Bible Study Seattle

“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6

Is this verse saying the church will be immortal upon entrance to heaven?

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” Hebrews 9:27

“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” James 3:1

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God;” 1 Peter 4:17

We will all be judged, especially believers. How then, if we are immortal, can we be judged? Some might say we are judged in this life, but what about matters that aren’t resolved? Paul assented to the stoning of Stephen. He was deeply mortified by his sin, yet there was no resolution during his life: Stephen was already dead. Since both of these men are part of the true church of saints, how can there be resolution if they are both now immortal? Paul must repent and Stephen must forgive. Or another way of looking at it: how can there be any disharmony in the Risen Bride of Christ? There must be another step. That’s why there may be some doubt about instant immortality of the church. Another consideration is the judgment in heaven:

“Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?  Do you not know that we shall judge angels?” 1 Corinthians 6:2-3

How can we judge that which we do not know? Don’t we first need experience in that realm (heaven)? Mustn’t the saints spend considerable time in heaven before they become qualified to judge angels? Is there a possibility of failure? Is second death only in operation on earth and not in heaven?