How many Resurrections for believers?

[FreeGrace2]

Although the "rapture" seems to get all the attention when discussing end times, the real issue is how many resurrections for the saved are there?

Those who hold to the pre-trib view will claim the resurrection is in "waves" or "stages" or "series". But, what does the Bible say about how many resurrections there are for the saved.

So, this thread will show from Scripture precisely how many there are.

Luke 14:14 - and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Hm. Singular.

Acts 24:15 - and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Hm. Again, a singular one for the saved and one for the unsaved.

1 Cor 15:23 - But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

Ch 15 is all about resurrection. v.15 shows that Christ is called "the firstfruits" of resurrection, and then notes WHEN all believers will receive their glorified bodies (resurrection), which is WHEN He comes.

What does "when He come" refer to? The Second Advent, which will be proved shortly.

What does "those who belong to Him" refer to? Just the "church"? No, EVERY saved person from Adam forward, obviously.

How could anyone argue that any believer that is not a part of the church doesn't belong to Him?

Why is Jesus called the "firstfruits"? Some will argue that those Jesus raised from the dead, such as Lazarus and the widow's son, plus all the saints who came out of their graves when Jesus was crucified, were resurrected.

We know none of these people, including the 2 Witnesses of Rev 11, received glorified bodies, or the Bible would have noted that. To exclude such an important part of resurrection is inexcusable, and the Holy Spirit wouldn't leave that out.

Acts 26:23 - that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

This verse proves that no one during Jesus' time on earth received a glorified body, because this verse says that the Messiah is "the FIRST to rise from the dead", meaning receiving a glorified body.

We know the 2 Witnesses didn't either, because the text doesn't say so. So let's not presume or speculation about that.

Since both Jesus and Paul made very clear that there is a SINGLE resurrection of the saved, and 1 Cor 15:23 tells us WHEN that SINGULAR resurrection will occur, we have to be careful to place it correctly on the timeline of history.

Those who claim that Jesus will come in the clouds to rapture up living believers, giving them their glorified bodies. However, consider all the verses you consider to be "rapture verses". Do any of them make clear that Jesus takes these "raptured" believers to heaven? No, none do. There is NO mention in Scripture of Jesus taking resurrected and raptured believers to heaven. So there is no reason to believe that.

One more passage to consider:

Rev 20-
1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain.
2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.
6 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.

The red words in v.4 refer to Tribulation martyrs and they are given glorified bodies with which to reign with Christ during the Millennium. So this is clearly A resurrection. When does it occur? Obviously, when Jesus Christ returns at the Second Advent.

The blue words in v.5 very clearly call this resurrection the FIRST one. And since there is only one for the saved and one for the unsaved, v.5 tells us this is the FIRST resurrection, the one for the saved. All of the saved.

The green words in v.6 refer to "those who belong to Him" (1 Cor 15:23).

So, there are NOT "waves" or "stages" or "series" of resurrections for the saved.

Only ONE. It occurs when Jesus Christ returns at the Second Advent.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Although the "rapture" seems to get all the attention when discussing end times, the real issue is how many resurrections for the saved are there?

Those who hold to the pre-trib view will claim the resurrection is in "waves" or "stages" or "series". But, what does the Bible say about how many resurrections there are for the saved.

So, this thread will show from Scripture precisely how many there are.

Luke 14:14 - and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Hm. Singular.

Acts 24:15 - and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Hm. Again, a singular one for the saved and one for the unsaved.

1 Cor 15:23 - But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

Ch 15 is all about resurrection. v.15 shows that Christ is called "the firstfruits" of resurrection, and then notes WHEN all believers will receive their glorified bodies (resurrection), which is WHEN He comes.

What does "when He come" refer to? The Second Advent, which will be proved shortly.

What does "those who belong to Him" refer to? Just the "church"? No, EVERY saved person from Adam forward, obviously.

