and the dead in Christ shall rise first

[DaDad]

...

Jesus shall return:

16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. ​

After Jesus throws Satan into the pit forever:

And the dead in Christ will rise first; 17 then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord. ​

Just to be clear, -- Wikipedia tells us: Donald Trump was born in New York City and became president. And you say: THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE, you have to be at least 30 years old to be President. To which I say: Wikipedia is NEVER wrong, so he apparently served from birth to age 4.

Pretty good trick, huh? -- The point being, that two facts in close sequence don't necessarily mean in close chronology.

With Best Regards,
DaDad

 

[parousia70]

If someone is saved the very same day Christ returns, how did they manage to live and reign with Christ an entire thousand years in less than 24 hours? Explain that.

Sure.
I suppose could employ the ol'e futurist standby of 2 Peter 3:8, "a thousand years are as a day" but most futurists don't appreciate when their "ringer" verse is applied to any of their "time" claims, they only want it applied to preterist understanding of Biblical time statements...so I'll take a different tact.

You may be surprised to find out I too take the thousand years Literally and as a typological symbol.

The "Thousand years" shows that Christ fulfilled the hopes of the Davidic Monarchy that Christ would fill David's office as King (Luke 1:68-69; Acts 2:30-36; 1 Timothy 1:17; Mark 11:10; ) and restore the tabernacle of David (Acts 15:16-17) so that all the gentile nations could join in to the true worship of Jehovah. The 1000 years shows a completed Monarchy instead of the fact that the Monarchy had fallen into ruin in the 500s BC via the Babylonian captivity.

Thousand Years refers to the entire length of the Davidic Monarchy, from David, the First King in the line through Christ, the Final King in the line, spanning a period of... wait for it.... 1000 years.

David and Christ being the only 2 Kings in the line that matter, David the type, Christ the antitype, or fulfillment.

Christ fulfilled what all other kings in the line failed to to, thus bringing completion to, and fulfilling the purpose for, the Davidic monarchy, which was the "1000 year reign".

When discussing the typological meaning of the "thousand years," and how Christ fulfilled it, I find it useful to first show that the apostolic eschatological doctrine prohibits any view of the "millennium" that portrays it as a future, literal, earthly epoch. A simple examination of the NT epistles shows that there is no future historical "thousand-years" period. We know this with certainty, for the apostles explicitly identified the precise timing of the resurrection, the judgment, and the New Heaven/Earth -- they all occur at the second coming of Jesus Christ, thus proving that there is no literal "thousand years" that separates these events out over time.

Here are the facts:

(1) The resurrection occurs at the second coming of Christ (1 Cor 15:23)

(2) The judgment occurs at the second coming of Christ (2 Tim 4:1; Rev 11:15-18)

(3) The "New Heavens/Earth" occurs at the second coming of Christ -- i.e., the "thief's coming," the "day of the Lord" (2 Pet 3:10/1 Thess 5:2)

These key eschatological events all occur at the second coming of Jesus Christ. THEREFORE, as the apostles themselves understood, there is no literal, historic millennium.

As we all know, the popular dispensational/millennialist maps separate these three eschatological events by a period of 1000 historic years--or, in some cases, 1007 years. The bible doesn't allow it. The bible proves there is no literal earthly "millennium." Once we understand the plain truth of this, we can turn our efforts to understanding the apostolic teaching of the "thousand years" as a typological symbol--one of many in John's highly typological and symbolic vision

