18. Who receive a resurrection of judgment?

¹⁸ But what about the “unrighteous,” or “those who practiced vile things,” coming out to a “resurrection of judgment”? This will be part of the earthly resurrection and will include those who did not know the way of service to Jehovah, but whose hearts could desire the principles of right. The malefactor to whom Christ spoke is one example of such. (Luke 23:39-43) They did not practice the things pleasing to God and leading to life, but they had right heart desires, a love of righteousness that God remembers. Some may have even shown good will toward God’s servants in times past. Such ones must come forth to judgment, the outcome of which depends on their obedience to the divine regulations governing God’s new world. This will occur after paradisaic conditions are well along, as Christ promised the malefactor.

“THE ACCOMPLISHED END”

19. How does the resurrection have a part in finally vindicating Jehovah’s word and name?

¹⁹ In harmony with Revelation 20:5, however, none on earth will have the grant of everlasting life until the end of the thousand-year reign of Christ. When he comes to this point of time, having lifted obedient humankind up to actual perfection, his priestly work toward them is done. Death due to Adam has then been destroyed by removal of all imperfection. The earth is filled and beautified according to Jehovah’s original purpose. Christ then steps aside to let them stand in their perfection before Jehovah himself, as Adam did in Eden. This is “the accomplished end, . . . when he has destroyed all government and all authority and power.” (1 Cor. 15:24, NW) Next, the test of Satan’s loosing for a little season is applied and those standing firm for Jehovah’s theocratic government are declared righteous, being granted a permanent place in that world without end. It is then that “the rest of the dead . . . come to life” in the fullest sense of the word. (Rev. 20:5, NW) Then Jehovah God is truly “all things to everyone,” because wholly in him resides the decision as to permanent life or extinction for each one of earth’s inhabitants. By the resurrection Jehovah’s name and purposes are vindicated. Happy are those who receive its benefits!

Resurrection Our Strength-giving Hope

 1. (a) By what means does the world keep people in the way of destruction? (b) How could people avoid fear of death?

IN THIS fight to maintain integrity it is not easy for one to go contrary to the ways and thinking of this old world. It is far from the coward’s course, though the world may use this false accusation toward the Christian to intimidate and force him into parallel with its mad rush toward destruction. For, instead of love and reasoning, this world plays upon fallen man’s weakened emotions. It uses the whip of fear, or pride, or selfishness. Few people of earth can stand against these. By reason of this dictators can hold entire nations in subjection, people being afraid to maintain