The Resurrection and Future Destiny of the Ransomed Dead Post-Jesus' Resurrection

After the resurrection of Jesus, the fate of the ransomed dead has been a subject of much theological debate and speculation. This article explores the traditional Christian understanding of their future destiny, drawing from biblical texts and theological insights.

1. The Resurrection Post-Jesus' Ascension

When Jesus ascended to heaven, he left behind a clear indication of his authority and control over his followers: “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). This statement underscores Jesus' authority over the church and prepares the reader for his future reign.

Following his resurrection, Jesus instructed his disciples, 'Where I go, you cannot come now, but you will come' (John 13:33). This statement suggests that Jesus ascended to a location where his disciples would not be able to follow immediately, likely referring to his exaltation to Heaven. Today, Christians believe that after Jesus ascended, he was given the throne of God and all authority to be the judge and ruler over the earth. Consequently, wherever this throne is located, that is also where the ransomed dead reside.

This belief has led some to suggest that the ransomed dead go to heaven where Jesus reigns on his throne. In the book of Revelation, the idea of the New Jerusalem is mentioned, which might be one of the locations where Jesus and God rule (Revelation 21:1-2). However, it is also a widely held belief that there is another Jerusalem, a fabled city which exists on earth but is invisible, signifying that there might be multiple places where God and Jesus rule, including the heaven they reign from.

2. The First Resurrection

In the New Testament, there are references to a 'first resurrection,' which is often associated with the resurrection of anointed Christians during Christ's thousand-year reign following Armageddon. According to Revelation 20:4-6, 'I saw thrones and those who sat on them were given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had not been slain for their testimony about Jesus... They came to life and ruled as kings with the Christ for 1000 years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the 1000 years were ended. This is the first resurrection.'

This resurrection is not just about physical life but also about spiritual authority. The anointed Christians who are resurrected first receive authority to judge. This period of 1000 years is called the Messianic age, and it is believed that it will be a time of peace and righteousness on earth under the reign of Jesus.

3. The Resurrection Following the Thousand Years

Following the first resurrection, the rest of the dead will also be raised. Paragraphs from Revelation and the letter to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17) describe how this will happen. It is believed that at the end of the thousand years, all who remain (both the living and the resurrected) will be caught up to meet Christ in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

This event is tied to the events of the Tribulation and Armageddon as described in Matthew 24:29-31. The last trumpet sounds, angels gather the believers with a great command, and "the dead in Christ will rise first" (1 Thessalonians 4:16). This is closely followed by the second coming of Christ, in which 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken' (Matthew 24:29).

The second coming of Christ will be marked by great glory and power, as Christ returns from the heavens with the sign of the Son of Man (Matthew 24:30). In this apocalyptic scene, believers and the resurrected will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, beginning the eternal life promised to those who adhere to Christ's teachings.

Conclusion

The fate of the ransomed dead after Jesus' resurrection is a complex and beautifully scripted journey through scripture and tradition. Whether they go to a specific 'New Jerusalem' as a spiritual city or remain with Christ in heaven, the future awaits the faithful with spiritual authority and eternal life. Understanding these concepts is crucial in grasping the Christian view of life, death, and the afterlife.