By: Randall E. Pickens, Sr.
I call this article – Resurrection 101 (the basics)
( the short and sweet explanation in less than 700 words)
The phrase “1st Resurrection” as stated in Rev: 20 is a phrase that has caused much debate so I thought I would offer my understanding of the subject. The debate is really not whether there is a resurrection, but rather are there multiple resurrection events and if so; what is the distinguishing characteristics and timing of these events.
Before we proceed, let’s make sure we all understand the definition of the Greek word that is translated resurrection in English. In Greek “anastasis” means; standing up again. This definition in its many context carries the implication of the resurrection of the mortal body “standing up again after death” to either a mortal or an immortal body.
The phrase “1st Resurrection” as stated only in Rev. 20 will now be the subject of our discussion. Some confusion could arise if the term 1st were to be understood to mean the earliest account of a resurrection which we know it is not! In fact there are ten resurrection accounts in the New Testament and three in the Old Testament. However, one must differentiate between the (mortal to mortal) and (mortal to immortal) characteristic. The three events in the Old Testament and six of the ten in the New Testament were mortal to mortal resurrections. Only four of the ten referenced in the New Testament were mortal to immortal. (I Cor. 15:54)
For the purpose of this commentary we are focused only on the references to the resurrection of a mortal body to an immortal body as is the hope of all Christians. However, more important than resurrection of the mortal body to immortal is the final residence to be Heaven or Hell.
We will turn now to the three resurrections that qualify as a 1st Resurrection event and identify the timing of these three events. We will term these events as Crucifixion, Rapture, and Tribulation.
Crucifixion event:
We begin with the Crucifixion events. We are told in Matt 27:53 that “after” Jesus rose from the dead, graves were open and the Saints of old rose. In Eph. 4:8-9 we are told Jesus ascended leading captivity captive after first having descended into the lower parts. In I Cor. 15:23 we are told Jesus was the “first fruit” and then others in their “order” Greek “tagmah” meaning, series or succession.
Rapture event:
Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thes. 4:13-17 the dead in Christ since the crucifixion will be raised first and then those that are still alive will meet Him in the air at the close of the Church Age event. Also, in 1 Cor. 15:51-52 Paul defines this resurrection as a “mortal to immortal” transformation. This event precedes the 7-year Tribulation period referenced as Jacob’s Trouble and Daniel’s 70th week.
Tribulation event:
The primary purpose of the Tribulation period being the salvation of the Jews or what will then be considered “tribulation saints” since they too must acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah (accept the marriage contract). This will fulfill Rom. 11:23 by the grafting back of the Jews into the vine and the combined Jewish and Gentile “Bride of Christ”. Apostle John tells us in Rev. 7:14 and Rev. 20:4-5 the Tribulation saints and martyrs that refused to worship the beast or receive his mark will be raised but the “dead” would not be raised until the close of the Millennial Reign (1000 years). This event concludes the 1st resurrection events.
Second Death:
The dead will then be raised to be judged and condemned to eternal torment in the Lake of Fire. This is the fourth resurrection mentioned in the NT. The Dead (unjust) resurrection is also a “mortal to immortal” transformation but they will spend eternity in torment in the Lake of fire (Hell). This is the Second Death as referenced in Dan. 12:2, John 5:29, Acts 24:15, Rev. 2:11, and Rev. 20:6-14.
Summary:
We can see clearly that there are four distinctive events that involve resurrection to “immortal” beings. The “just” which will inherit ETERNAL LIFE and the “unjust” which will inherit ETERNAL DAMNATION.
There is life after death; the real question is, WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY?
If you are not sure of your final disposition; pray this prayer and message us so we can rejoice with you!
“ Father God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
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