Topical Bible: The Blessed: Who Have Part in the First Resurrection

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the "first resurrection" is a significant eschatological theme found in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Revelation. Those who partake in this resurrection are described as "blessed and holy," indicating a special status and privilege in the divine plan of salvation and judgment.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference to the first resurrection is found in Revelation 20:4-6 : "Then I saw thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were complete. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years."

Characteristics of the Blessed

1. Martyrs and Faithful Witnesses: The passage highlights those who have suffered martyrdom for their testimony of Jesus and adherence to the word of God. These individuals are depicted as having remained faithful despite persecution and opposition, refusing to worship the beast or its image.

2. Exemption from the Second Death: Those who partake in the first resurrection are described as being immune to the "second death," which is later defined in Revelation 20:14 as the lake of fire. This exemption underscores their secure position in eternal life, free from the ultimate judgment that befalls the unrighteous.

3. Priestly and Regal Role: Participants in the first resurrection are granted the role of priests of God and of Christ, signifying a special relationship and service to the divine. Additionally, they are said to reign with Christ for a thousand years, indicating a share in His kingly authority during the millennial kingdom.

Theological Implications

The first resurrection is often interpreted as a literal event that inaugurates the millennial reign of Christ on earth. It is seen as a reward for those who have demonstrated unwavering faith and loyalty to Christ, even unto death. This event is distinct from the general resurrection of the dead, which occurs after the millennium and involves the final judgment.

The blessedness of those who partake in the first resurrection is emphasized by their holiness and their participation in the divine governance of the world. Their role as priests and co-regents with Christ highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to His faithful servants, as they are vindicated and exalted in the presence of all creation.

Relation to Other Scriptural Themes

The concept of resurrection is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, with roots in the Old Testament and further development in the New Testament. Passages such as Daniel 12:2 and John 5:28-29 speak of a future resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked, with differing outcomes based on one's relationship with God.

The first resurrection, as described in Revelation, aligns with the broader biblical narrative of redemption and restoration. It reflects the hope of believers for a future where justice is realized, and God's kingdom is fully established on earth.

Conclusion

The blessedness of those who have part in the first resurrection is a profound testament to the faithfulness of God and the ultimate triumph of His purposes. It serves as an encouragement to believers to remain steadfast in their faith, with the assurance of a glorious future in the presence of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Resurrection of the Sleeping Saints.
... and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and
they that have done evil ... Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/2 the resurrection of the.htm

"But if the Spirit of Him that Raised up Jesus from the Dead Dwell ...
... of the body, and these two have a connexion together, therefore saith the apostle
John, "Blessed are they who have part in the first resurrection, for on such ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxxi but if the.htm

That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope
... All who have died in the Lord are to be with him when he comes in the clouds of
heaven. "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on ...
/.../moody/that gospel sermon on the blessed hope/that gospel sermon on the.htm

The Resurrection
... If we have a part in the first resurrection. Blessed is he that has a part in
the first resurrection. Revelation 20: What is meant loy this? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the resurrection.htm

The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just.
... renewed earth, in obedience to the invitation: "Come ye blessed of my ... a custom for
Christians to pray that they might have part in the first resurrection. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the kingdom given to the.htm

The Millennium in Relation to the Church.
... read, "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the ... Rev.20:6). Who an picture the
blessed accomplishment of ... For two thousand years the saints have (more or less ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/3 the millennium in relation.htm

He Fortifies his Opinions with Regard to the Temporal and Earthly ...
... bring forth and sustain fruits such [as we have mentioned], Isaiah ... also says the
very same in the Apocalypse: "Blessed and holy is he who has part in the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiv he fortifies his opinions.htm

Christ and the Sadduccees
... But as touching the dead, that they are raised; have ye not read in the ... Of such
attainment it is written, Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 12 18-27 christ and the.htm

The Resurrection Morning
... Because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they ... It was probably laid
in a part of the tomb ... no hostile hands, or there would not have been this ...
/.../the resurrection morning.htm

The Seed Growing Secretly.
... down and cast away. The first harvest is like the first resurrection; blessed
are they who have part in it. In the ministry of the ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xv the seed growing secretly.htm