Bible Study Seattle

It is assumed by all mainline Christians that upon death they go to heaven.  More specifically, bible students believe that upon death the church or little flock, receive instant immortality.  “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;” 1 Corinthians 15:42    But is it instant?  “in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”  1 Corinthians 15:52  The last trumpet is the Day of Atonement.  http://www.wildolive.co.uk/yomkippur.htm    Peter says:

“For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”  1 Peter 4:17

If the church or little flock receive instant immortality, what’s the point of judgment beginning with God’s household?  It seems that the test for eternity happens after a person dies.  This is a relief.  For centuries, Christians have assumed that they must die a martyr if they want the highest accolades from God.  Certainly true martyrdom will be rewarded, but the actual test to enter eternity (or at least age+ lasting life), must reside in the second life.  One possibility is a test at or right before the Day of Atonement.  It seems to this writer that Armageddon will happen immediately before the ultimate Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).  From the first of the seventh month (Feast of Trumpets) to the tenth of the seventh month (Yom Kippur) are known as the days of awe.  The Day of the Lord and the Thousand year reign are synonymous.  Therefore, Yom Kippur is slightly past half way through the Thousand year reign.  It is clear that the saints are raised from the dead first at Yashua’s second coming.  “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.”  2 Thessalonians 2:13

That second coming starts as a thief.  “for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”  1 Thessalonians 5:2  But believers shouldn’t be surprised:

“But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.”  1 Thessalonians 5:4