"You Must Be Born Again!" (John 3:7)

Our passage is found in Revelation 20:5-6 which says "The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years." Who are the "rest of the dead?" This refers to all unbelieving dead of all time beginning with Cain through the end of the Tribulation period. The only exceptions are the beast and the false prophet (Rev 19:20). Let's examine the phrase, "the first resurrection." It has three primary phases: 1) The resurrection of Jesus as the firstfruits (1 Cor 15:23; Rev 1:5). 2) The resurrection of the dead in Christ (1 Cor 15:23; 1 Thess 4:16). 3) The resurrection of Old Testament saints and Tribulation martyrs (Rev 20:4; Isa 26:19; Dan 12:1-3). John said, "Blessed and holy" are those who take part the first resurrection! The reason given is explained by these words, "over these the second death has no power." How awesome is that statement? The second death speaks of being eternally separated from God in the lake of fire and brimstone! It comes to those having no part in the first resurrection! In other words, the second death comes from having only ONE BIRTH! This is why Jesus told Nicodemus, "unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Having only one birth will not get you into the kingdom of God. Man is born (physical birth) spiritually dead. Because of this, man needs a second birth (spiritual birth) by exercising faith in what Jesus did on the cross. If a person experiences only ONE BIRTH, then because of being spiritually dead, the person must experience TWO DEATHS (physical death and spiritual). However, if a person has TWO BIRTHS (physical and spiritual) he may experience physical death (dying before the rapture of the church), but this person CAN NEVER FACE THE SECOND DEATH because of the first resurrection! The second death has no power over the person that's been born again! Praise God forevermore! The advantage and privilege of being born again is both now as well as in the future! Call out to Jesus! Your move. Be encouraged!