Summary: There are two distinct resurrections promised in the Bible. To “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), we need to keep the promises to these two groups distinct. Faithful Christians will receive a spirit resurrection with Jesus. This is the first resurrection. The world of mankind will receive a human resurrection on the earth restored.

Discussion: The followers of Jesus, who are begotten by God’s power and influence, His holy spirit, and who are faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10), are promised a heavenly resurrection. “If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:5.

What was the “likeness of his resurrection”? It was an exceeding high exaltation (Philippians 2:9), far above the human nature, “far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named” (Ephesians 1:21). It was an exaltation even to the divine nature. The Apostle Peter wrote that we who follow his steps as he set us an example, may become partakers of God’s divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). To follow in the Lord’s steps of humiliation and sacrifice, even unto death, is no light undertaking. It means the giving up of our will for the accomplishment of the divine will.

Jesus Christ has promised to gather his body members to their heavenly home as spirit beings.

The world of mankind will experience a human resurrection on earth. Nonbelievers are never promised a heavenly reward. However, Jesus’ death did secure a resurrection for all of mankind. 

Just as everyone dies through Adam, so everyone will be resurrected through Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:22, 35, 38 (NKJV), “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive…35 But someone will say, ‘How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?’ … 38 But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.”

There are many resurrection prophecies which are yet to be fulfilled. Isaiah 65:17, 24-25 (NKJV), “17 ‘For behold, I create new heavens (Christ ruling from heaven) and a new earth (paradise on earth); and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. … 24 It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,’ Says the LORD.”

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1231: “What if I’m Not Good Enough for Heaven?”
Uncovering the destiny of humanity’s billions who don’t go to heaven
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #1285: “When Jesus Prayed, “Thy Kingdom Come” What Did He Mean?”
Digging into the deep, broad and scriptural meaning of God’s kingdom
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

3-part series: “What Will We Be Doing When We Get to Heaven?”