The term "First Resurrection" is primarily derived from the Book of Revelation, specifically Revelation 20:4-6, which states: "Then 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 back 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."

Nature and Participants

The First Resurrection is understood as a literal event where those who have died in Christ are raised to life at the beginning of the Millennial Kingdom. This resurrection is distinct from the general resurrection of the dead, which occurs after the thousand-year reign of Christ. Participants in the First Resurrection include martyrs who have died for their faith, as well as those who have remained faithful to Christ and have not succumbed to the worship of the beast or its image.

Theological Significance

The First Resurrection is significant for several reasons. It marks the beginning of Christ's millennial reign on earth, a period characterized by peace and righteousness. Those who partake in this resurrection are described as "blessed and holy," indicating their special status and reward for their faithfulness. They are granted the privilege of reigning with Christ, serving as priests of God, and are assured that the "second death"—eternal separation from God—has no power over them.

Relation to Other Resurrections

In the broader biblical context, the First Resurrection is part of a sequence of resurrections. The New Testament speaks of the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the "firstfruits" (1 Corinthians 15:20), indicating that His resurrection is the guarantee and precursor of the resurrection of believers. The First Resurrection is followed by the resurrection of the rest of the dead, which occurs after the millennial reign and is associated with the final judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).

Interpretative Views

While the First Resurrection is generally understood as a literal event within conservative Christian theology, interpretations can vary. Some view it as a symbolic representation of spiritual renewal or the triumph of the church. However, the plain reading of the text in Revelation suggests a physical resurrection of believers who will reign with Christ on earth.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The concept of resurrection is not foreign to the Old Testament. Passages such as Daniel 12:2-3 speak of a future resurrection, where "many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, and others to shame and everlasting contempt." This prophetic vision aligns with the New Testament revelation of the First Resurrection, emphasizing the hope of eternal life for the righteous.

Practical Implications

For believers, the First Resurrection serves as a source of hope and encouragement. It assures them of their future vindication and reward for faithfulness amidst persecution and trials. The promise of reigning with Christ motivates believers to live holy and dedicated lives, anticipating the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.