Is there more than one resurrection?

The concept of resurrection is a fundamental aspect of Christian eschatology, and understanding the different phases of resurrection helps clarify the sequence of end-times events. According to the Bible, there are indeed multiple resurrections, each with specific purposes and timing.

This study explores the biblical teaching on the two primary resurrections as depicted in John 5:28-29, the resurrection of the saints at the beginning of the Millennium, the resurrection of the wicked at the end of the Millennium, and the subsequent judgment and final state of hell, using references from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.

The Two Resurrections

John 5:28-29

Jesus Himself spoke about the two resurrections in John 5:28-29:

John 5:28-29 (NKJV):

“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

This passage highlights the two distinct resurrections:

1. The Resurrection of Life: This refers to the resurrection of those who have lived righteously and have faith in Christ. It is associated with eternal life and rewards.
2. The Resurrection of Condemnation: This refers to the resurrection of those who have lived wickedly and have not accepted Christ. It is associated with judgment and eternal punishment.

The Resurrection of the Saints

The First Resurrection

The first resurrection occurs at the second coming of Christ at the beginning of the Millennium, a thousand-year reign of Christ in heaven. This resurrection is for the righteous, or saints, who will reign with Christ during this period.

Revelation 20:4-6 (NKJV):

“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”

Key Points:

1. Participants: This resurrection includes those who have been martyred for their faith and others who have lived righteously. They are resurrected to reign with Christ in heaven.
2. Timing: This resurrection occurs at the beginning of the Millennium, which follows the Great Tribulation.
3. Blessing and Holiness: Those who are part of the first resurrection are described as blessed and holy, with no power of the second death over them. They will serve as priests of God and Christ during the Millennium.

The Resurrection of the Wicked

The Second Resurrection

The second resurrection occurs at the end of the Millennium. This resurrection is for the wicked and those who have not accepted Christ. It precedes the final judgment.

Revelation 20:11-13 (NKJV):

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.”

Key Points:

1. Participants: This resurrection includes all the dead who were not part of the first resurrection. It encompasses those who have lived wickedly and those who did not accept Christ.
2. Timing: This resurrection occurs after the thousand-year reign of Christ, at the end of the Millennium.
3. Judgment: The resurrected wicked are judged according to their works as recorded in the books. The Book of Life is used to determine who will enter eternal life, and those whose names are not found in it are cast into the lake of fire.

The Judgment and Final State

The final judgment takes place after the resurrection of the wicked. This judgment determines the eternal fate of every individual.

Revelation 20:14-15 (NKJV):

“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Key Points:

1. The Second Death: The lake of fire represents the “second death,” a term used for the final separation from God.
2. Eternal Punishment: Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life face final death in the lake of fire.
3. Finality: This judgment is final and irreversible. It marks the end of the opportunity for repentance and salvation.

Theological Implications

The Nature of Resurrection

The concept of multiple resurrections underscores the biblical understanding of justice and divine order. The resurrection of the righteous at the beginning of the Millennium reflects the reward for faithfulness and righteous living. Conversely, the resurrection of the wicked at the end of the Millennium reflects the ultimate justice of God, addressing the issue of evil and sin.

The Role of Christ

Christ plays a central role in both resurrections and the final judgment. His death and resurrection are the basis for the resurrection of the righteous, and His role as Judge is pivotal in the final judgment of the wicked.

John 5:22 (NKJV):

“For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.”

Acts 17:31 (NKJV):

“because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

Application for Believers

Living in Light of the Resurrection

Believers are called to live in light of the resurrection and judgment, understanding that their actions and faithfulness have eternal consequences.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV):

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast and diligent in their faith, knowing that their efforts in serving the Lord are not in vain but contribute to their place in the resurrection of life.

Hope and Assurance

The resurrection of the righteous offers hope and assurance of eternal life with Christ. Believers are assured of their place in the first resurrection and the blessings associated with it.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NKJV):

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

This passage provides comfort and encouragement, reassuring believers of their future resurrection and eternal presence with the Lord.

Conclusion

The concept of multiple resurrections is a significant aspect of Christian eschatology, as outlined in John 5:28-29 and Revelation 20. The two resurrections-the resurrection of the righteous at the beginning of the Millennium and the resurrection of the wicked at the end-reflect the justice and grace of God. The final judgment determines the eternal fate of all individuals, with the righteous entering eternal life and the wicked facing punishment and death.

Understanding these resurrections and the final judgment helps believers grasp the importance of living a righteous life and the assurance of eternal life with Christ. It underscores the significance of faith in Christ and the ultimate justice of God in dealing with sin and righteousness.

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