Again, the idea of a thousand years reign with Israel's Monarchy was an Old Testament hope -- one that was wished for but failed. The hopes of this glorious reign were laid out when Solomon took the throne after David. It was said that Israel would walk in the covenant blessings, and so much so that the Gentiles would come into the covenant (such as the Queen of Sheba's homage to Solomon). However, the "tabernacle of David" began to quickly crumble, and fell into total ruin by the time of the Babylonian exile. This all summarizes an OT type. Now, fast-forward to all the NT typology about Jesus being the TRUE "son of David" who was born as THE MESSIANIC HEIR to David's throne for raising up the Monarchy. This is what Revelation 20 is doing. It is using the Davidic Monarchy typology and applying it to Christ and the martyr-kings who reign in the Christic Monarchy, and it does so in exactly the same typological sense as other types we are more familiar with (Jesus is the "sacrifical lamb," etc). In Revelation 20 we see Jesus and his tribulation-martyr-kings reign; they defeat satan; they bring in the gentiles; and they judge the world. These are all the things hoped for in the OT times, but fulfilled in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant Church. The Church has all dominion with Christ over heaven and earth, satan was defeated, the gentles are now in the covenant, and Christ and the Church are the judges of the whole world.

 

[claninja]

Sure.
You may be surprised to find out I too take the thousand years Literally.

The "Thousand years" shows that Christ fulfilled the hopes of the Davidic Monarchy that Christ would fill David's office as King (Luke 1:68-69; Acts 2:30-36; 1 Timothy 1:17; Mark 11:10; ) and restore the tabernacle of David (Acts 15:16-17) so that all the gentile nations could join in to the true worship of Jehovah. The 1000 years shows a completed Monarchy instead of the fact that the Monarchy had fallen into ruin in the 500s BC via the Babylonian captivity.

Thousand Years refers to the entire length of the Davidic Monarchy, from David, the First King in the line through Christ, the Final King in the line, spanning a period of... wait for it.... 1000 years.

David and Christ being the only 2 Kings in the line that matter, David the type, Christ the antitype, or fulfillment.

Christ fulfilled what all other kings in the line failed to to, thus bringing completion to, and fulfilling the purpose for, the Davidic monarchy, which was the "1000 year reign".

It is interesting to note that the last time Satan is mentioned as "deceiving/tempting" someone in the OT is when David was king. Right after this, David preps for the 1st temple, and Satan is never again mentioned as deceiving anyone in the OT.
1 Chronicles 21:1 Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel

In fact, the only time satan is mentioned again after David, is in a vision given to Zechariah. Satan actually doesn't deceive/tempt anyone, he just stands (in the vision) at Joshua's right hand to accuse him.
Zechariah 3:1 and Satana standing at his right hand to accuse him.

The next time satan is mentioned, in regards to deceiving/tempting, is right after Jesus is baptized
Mark 1:12-13 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

Coincidentally, the time between Satan deceiving/tempting David and deceiving/tempting Christ is as you stated: 1000 years
Revelation 20:2 who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,

Now, it seems that after the 1000 years, from David to Christ, the devil is thrown down to earth, with no place any longer in heaven
Revelation 12:5-9 She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rulea all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days. Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him
Luke 10:18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven
John 12:31 John 12:31 Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out.
John 14:30 I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming, and he has no claim on Me

And his time on earth is short
Revelation 12:12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”
Revelation 20:3 After that he must be released for a little while.

And during this time He:

works in the sons of disobedience while on earth
Ephesians 2:1-2 As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience
He prowls like a lion while on earth
1 peter 5:8 Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
He gives power to the man of lawlessness while on earth
2 Thessalonians 2:9 The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan

But God was soon about to crush Satan under foot.
Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet
Revelation 20:10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur,

 

[DavidPT]

I can't make sense out of some of what has been submitted in these last two posts to save my life. All I know is, the thousand years has to be meaning a period of time after Christ has already come. After all, the text does indicate the following----and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

That at least requires a first coming in order to fulfill. Some of us think it requires two comings to fulfill. But either way, it for sure requires a first coming in order to fulfill. Therefore, the thousand years can't be meaning any era of time prior to the first coming.

 

[iamlamad]

1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.


Revelation 20:4 I saw thrones, and they sat upon theAnd m, 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 his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.


and the dead in Christ shall rise first---so which resurrection is it meaning in Revelation 20:4-6? The first resurrection? Or this resurrection----But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished?

