The Rapture

Understanding the First Resurrection and the Millennial Reign of Christ:

Revelation 20:5–6 “But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.” – Revelation 20:5 (KJV) In this passage, the Bible tells us that the first resurrection refers to the rapture and resurrection of the Church. Those who died without accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior have not yet been raised. The thousand-year reign, known as the Millennium, is reserved for resurrected believers only.

The phrase “the rest of the dead” refers to the unbelieving dead of all ages. Their resurrection will not occur until after the Millennium, at what is called the Great White Throne Judgment. Scripture clearly teaches that there are two kinds of resurrections: the resurrection of life and the resurrection of judgment (see John 5:29; Daniel 12:2; Acts 24:15). The first resurrection is also described as:

• “The resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:14),

• “Those who are Christ’s at His coming” (1 Corinthians 15:23), and

• The “better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35).

This resurrection includes:

• The redeemed Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18),

• Old Testament saints (Daniel 12:2), and

• Tribulation believers who were martyred for their faith.

They will all enter Christ’s kingdom in glorified, resurrected bodies, alongside those believers who survived the Tribulation. In contrast, the second resurrection will involve the unconverted. These individuals will be raised with eternal bodies suited for judgment and everlasting torment in hell.

The Phases of the First Resurrection: The first resurrection, referenced in Revelation 20:4, unfolds in three primary phases:

1. The resurrection of Christ – the firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:23; Revelation 1:5).

2. The resurrection of the Church – the dead in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:23).

3. The resurrection of Old Testament and Tribulation saints (Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2; Revelation 20:4).

Those who are part of the first resurrection are blessed and holy. Revelation 20:6 declares:“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” The word “blessed” here refers to those who die in the Lord (Revelation 14:13) and are granted the privilege of entering His Kingdom. The wicked dead have no share in this resurrection. They remain in death until the second resurrection and final judgment.

Victory Over Death and the Second Death: As believers in Jesus Christ, we have received eternal life. When we were born again, Christ breathed life into our spirits, and we became new creations. We will never die spiritually. The second death—which refers to eternal separation from God in the lake of fire—has no power over us. The first death is physical, but the second death is spiritual and eternal (see Revelation 20:14). Not only will Christians reign with Christ during the 1,000 years on earth, but we will also live with Him eternally in heaven, having partaken of the Tree of Life, who is Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

What Is the Millennium? The Millennium is Christ’s literal 1,000-year reign upon David’s throne, fulfilling God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), and David. But it is also more than that—it serves as the final demonstration of the sinful nature of humanity. During this time:

• Christ reigns in righteousness from Jerusalem.

• Resurrected saints from all ages serve and administer the kingdom.

• Evil is instantly judged.

• Satan is bound and unable to influence mankind.

• Tribulation survivors enter the Millennium in natural, mortal bodies.

Even under such perfect conditions, at the end of the Millennium, Satan will be released to test the nations one final time. He will deceive them into rebellion, leading to the last great conflict. Revelation describes this as the battle involving “Gog and Magog,” reminiscent of Ezekiel 38. The beloved city, Jerusalem, will be the earthly capital of Christ’s kingdom.

A Final Encouragement: I strongly encourage everyone to read the Book of Revelation—the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing to those who read it (Revelation 1:3). The message is clear: strive to be part of the first resurrection. Choose Christ now, and reign with Him both in the coming Kingdom and for all eternity.