Sometimes we can be quite surprised by the responses we receive when we try to explain the Divine Plan and the Divine Character.  There often seems to be something quite vindictive in the human psyche -- something that doesn't want mercy for others, just for self.  This cannot be a good attitude!  And it is quite contrary to the character of our God and of Jesus.  Indeed, if we cannot want to and cannot extend mercy for others, we are informed by our Lord that we cannot expect it for ourselves.  (Matthew 7:1, 2)

 

As a case in point:  When explaining to some that the unbelieving dead will be awakened during the 1000-year reign of Christ to be given an opportunity for reform and eternal life in happiness, some have responded, "Why should any be given a second chance?  They've already had a chance in their first life."

 

Their response is repulsive to those who know God!  But it also displays a great deal     of ignorance.  What ever makes us think that everyone has even had "a first chance" in this life?  Quite to the contrary!  Scripture clearly states that Jesus is "the only name by which we all must be saved."  (Acts 4:12)  But there were millions upon millions of people who were born and died before Jesus ever came on the scene.  Consequently, those people never had so much as a first chance in this life.  From the Garden of Eden until the first advent of Jesus was about 4000 years.  NONE of the inhabitants of the earth during that time ever heard about Jesus!  And PLEASE don't suggest that they were saved by ignorance!  If salvation comes through ignorance, it would be better if no religious words were ever spoken!  The Acts text (above) shows the ONLY name through which salvation will come.  BUT IT DOESN'T RESTRICT IT TO NOW!  And even the vast majority of humanity since Jesus' first advent who have lived through the last 2000 years have NEVER heard about Jesus.  And, NO!  It's not their fault!

 

God has permitted evil so that the billions mankind, experienced with it, will be able to make a wise choice for their eternal destinies once Jesus sets up his kingdom of mediation for them.  The entire Divine Plan is based on RESTORING mankind at that time.  (Acts 3:20, 21)  This restitution time was, as Peter said, preached by ALL GOD'S PROPHETS since the world began!  That restoration opportunity will, indeed, be the FIRST CHANCE for billions -- even though some might mistakenly think of it as a "second chance."  And HOW can they be restored UNLESS they do, indeed, have "a REAL chance?"  It will, of course, be their actual FIRST CHANCE -- a time devoted to learning of God and of Jesus and applying what they learn to the perfecting of their characters so that they can, indeed, obtain perfection and eternal life.  After all, is there no meaning to the Lord's prayer about his Father's kingdom coming with His will being done IN EARTH?  

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My oh my!  How soon we can cease to apply what we pray for!  Almost ALL of Christianity has forgotten about an EARTHLY salvation!  Because of the Satanic doctrines of eternal torment and immortal souls that cannot perish -- and thus must suffer eternally! -- everyone wants to go to heaven.  But if there were (and there IS) another option, nearly all of humanity would choose it.  And, YES!  There IS a heavenly salvation for a FEW who have been saints -- a SMALL group of humans who will have their nature changed from human to divine.  Jesus called them a "little flock."  (Luke 12:32)  THEY will be heirs of the Abrahamic Promise -- the seed which will bless all the families of the EARTH.  (Galatians 3:8; 4:28; Genesis 12:3)

 

A careful examination of I Timothy 4:10 reveals clearly that God saves ALL men -- but ESPECIALLY "believers."  That "especially" group are the saints of God -- the faithful disciples of Jesus since his first advent.  They are the ones who will "go to heaven."  The remainder of the human race was designed for and will enjoy an eternity of wonderful living on a perfected earth.  Thus this same Timothy verse makes God the Savior of ALL -- but not all will have the SAME salvation.  A few will be in heaven.  Most will be on earth.

 

Indeed, the promise to Abraham (which Paul in Galatians 3:8 calls "the gospel") clearly states that in the "seed of Abraham" ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH will be blessed.  And Paul explains that the "seed" which will bless the whole human race is made up of the disciples of Christ.  THEY have their "first chance" at salvation now --     in the age between the two advents of Jesus.  The world of mankind will have its "first chance" ("second chance" if you prefer the phrase!) during the 1000 years of Christ's millennial reign.  (I Corinthians 15:22-26; Revelation 20:11-15)

 

THEN will be fulfilled the prayer, "Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done IN EARTH as it is in heaven."  And the number of texts which speak of this earthly salvation are just about too numerous to count.  But Isaiah 14:7 is  just one which encapsulates the beauty of the moment when that Kingdom arrives!   THAT will be the real first chance for all     of humanity except for the saints who  will have received their first chance in the Christian Age between the two advents.

 

            

          "The whole earth is at rest and is quiet.

            They break forth into singing!"