How could anyone argue that any believer that is not a part of the church doesn't belong to Him?

Why is Jesus called the "firstfruits"? Some will argue that those Jesus raised from the dead, such as Lazarus and the widow's son, plus all the saints who came out of their graves when Jesus was crucified, were resurrected.

We know none of these people, including the 2 Witnesses of Rev 11, received glorified bodies, or the Bible would have noted that. To exclude such an important part of resurrection is inexcusable, and the Holy Spirit wouldn't leave that out.

Acts 26:23 - that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

This verse proves that no one during Jesus' time on earth received a glorified body, because this verse says that the Messiah is "the FIRST to rise from the dead", meaning receiving a glorified body.

We know the 2 Witnesses didn't either, because the text doesn't say so. So let's not presume or speculation about that.

Since both Jesus and Paul made very clear that there is a SINGLE resurrection of the saved, and 1 Cor 15:23 tells us WHEN that SINGULAR resurrection will occur, we have to be careful to place it correctly on the timeline of history.

Those who claim that Jesus will come in the clouds to rapture up living believers, giving them their glorified bodies. However, consider all the verses you consider to be "rapture verses". Do any of them make clear that Jesus takes these "raptured" believers to heaven? No, none do. There is NO mention in Scripture of Jesus taking resurrected and raptured believers to heaven. So there is no reason to believe that.

One more passage to consider:

Rev 20-
1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain.
2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.
6 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.

The red words in v.4 refer to Tribulation martyrs and they are given glorified bodies with which to reign with Christ during the Millennium. So this is clearly A resurrection. When does it occur? Obviously, when Jesus Christ returns at the Second Advent.

The blue words in v.5 very clearly call this resurrection the FIRST one. And since there is only one for the saved and one for the unsaved, v.5 tells us this is the FIRST resurrection, the one for the saved. All of the saved.

The green words in v.6 refer to "those who belong to Him" (1 Cor 15:23).

So, there are NOT "waves" or "stages" or "series" of resurrections for the saved.

Only ONE. It occurs when Jesus Christ returns at the Second Advent.

Yes only one. The other view is called " Dispensationalism ", the futuristic view. It is held by many through the indoctrination of Scofield's Bible translation. Nevertheless, good to hear you get it and are getting out. Blessings

 

[DavidPT]

Although the "rapture" seems to get all the attention when discussing end times, the real issue is how many resurrections for the saved are there?

Those who hold to the pre-trib view will claim the resurrection is in "waves" or "stages" or "series". But, what does the Bible say about how many resurrections there are for the saved.

So, this thread will show from Scripture precisely how many there are.

Luke 14:14 - and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Hm. Singular.

Acts 24:15 - and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Hm. Again, a singular one for the saved and one for the unsaved.

1 Cor 15:23 - But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

Ch 15 is all about resurrection. v.15 shows that Christ is called "the firstfruits" of resurrection, and then notes WHEN all believers will receive their glorified bodies (resurrection), which is WHEN He comes.

What does "when He come" refer to? The Second Advent, which will be proved shortly.

What does "those who belong to Him" refer to? Just the "church"? No, EVERY saved person from Adam forward, obviously.

How could anyone argue that any believer that is not a part of the church doesn't belong to Him?

Why is Jesus called the "firstfruits"? Some will argue that those Jesus raised from the dead, such as Lazarus and the widow's son, plus all the saints who came out of their graves when Jesus was crucified, were resurrected.

We know none of these people, including the 2 Witnesses of Rev 11, received glorified bodies, or the Bible would have noted that. To exclude such an important part of resurrection is inexcusable, and the Holy Spirit wouldn't leave that out.

Acts 26:23 - that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

This verse proves that no one during Jesus' time on earth received a glorified body, because this verse says that the Messiah is "the FIRST to rise from the dead", meaning receiving a glorified body.

We know the 2 Witnesses didn't either, because the text doesn't say so. So let's not presume or speculation about that.

