they enter into the 'Resurrection of Life'?  Hebrews 11 contrasts those who

were 'raised to life again' during the time of persecution, and were restored

to their women folk, with the attitude of others, who 'were tortured, not

accepting (that kind of) deliverance; that they might obtain a better

resurrection'.  This resurrection was (1) better than being raised to life

and restored to their families at the time, and (2) it was better in that,

like the exanastasin ten ek nekron of Philippians 3:11, it was related to a

prize and crown.  The resurrection that is 'of Life' is further explained by

the words of Romans 6:4 'newness' of life, and of 2 Timothy 1:10 'life and

immortality' or 'life, yes, immortal life'.  The resurrection of condemnation

and judgment was not unto immortality, for the alternative of everlasting

life is 'perishing'.

From what we have seen it appears that resurrection will be twofold.

(1) A resurrection to life and immortality, to a state in which death can

never again enter, a state from which condemnation is entirely removed; this

will be like waking out of sleep.  (2) A resurrection to judgment of the

unjust, a judgment of the world, of those who have practised evil; the sting

will not have been removed from death in their case.  Then again we have

learned from Philippians 3, Hebrews 11 and Revelation 20, that there is an

'out-resurrection' a 'better resurrection' and 'a first (or former)

resurrection' associated with prize, crown and overcoming (see articles on

the Millennium9).  There may be more truth still waiting to be brought to

light, but so far as we have attained, this is the sum of our findings.

Reconciliation has been made.  Redemption has been provided.  Resurrection is

awaiting us, and by means of 'these three', eternal glory, freedom from sin

and death, and endless joy and the most glorious opportunities for unlimited

service await us.  We glory not only in the blessed hope of resurrection, but

that our Saviour Himself has said:

'I am the Resurrection, and the Life' (John 11:25) and,

'Because I live, ye shall live also' (John 14:19).

May we ponder Colossians 3:1-4 and pray over every item of its wondrous

teaching, not forgetting in the rapture of the future, the present

anticipation of Risen Joy, and

'Set your mind on things above where Christ sitteth'.

Reward.  The fact that misthos, the Greek word translated 'reward' primarily

means 'hire', lifts it completely out of the realm of salvation by grace, and

associates it with service.

Misthos occurs six times in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:12,46;

6:1,2,5,16), and Paul says that reward is not reckoned of grace but of debt

(Rom. 4:4).  The variants of this word, and its compounds, alike emphasize

this element of 'hire'.

'His own hired house' (Acts 28:30).

'He that is an hireling' (John 10:12).

'How many hired servants' (Luke 15:17).

'The recompence of the reward' (Heb. 11:26).

'He is a Rewarder of them' (Heb. 11:6).

'Now for a recompence in the same' (2 Cor. 6:13).