Part 2: The 1,000 Years Is Between Two Resurrections

Jesus Christ clearly spoke of two resurrections when He said, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in their graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29). The apostle Paul also spoke of these two resurrections when he said, “there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust” (Acts 24:15). Thus both Jesus Christ and Paul spoke of two resurrections, the first being the resurrection of life for the just, and the second being the resurrection of damnation for the unjust. This is a clear Bible teaching.

Revelation 20 also speaks of two resurrections. A careful reading of verses 4-6 reveal that one takes place at the beginning of the 1000 years, the other at the end. The Word says, “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” (vs. 6). Here is a resurrection at the beginning of the 1000 years. This is a good and blessed resurrection. Those in it need not fear the second death. “But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished” (vs. 5a). Those not in the first resurrection will be raised at the end of the 1000 years in the second resurrection. Again, Paul said this would be a resurrection of “the unjust,” (Acts 24:15), while Jesus Christ called it “the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29).

Those in the second resurrection will be deceived by Satan (vs. 8), will be gathered against God’s City (vs. 9), will stand before the final great white throne judgment (vs. 11), will be judged by their works (vs. 12, 13), will be cast into the lake of fire (vs. 9, 15), and will suffer the second death (vs. 14).

Thus Revelation 20 teaches two resurrections – one at the beginning of the 1000 years, and the other at the end. If you die before Jesus Christ returns, what resurrection will you be in? Friend, this is a very serious and solemn question. Now is the time to make sure we are true believers in Jesus Christ and real followers of His Holy Word. He loves us deeply. That’s why He suffered horribly and died for our sins. We cannot afford to make a mistake in this matter.

More to come…