their God-He hath prepared for them a city. Yet we do not know of any place of service that they can fill apart from, or until, the resurrection for which they wait.

Daniel was told that he would rest, but would stand in his lot at the end of the days. Martha believed that her brother would rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

But all Israelites will not be raised at the same time. All Israelites will not reign with Messiah. Scripture speaks of a better resurrection, and Hebrews 11. 35 tells of some who endured torture even unto death that they might obtain this, for it appears to ensure a place with Him in the age to come. This thought is strengthened when we consider the revelation of the Lord Jesus found in Luke 20. 34 to 38. "They that are accounted worthy to attain to that world, and the resurrection from the dead ... are equal unto the angels; and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection."

Paul spoke to the rulers about the hope of Israel and resurrection of the dead (Acts 23.6). Then again in Acts 26.6, 7 he testified to Agrippa on the same lines saying: "Unto which promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain ... Why is it judged incredible with you, if God doth raise the dead?"

Revelation 20.4-6 furnishes another striking reference to those who suffer martyrdom because of faithfulness, and whilst they are raised to live and reign, the rest of the dead live not until the 1,000 years are finished.

We conclude then, that there will be a resurrection of great magnitude when the Lord comes as Son of Man to raise His saints, a resurrection that will contribute vastly to the fulfilment of the saying that is written : "He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied." And again, "He hath swallowed up death for ever" (Isaiah 25.8, cited also 1 Corinthians 15. 54).

Revelation 20.5-6 declares this to be" the first resurrection." Now the scripture quoted from Isaiah 25.8 goes on to state: "And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the reproach of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it."

This can only relate to His people alive in the body at the time when this resurrection takes place. In the main they are enduring unparalleled affliction, and sustaining a great measure of reproach. Upon their faces the stain of tears is too often seen. Loved ones torn from them are sick and in prison, and many have been put to a shameful death. The chief cause of the reproach which lies upon them, however, is their association with Christ. He said of them, "Ye shall be hated of all the nations for My name's sake" (Matthew 24.9).These are in the thick of the battle. With them there is no thought of compromise. That grand spirit (so rare to-day) which actuated Moses will be revived. They will " choose rather to be evil intreated with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season" (Hebrews ii. 25). The popular "mark" they deliberately refuse because they have accounted it far better to incur the reproach of Christ.

Others whose hope is set on Messiah will be in grave danger of waxing cold in their love for Him. The surge of iniquity is strong and persistent, and the cares of this life (of which the Master warns us all) choke the word. There is even a danger with them of having their hearts overcharged with surfeiting (giddiness resulting from excess) and drunkenness (Luke 21.34).

There will be some who will inherit the Kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world, when the nations are gathered and separated as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats. Such as are given a place on the King's right hand will enjoy the blessedness of continuing their life in the body. The elect saints who will be gathered by the angels will have very different experiences.

Their Deliverer with a great sound of a trumpet will send forth His angels, and shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Here will be a display of majestic power, different from that when the Lord descended from heaven with a shout for the saints of this present dispensation.

Moreover it seems very plain to us that as sure as the words, "We shall all be changed ... for this corruptible must put on incorruption" (1 Corinthians 15.51-53) apply to believers at the coming of the Son of God, in equal measure will they apply to the resurrection of the saints, when the Son of Man comes to set up His Kingdom. We refer again to Luke 20.35, 36: "They that are accounted worthy to attain to that world and the resurrection are equal unto the angels."

They are probably represented in Moses and Elijah in the set place they have with Christ in the Kingdom, as foreshadowed in the holy mount, when He was transfigured, and they appeared with Him in glory. Whether the further glorious words in 1 John 3.2, "We shall be like Him," will belong also to saints outside the Church which is His Body we cannot tell, but we like to think that they will.

Probably the parable of the talents, and that of the pounds will have some bearing upon these gathered saints, when many a long waited-for reward will be gained, and glories of which the millennial reign will be but a foretaste will be entered into.

Brindle, H. | Oct 1954
The Coming Again Of The Lord Jesus Christ: