In legal proceedings there is a motion known as a summary judgment. It is basically an request made to a judge that says, assuming that everything the other part is arguing or presenting is valid, even if the best or worst things they claim are held as the truth, it still would not matter and we request that the court find for our position.
This is the situation we discover in the first resurrection. Even if these martyrs and those chosen to help lead during the 1000 year reign of Christ were to be judged, and even if every sin, lie, wrongdoing, etc, etc, were held as accepted evidence, they still would be found not guilty. Their stance, to lay down their life instead of recant their faith is prima-facie evidence.
But, here we must make a very important distinction. It is not the act of being martyred that provides this evidence. We need to be very, very clear on this point. It is not the willingness to die for something you believe in that is somehow noble or worthy or causes the scales to tip in one direction in terms of eternal life or heavenly rewards.
Unfortunately, this misconception and lie is one the dragon uses. This is how we have suicide bombers and terrorists and others deceived by lies. These are not noble or honorable people, they are wicked, evil, lost souls who bought into a lie so thoroughly that they love it more than their own life.
The evidence is not in the act, no more that we are saved or lost by any single act. The evidence is in the fact that they Holy Spirit was completely present in the lives of these Christian martyrs at the time they were killed for their faith.
Their deaths do not earn this this special resurrection or favor. The life of the one in them at the moment of their death is the evidence and the proof – not of their own goodness or something deserved, but that they were cloaked in the redeeming blood of the lamb.
We should honor and learn from the Christian martyrs, but the teaching is not how to die, but how to live.
My Answers:
6.
a.
because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. Had not worshiped beast or image and no mark – They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years
b.
Standing strong leads to denigration and possible death by Satan, but to honor and life with Jesus –
7.
a.
The bringing back to life the martyrs – prior to 1000 year reign of Jesus
b.
the second death – damnation, judgment day – they have been found saved and holy – risen to live, a spiritual awakening and a new body
8.
Priests of God and of Christ, reign with Him for 1000 years – not just sitting around being bored – we are productive members of God’s society.
The Notes are Good 