The Outward/Will be Sequence of the Resurrections
Posted May 11, 2011
Hello,
I have recently been confused in trying to understand the outward/will be sequence of the resurrections and reign spoken of in Revelation.
I assume the Second Death is implying a "second resurrection"?Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received hismark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Rev 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.Is this saying that the thousand year reign IS "the first resurrection"?
Thank you for any help,
Also, I assume the "144,000" is including those overcomers who have died and those currently living at the time?
And "the rest of the dead" is referring to those dead who did not overcome, correct?
And lastly, I assume the SECOND DEATH encompasses those both dead and alive (the dead being resurrected and the live being transformed)?
N___
Hi N____,
Everything you say here is correct based upon the scriptures you quote here.
What is important to understand is that the word 'second' is not speaking of any human being, experiencing two personal resurrections. Rather it is speaking of two groups, one being 'first' and the other being 'second'. Those who are in the second group, form what the scriptures refer to as those who are "cast alive into the lake of fire", where they will, in the "great white throne... judgment" experience "the goodness of God, which will bring them to repentance".
Rom 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
This "goodness of God" is to be defined and discovered in Psa 107:21-31. It is the same "goodness of God" which brings us all to repentance, whether we are first or second. That is why this verse is true of all men, whether first or second, to come to God.
Ecc 9:2 All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.
I hope these few verses help to make this clear. If not, please let me know.
Your brother who wants to be nothing more than a "helper of your joy",