If a position such as Amil is true, that means it has to be meaning this resurrection---But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. But how could those of the first resurrection be of the first resurrection and be of the rest of the dead, at the same time? Do or do not those of the first resurrection already live again before the rest of the dead do? If yes, why do they need to live yet again then, which would mean they live again, not once, but twice? Why does anyone need to live again twice? Did Jesus live again twice?

If someone tried to assimilate all the various answers here, I suspect their brain would "TILT!" For sure we know, all these varied answers cannot be correct.

For sure, the pretrib rapture will also be a resurrection of those who are dead in Christ. Timing?

Jesus was the very first to receive a resurrection body that can walk through walls, eat fish, then walk back through the wall and not leave fish on the wall. He was called the FIRSTFRUITS.

Yet, we know beyond all shadow of doubt, He received His resurrection body LONG LONG before the timing of Rev. 20. How then could His resurrection be before the "first" resurrection in chapter 20?

The answer is very easy:

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 his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

Strong's tells us this Greek word Protos can mean:
First it time
First it place
First in priority
First in rank
First in influence
First in honor.

Here are two verses that use a different meaning than first in time: They are both using this Greek word as first in priority or rank or influence.

Mat 20:27 - And whosoever will be chief G4413 among you, let him be your servant:

Mar 10:44 - And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, G4413 shall be servant of all.

Note carefully that in our future there will be only TWO resurrections:

1. the first or chief or most honorable resurrection for the saints
2. The "second death" resurrection for those who are now in hell, or will be in hell.

Jesus was the first in TIME,

Those who take part in the first or most honorable resurrection, the chiefest of the two, will be first in priority or rank or honor.

Then after a thousand years, the LESS honorable resurrection will take place. It will draw from hell.

john wrote, "I saw thrones and they sat on them" refers to all those who will take part in Paul's rapture / resurrection AND in the resurrection of the Old Testament saints which I believe will take place at the 7th vial that ends the week, which of course will be "on the last day" of the age. Then those beheaded will come from this honorable resurrection written in chapter 20.

The resurrection mentioned as the most honorable in 20:4-6 will include all the righteous: Jesus first, the church, the 144.000, the Old Testament saints, and finally the beheaded.

The second death resurrection will be a thousand years later.

 

[iamlamad]

I can't make sense out of some of what has been submitted in these last two posts to save my life. All I know is, the thousand years has to be meaning a period of time after Christ has already come. After all, the text does indicate the following----and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

That at least requires a first coming in order to fulfill. Some of us think it requires two comings to fulfill. But either way, it for sure requires a first coming in order to fulfill. Therefore, the thousand years can't be meaning any era of time prior to the first coming.

Why not take it exactly as is written and as millions believe it today: He comes first FOR His bride, before the 70th week, then comes after the week WITH His bride, wins the battle of Armageddon, throws the Beast and False prophet into the lake of fire, does the parable of the tares and the sheep and goat judgment - then sets up His millennial kingdom.

And AFTER that 1000 years will come the second death resurrection.

 

[claninja]

All I know is, the thousand years has to be meaning a period of time after Christ has already come.

Where does it say Jesus comes before the millennium? The coming of Jesus, the resurrection, and the new heavens and earth are discussed throughout the epistles which can correlate with revelation. Where do the epistles mention a literal 1000 year future millennial reign of Christ?

 

[Childofgodharrison]

1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.


Revelation 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 his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.


and the dead in Christ shall rise first---so which resurrection is it meaning in Revelation 20:4-6? The first resurrection? Or this resurrection----But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished?

If a position such as Amil is true, that means it has to be meaning this resurrection---But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. But how could those of the first resurrection be of the first resurrection and be of the rest of the dead, at the same time? Do or do not those of the first resurrection already live again before the rest of the dead do? If yes, why do they need to live yet again then, which would mean they live again, not once, but twice? Why does anyone need to live again twice? Did Jesus live again twice?

