What Is the First and Second Resurrection?

TL;DR Summary

Who experiences the first resurrection?
The first resurrection is for the righteous, particularly those who have been martyred for their faith in Christ. These individuals are raised to reign with Christ during the thousand-year reign described in Revelation 20:4-5. This group includes those who remained faithful and did not worship the beast or receive its mark.

What is the first and second resurrection?
The first resurrection refers to the raising of the righteous dead to rule with Christ during the millennium. The second resurrection, which occurs after the thousand years, involves all the remaining dead who did not take part in the first resurrection. They are raised to face the final judgment before God.

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Where do these events take place?
Both resurrections are depicted in the context of the end times as described in the book of Revelation. The first resurrection occurs at the beginning of the thousand-year reign of Christ, often referred to as the Millennium, while the second resurrection takes place at the Great White Throne Judgment, after the millennium.

When do these resurrections happen?
The first resurrection happens at the start of the thousand-year reign of Christ. After this period, the second resurrection occurs, followed by the final judgment of all humanity.

Why are these resurrections significant?
These resurrections signify God’s justice and the fulfillment of His promises. The first resurrection rewards the faithful, while the second resurrection brings judgment to those who rejected God’s grace.

How do these events unfold?
The sequence begins with the first resurrection, where the faithful are raised to reign with Christ. After the millennium, Satan is released, leading to the final rebellion and his ultimate defeat. Then, the second resurrection occurs, where the rest of the dead are judged according to their deeds, and those not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire.

Introduction

In Revelation 20:4-5, the apostle John provides a striking vision of Christian martyrs being raised from the dead to reign with Jesus for a thousand years, an event he calls the “first resurrection.” This resurrection is contrasted with a second, which takes place after the millennium when all the remaining dead are raised for final judgment. This vision of the two resurrections raises important questions about what these events mean and how they fit into God’s redemptive plan. Understanding the significance of these resurrections is crucial for comprehending the broader narrative of the end times and God’s ultimate justice and mercy.

Narrative Context

The book of Revelation is an apocalyptic text filled with symbolic imagery and prophetic visions concerning the end of the present age and the establishment of God’s kingdom. Revelation 20, in particular, describes the events that will occur after Christ’s return, including the binding of Satan, the reign of Christ with His saints for a thousand years, and the ultimate defeat of evil.

In this chapter, John sees thrones and those seated on them, who had been given authority to judge. He specifically mentions the souls of those who were martyred for their testimony of Jesus and for the Word of God, who had not worshipped the beast or its image. These faithful individuals are raised to life to rule with Christ for a thousand years, while the rest of the dead remain in their graves until the end of this period. This resurrection is described as the “first resurrection,” and those who partake in it are blessed and holy, as the second death has no power over them.

The second resurrection occurs after the millennium, at the Great White Throne Judgment, where all the dead are judged according to their works. Those whose names are not found written in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire, experiencing what the Bible calls the “second death.”

Scriptural Foundations

Key scriptures related to the first and second resurrections include:

• Revelation 20:4-6: “I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and such as didn’t worship the beast nor his image, and didn’t receive the mark on their forehead and on their hand. They lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead didn’t live until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over these, the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with him one thousand years.”
• John 5:28-29: “Don’t marvel at this, for the hour comes in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:23-24: “But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are Christ’s at his coming. Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God the Father, when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power.”

These passages collectively depict the sequence and nature of the resurrections. The first resurrection is a special event for the righteous, whereas the second resurrection is a general resurrection of all the remaining dead for final judgment.

Perspectives from Others

Different theological traditions interpret these resurrections in various ways. Premillennialists view the first resurrection as a literal event where the faithful are raised to reign with Christ on earth during a thousand-year period. Amillennialists, however, interpret this reign symbolically, suggesting it represents the spiritual rule of believers in heaven. Postmillennialists believe that the Millennium is a period of widespread Christian influence and peace before Christ’s return.

While interpretations differ, the common thread is the affirmation that God’s justice and sovereignty are manifest in these events. The first resurrection is seen as a reward for faithfulness, while the second resurrection highlights the reality of judgment and the ultimate separation between those who accept and those who reject God’s grace.

Identifying Misunderstandings

A common misunderstanding is that the first resurrection applies to all Christians at the time of Christ’s return. However, Revelation 20:4-5 specifically mentions those who were martyred and did not worship the beast. Another misconception is equating the “first resurrection” with the final resurrection of all believers at Christ’s second coming. Instead, the first resurrection is a unique event preceding the general resurrection and final judgment.

Relevance and Application for You

Understanding the first and second resurrections should deepen one’s appreciation for God’s justice and the hope of eternal life. For believers, the first resurrection symbolizes the ultimate reward for faithfulness and perseverance, even unto death. It serves as an encouragement to live a life of unwavering commitment to Christ, knowing that such a life will be honored in His kingdom.

Encouragement and Conclusion

The first and second resurrections remind us that God is both just and merciful. For those who endure in faith, the promise of reigning with Christ is a powerful incentive to stand firm. As we navigate the challenges of life, may we find hope and strength in the assurance that Christ has overcome death, and through Him, we too will experience the victory of resurrection and eternal life.