Since both Jesus and Paul made very clear that there is a SINGLE resurrection of the saved, and 1 Cor 15:23 tells us WHEN that SINGULAR resurrection will occur, we have to be careful to place it correctly on the timeline of history.

Those who claim that Jesus will come in the clouds to rapture up living believers, giving them their glorified bodies. However, consider all the verses you consider to be "rapture verses". Do any of them make clear that Jesus takes these "raptured" believers to heaven? No, none do. There is NO mention in Scripture of Jesus taking resurrected and raptured believers to heaven. So there is no reason to believe that.

One more passage to consider:

Rev 20-
1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain.
2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.
6 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.

The red words in v.4 refer to Tribulation martyrs and they are given glorified bodies with which to reign with Christ during the Millennium. So this is clearly A resurrection. When does it occur? Obviously, when Jesus Christ returns at the Second Advent.

The blue words in v.5 very clearly call this resurrection the FIRST one. And since there is only one for the saved and one for the unsaved, v.5 tells us this is the FIRST resurrection, the one for the saved. All of the saved.

The green words in v.6 refer to "those who belong to Him" (1 Cor 15:23).

So, there are NOT "waves" or "stages" or "series" of resurrections for the saved.

Only ONE. It occurs when Jesus Christ returns at the Second Advent.

As to the 2Ws, they obviously rise bodily if they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. Then the text goes on to say---And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. Which obviously means they are ascending bodily up to heaven. How do you make that not mean they are raised bodily and that they ascend bodily? It couldn't possibly be meaning their souls. Ppl die all the time. Some ppl even witness others dying. No one ever sees their soul leaving them even though their soul leaves their body.

 

[FreeGrace2]

As to the 2Ws, they obviously rise bodily if they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. Then the text goes on to say---And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. Which obviously means they are ascending bodily up to heaven. How do you make that not mean they are raised bodily and that they ascend bodily?

I am not saying that their physical bodies weren't raised. In fact, that is exactly what the text says. Remember, the 2W never physically died before. Enoch and Elijah. They were simply taken. They experience physical death at the end of the ministry in the Tribulation.

What I am saying is that their physical rising doesn't include a glorified body. Just as all the people that Jesus raised from the dead during His ministry on earth, plus all the saints who "came out of their graves" at the crucifixion.

This is based on 1 Cor 15:23, which says of "the resurrection" (only 1), that Jesus is the "firstfruits", meaning He is the first to receive a glorified body, and then WHEN He comes ((Second Advent) "those who belong to Him".

This means that every saved person from Adam forward will participate in the singular resurrection at the same event, including the 2W and all the people that Jesus and His disciples raised from the dead.

If the 2W would receive their glorified bodies when God calls them up to heaven, that would contradict 1 Cor 15:23.

Rev 20:5 specifically describes the Trib martyrs as being in the FIRST resurrection.

We know there will be only 2 resurrections, one for the saved and one for the unsaved.

The singular resurrection of those who belong to Hin will occur at the Second Advent, and the singular resurrection of the unsaved will be at the end of the Millennium when all the unsaved are called to the GWT judgment of Rev 20:11-15.

Great question! Thanks.

 

[jamiec]

Although the "rapture" seems to get all the attention when discussing end times, the real issue is how many resurrections for the saved are there?

Those who hold to the pre-trib view will claim the resurrection is in "waves" or "stages" or "series". But, what does the Bible say about how many resurrections there are for the saved.

So, this thread will show from Scripture precisely how many there are.

Luke 14:14 - and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Hm. Singular.

Acts 24:15 - and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Hm. Again, a singular one for the saved and one for the unsaved.

1 Cor 15:23 - But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

Ch 15 is all about resurrection. v.15 shows that Christ is called "the firstfruits" of resurrection, and then notes WHEN all believers will receive their glorified bodies (resurrection), which is WHEN He comes.