I understand this to mean that all of those who were beheaded for the name of Jesus will rise and live with Jesus for a thousand years. This is the first resurrection. Then after the thousand years. The ones who died another way will rise. This is the second resurrection. Satan will be loosed after the thousand years. He will go and deceive others. After a short season he will be thrown into the lake of fire along with the beast and the false prophet who will already be there. The sea, death and hell will give up there dead. Everyone will be judged. Everyone not written in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire.

 

[iamlamad]

Where does it say Jesus comes before the millennium? The coming of Jesus, the resurrection, and the new heavens and earth are discussed throughout the epistles which can correlate with revelation. Where do the epistles mention a literal 1000 year future millennial reign of Christ?

It is not called an epistle, but try the book John authored: Revelation.

 

[iamlamad]

I understand this to mean that all of those who were beheaded for the name of Jesus will rise and live with Jesus for a thousand years. This is the first resurrection. Then after the thousand years. The ones who died another way will rise. This is the second resurrection. Satan will be loosed after the thousand years. He will go and deceive others. After a short season he will be thrown into the lake of fire along with the beast and the false prophet who will already be there. The sea, death and hell will give up there dead. Everyone will be judged. Everyone not written in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire.

This pretty much sums it up!

 

[DaDad]

I understand this to mean that all of those who were beheaded for the name of Jesus will rise and live with Jesus for a thousand years. This is the first resurrection. Then after the thousand years. The ones who died another way will rise. This is the second resurrection. Satan will be loosed after the thousand years. He will go and deceive others. After a short season he will be thrown into the lake of fire along with the beast and the false prophet who will already be there. The sea, death and hell will give up there dead. Everyone will be judged. Everyone not written in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire.

This pretty much sums it up!

Just like in "My Cousin Vinny": -- No, there's more.

AFTER "the sea, death and hell will give up there [sic] dead", then: Those who are alive and remain shall be caught up to be forever in the air with the LORD. Thus the "rapture", -- and it ain't during the tribulation.

Thanks,
DaDad

 

[claninja]

It is not called an epistle, but try the book John authored: Revelation.

A doctrine should not be built off of one verse. Revelation mentions the coming of Christ, the resurrection, and the new heavens and new earth. The epistles also mention the coming of Christ, the resurrection, and the new heavens and new earth.

So if the 1000 year millennial reign is literal, there should be mention of it, outside of revelation, in the epistles.

 

[DavidPT]

A doctrine should not be built off of one verse. Revelation mentions the coming of Christ, the resurrection, and the new heavens and new earth. The epistles also mention the coming of Christ, the resurrection, and the new heavens and new earth.

So if the 1000 year millennial reign is literal, there should be mention of it, outside of revelation, in the epistles.

No one that I know of disputes that pretty much everything in Revelation 1 thru 19, that these events occur in this age. With that in mind, if the thousand years also occur in this age, you would think one can find that period of time somewhere between Revelation 1 and 19. Is there anything in those chapters which you feel are fulfilled during this thousand years meant in Revelation 20? One thing we do know, during the thousand years satan is bound and in the pit. Is there anything between Revelation 1 and 19 showing a bound satan at the time?

But if the events during the thousand years can't be found in Revelation 1-19, why is it then so wrong to go outside of Revelation in order to try and find things that might fit this period? And why does it have to be only in the NT where this period of time is being further expanded on? Why can't it also be in the OT that this period of time is further expanded on?

But there are some things in the NT that apparently refers to this thousand years though. One being the following.

Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Luke 22:30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.


What can't seem to be found in the NT though, assuming the thousand years are post the 2nd coming, are the events after the thousand years when satan is loosed. But in the OT though, there are several passages that one can argue fits with after the thousand years.

 

[iamlamad]

Just like in "My Cousin Vinny": -- No, there's more.

AFTER "the sea, death and hell will give up there [sic] dead", then: Those who are alive and remain shall be caught up to be forever in the air with the LORD. Thus the "rapture", -- and it ain't during the tribulation.

Thanks,
DaDad

DaDad, this is just more imagination! You seem very good at it.

The truth is, after the sea and hell and death give up their dead, then comes the great, white throne judgment.

