What are your beliefs on verse 5? We know Christ states blessed are those that take part in the first resurrection.
This subject is very complicated but here is what I think today:
1) The apostle Paul defined resurrection in the following way:
1Co 15:44 It is sown a natural (
psychical) body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural (psychical) body and there is also a spiritual body.
So, the first resurrection might relate to gaining a spiritual body. This represents human perfection and eternal life.
2) When does the first resurrection happen?
Rom 6:4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection;
Col 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Eph 2:6 and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
So, the first resurrection may relate to life in Christ and people’s communion with God. In this way, we grow into maturity until we fully receive a spiritual body at physical death for eternal life. Rev 20:4 presents a picture of the saints already reigning with Christ.
3) The rest of the dead didn’t recover life, live again, revive until the thousand years were finished:
The unsaved are resurrected during the Millennium, but only achieve full human perfection and everlasting life after passing a final test at the end of the Millennium, as described in verses 7 and 8.
I've talked to people that believe these people are actually dead and I've seen teachings where these people are spiritually dead and are part of the millennium.
I talked too much. It’s now your turn to share your thoughts. I’m really interested to hear what you think.