What does "the rest of the dead" imply about the first resurrection's significance? Placing Revelation 20:5 in Context “ ‘The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were complete.’ ” (Revelation 20:5) • Verses 4-6 describe two separate resurrections • The first occurs before the thousand-year reign; the second follows it Identifying “the Rest of the Dead” • All who were not raised in the first resurrection • Specifically include unbelievers of every age (John 5:29; Revelation 20:12-13) • Excluded are tribulation martyrs and all redeemed saints, already alive and reigning with Christ How Their Delay Magnifies the First Resurrection 1. Chronological priority – Those in the first resurrection rise a full millennium earlier (1 Corinthians 15:23) 2. Quality of resurrection – Participants are “blessed and holy… the second death has no power over them” (Revelation 20:6) 3. Purpose of resurrection – They reign with Christ; the rest await judgment (Revelation 20:6, 12) 4. Nature of destiny – First resurrection: immortality and rule (Luke 20:35-36) – Second resurrection: standing before the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-15) Key Truths the Phrase Underscores • Exclusivity—only those in Christ share the first resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) • Assurance—the second death cannot touch them (Revelation 20:6) • Urgency—those outside Christ face a still-future resurrection to judgment (Daniel 12:2) • Certainty—God’s literal timeline separates the righteous and the wicked (Acts 24:15) Passages Echoing the Same Contrast • John 5:28-29 – “a resurrection of life” and “a resurrection of judgment” • Daniel 12:2 – “some to everlasting life, and others to shame and everlasting contempt” • 1 Corinthians 15:23 – “Christ the firstfruits; then, at His coming, those who belong to Christ” Living in Light of the First Resurrection • Confidence—believers share Christ’s victory now and in the coming kingdom • Perspective—earthly trials are temporary; reigning with Christ is eternal • Witness—motivation to call others to faith before they are among “the rest of the dead” |
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