On the other hand, the catching up and being with the Lord will come just before the Wrath that begins at the 6th seal.

It is always better to just go with what is written, rather than trying to rearrange Revelation to fit some theory!

Always remember:
Axiom on Revelation:

ANY theory that must rearrange John's God give Chronology is immediately suspect and WILL BE proven wrong.

 

[DaDad]

... after the sea and hell and death give up their dead ...

Don't believe me, -- believe Scripture:

Rev. 20:7 When the thousand years are over,...
13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them

1 Thess 4:15 For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep.
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.​

I guess you just don't like what Scripture says.

Thanks,
DaDad

 

[BABerean2]

Don't believe me, -- believe Scripture:

Rev. 20:7 When the thousand years are over,...
13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them

1 Thess 4:15 For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep.
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
I guess you just don't like what Scripture says.

Thanks,
DaDad

Rev 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

.

 

[DaDad]

...

What, -- no video? I was getting used to your repetition, and strangely feel like I've been cheated. I loved the ignoring videos you posted, and am now ANGRY that you disappointed me. Please come back to us "BABerean2". We miss your videos.

It's as simple as it can be. The dead rise first. Just follow the dead.
DaDad

 

[BABerean2]

It's as simple as it can be. The dead rise first. Just follow the dead.
DaDad

2Ti 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

Matthew 25:31-46

John 5:27-30

.

 

[Seville90210]

I can't make sense out of some of what has been submitted in these last two posts to save my life. All I know is, the thousand years has to be meaning a period of time after Christ has already come. After all, the text does indicate the following----and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

That at least requires a first coming in order to fulfill. Some of us think it requires two comings to fulfill. But either way, it for sure requires a first coming in order to fulfill. Therefore, the thousand years can't be meaning any era of time prior to the first coming.

You're actually correct here David. Christ's millennium reign is still future and this happens after the second coming, not prior. Don't let their preterist teachings brainwash you. You know the truth, just hold onto it till He returns.

 

[Choose Wisely]

You can't have a "First resurrection" that isn't actually "First".

The First Resurrection is not something Jesus does, it's something Jesus IS.

"I am the resurrection and the Life"

Jesus Christ is the First Resurrection, and on those that take part in it, the 2nd death has no power.

Jesus Christ was the first to rise out of the dead. Jesus was, literally, the "first resurrection." This fact, well attested by the writings of the New Testament, MUST form the basis for understanding Revelation 20:5-6:

"This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power" (Revelation 20:5-6)

The first resurrection was Jesus Christ:

Revelation 1:5

Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born out of the dead Acts 26:23
Christ should suffer and...be the first that should rise from the dead

Colossians 1:18
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead

1 Corinthians 15:20
Christ hath risen out of the dead--the first-fruits of those sleeping he became


Jesus Christ was, plainly, the first resurrection. This fact forms the basis of St. John's depiction of the tribulation martyr saints becoming full partakers of the "first resurrection" in Revelation 20--everything Christ received by his death and resurrection is granted to them. Revelation 20:4-6, therefore, depicts the reality of Pauline theology concerning the identity Christ's followers had "in Him." Paul had taught that the saints were to become partakers of Christ's own reign and victory over death. Paul, with his detailed theology of our baptism into the very death and resurrection of Jesus (Rom 6:3-14), taught that the saints had co-resurrection and co-enthronement in the realized resurrection and enthronement of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 20:4-6 is a narrative depiction of the saints' realization of the glorious promise Paul held out for them in his teachings--the saints are depicted as having attained the goal for which they all strove. As Paul taught, their resurrection and reign was "in Christ," and their sufferings and martyrdoms were honored by God with the reward of partaking in Christ's own resurrection, enthronement, and reign. They realized the promise of Paul's teaching that the saints were truly to take part in the first resurrection, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Truly, on these the second death has no power (Rev 20:6).

Jesus was not plainly the first resurrection. Jesus was the first fruits of the 1st resurrection. The harvest has not occurred yet.