Made Ready
I mentioned the other day that I think the First Resurrection is not so much about a bodily resurrection as much it is about the resurrection of the spirit of man to the state of the New Jerusalem. I feel now to clarify that the spiritual body and the ascending spirit cannot be separated, in that one of these cannot ascend to the Father without the other. This is saying, beloved, that the celestial body IS the vehicle for the ascension of our spirit.
Having said this, I cannot emphasize enough here the importance of us being steadfast in the putting on of our fine and undefiled ascension garments (this is the celestial body). This is all done through the turning away from all that defiles and by wholeheartedly surrendering to the will and the purposes of the Father. It is in this way that we are "made ready" for our entrance into the New Jerusalem, dear friends.
Beloved, I have been waiting for years for more revelation of the condition of spirits that have parted from their bodies in death, and it is now being made clear to me that entrance of these spirits into the highest heaven is granted only to "him that overcometh." This is saying that if full victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil is not obtained in this lifetime, then upon physical dissolution of the body one will find them-self in a lower degree of spirit than that of the New Jerusalem, and they will remain there in that state until Christ is more fully put on.
Beloved, this is saying that if we hope to attain to the "blessed and holy" First Resurrection out from the dead, we must, unreservedly, and with faith and great patience, press on for that most High Mark in Christ Jesus, not even thinking much about what we might suffer to attain to it, but rather, delighting in the will of the Lord above all things, even relishing in those sufferings which God allows into our lives in order that all that is imperfect and defiled be fully swallowed up in Christ.
Beloved, God is surely opening up understanding to the way of the perfection (maturity) in our day, but just who will actually walk in this way? Just who will be made ready in this lifetime for entrance into the New Jerusalem? Time will tell.
Blessed is he that has an ear to hear (and a heart to obey) the Spirit in this day, dear ones.
Blessings of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him and His ways to you all.
D