Lesson 6

The plan of God is easier to comprehend when you understand that he created mankind as mortal beings. Similar to animals but cognitively different, for he gave us a taste for immortality and the ability to reason. Peter refused to be worshipped, explaining he was nothing more than a mortal human.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 The Voice

11 and I know God has made everything beautiful for its time. God has also placed in our minds a sense of eternity; we look back on the past and ponder over the future, yet we cannot understand the doings of God.

Acts 10:25-26 New English Translation

25 So when Peter came in, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him. 26 But Peter helped him up, saying, “Stand up. I too am a mere mortal.”

An immortal being cannot die. Like Satan, an immortal being will be alive for the rest of eternity. Being mortal, humans are entirely dependent upon God for life. When humans die God is free to bring them back to life at his leisure. Though we may not be aware of the passing of time, God has a perfect memory and will not forget us.

Isaiah 49:15-16 Easy-to-Read Version
15 But the Lord says, “Can a woman forget her baby? Can she forget the child who came from her body? Even if she can forget her children, I cannot forget you. 16 I drew a picture of you on my hand. You are always before my eyes.

Those who faithfully run their Christian race will be resurrected into immortal spirit bodies when Jesus returns. Under Jesus and ruling for a thousand years, these Christians will become Kings and Priests in the Kingdom of God. This will be mankind’s first mass resurrection. Who will the saints rule over and where? Do these verses conflict or conform with your beliefs? How do you explain them?

Revelation 5:10 King James Version
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Revelation 20:4 New Matthew Bible
4 And I saw seats, and they that sat upon them; and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshipped the beast, nor his image, neither had taken his mark upon their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.