Questions From Readers
Who will be resurrected on earth, and what type of resurrection will they experience?
Consider how the Bible answers these questions.
Acts 24:15 tells us that there is going to be “a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” The righteous are those who before dying obeyed God, so their names are written in the book of life. (Mal. 3:16) The unrighteous include those who died without having sufficient opportunity to learn about Jehovah, so their names are not written in the book of life.
John 5:28, 29 refers to the same two groups mentioned at Acts 24:15. Jesus says that “those who did good things” will come out “to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.” The righteous did good things before they died. They will come out to a resurrection of life because their names are still written in the book of life. However, the unrighteous practiced vile things before they died. They will come out to a resurrection of judgment. Their names are not yet written in the book of life, and they will experience a period of judgment, or probation. During that time, they will have an opportunity to learn about Jehovah and have their names written in the book of life.
Revelation 20:12, 13 explains that all resurrected ones will need to obey the “things written in the scrolls,” that is, the new laws that will be in effect in the new world. Those who do not obey will be removed.—Isa. 65:20.
Daniel 12:2 foretells that some of those sleeping in death will wake up “to everlasting life and others to reproach and to everlasting contempt.” This verse speaks of the final outcome of their resurrection—“everlasting life” or “everlasting contempt.” So at the end of the 1,000 years, some will receive everlasting life and others will be destroyed forever.—Rev. 20:15; 21:3, 4.
Consider an illustration. The situation of the two groups resurrected could be compared to that of foreigners who want to live in another country. The righteous are like those who receive a work visa or a resident visa that gives them a measure of recognition and freedom. In contrast, the unrighteous are like foreigners who may receive a temporary visa or a visitor’s visa. Such foreigners will have to prove themselves before being allowed to continue living in the new country. Similarly, the unrighteous resurrected ones will need to obey Jehovah’s laws and prove themselves righteous in order to remain in Paradise. And no matter what visa foreigners initially receive upon entry into another country, some may eventually receive citizenship while others may be deported. The outcome will be based on their attitude and conduct in the new country. So, too, the final outcome for all those resurrected will depend on their faithfulness and conduct in the new world.
Jehovah is not only the God of compassion but also the God of justice and fairness. (Deut. 32:4; Ps. 33:5) He will show his love by resurrecting both the righteous and the unrighteous. He will at the same time maintain his high standards of morality. Only those who come to love him and live up to his standards will be allowed to keep living in the new world.