"Why is Jesus called the "firstfruits"? Some will argue that those Jesus raised from the dead, such as Lazarus and the widow's son, plus all the saints who came out of their graves when Jesus was crucified, were resurrected."

Because to Him, the Incarnate Logos, "belongs the primacy in all things". This is not a primacy in chronological order, but a primacy in importance, in dignity, & honour, & in what the NT calls *exousia* - that is, power & authority. He has this exousia because He is God's Anointed Universal King. So His Resurrection, which is a work of the Holy Spirit, the Life-giver, brings His Life to His members "in Him". So His Glorious Resurrection, is the guarantee of the future resurrection of His members. They live - and will live eternally - because their Head has "abolished death" & lives forever.

The Resurrection of Christ is the reason, and model, and prototype, and cause, of the resurrection of creatures - His Resurrection, is why, and how, they are to be raised. If - to imagine an impossibility - there were no Resurrected Christ. there would, and could, be no resurrection for anyone else. His Resurrection is, in the work of salvation, something like what the Big Bang is in the work of creation - except that the Resurrection brings a Divine & super-natural newness of life that is not subject to entropy, decay, or death.

In other words, His primacy in the Resurrection is one of logical & theological priority.

 

[FreeGrace2]

"Why is Jesus called the "firstfruits"? Some will argue that those Jesus raised from the dead, such as Lazarus and the widow's son, plus all the saints who came out of their graves when Jesus was crucified, were resurrected."

Good question. The Bible answers WHY Jesus is the "FIRSTfruits".

Acts 26:23 - that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

We know that Jesus received a glorified body when He was raised from the dead. So, was Lazarus given a glorified body, or the peope that Jesus and disciples raised from the dead, or the many saints who came out of their graves when Jesus was crucified? Oh, and the 2 witnesses in Rev 11? No. There is no evidence that they did, and Acts 26:23 makes clear who was the first to receive a glorified body. That description is clearly a reference to receiving a glorified body, which ALL believers will receive at the Second Advent, as all the verses in the OP show.

The Resurrection of Christ is the reason, and model, and prototype, and cause, of the resurrection of creatures - His Resurrection, is why, and how, they are to be raised. If - to imagine an impossibility - there were no Resurrected Christ. there would, and could, be no resurrection for anyone else. His Resurrection is, in the work of salvation, something like what the Big Bang is in the work of creation - except that the Resurrection brings a Divine & super-natural newness of life that is not subject to entropy, decay, or death.

In other words, His primacy in the Resurrection is one of logical & theological priority.

He is also the FIRST human to receive a glorified body.

The Greek word for "resurrection" means to "rise from the dead". However, since Jesus raised people from the dead, plus the many who came out of their graves at the crucifixion, there is no evidence that any of them received a glorified body.

If any of them did, then that would contradict Acts 26:23.

 

[Clare73]

Although the "rapture" seems to get all the attention when discussing end times, the real issue is how many resurrections for the saved are there?

Those who hold to the pre-trib view will claim the resurrection is in "waves" or "stages" or "series". But, what does the Bible say about how many resurrections there are for the saved.

So, this thread will show from Scripture precisely how many there are.

Luke 14:14 - and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Hm. Singular.

Acts 24:15 - and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Hm. Again, a singular one for the saved and one for the unsaved.

1 Cor 15:23 - But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

Ch 15 is all about resurrection. v.15 shows that Christ is called "the firstfruits" of resurrection, and then notes WHEN all believers will receive their glorified bodies (resurrection), which is WHEN He comes.

What does "when He come" refer to? The Second Advent, which will be proved shortly.

What does "those who belong to Him" refer to? Just the "church"? No, EVERY saved person from Adam forward, obviously.

How could anyone argue that any believer that is not a part of the church doesn't belong to Him?

Why is Jesus called the "firstfruits"? Some will argue that those Jesus raised from the dead, such as Lazarus and the widow's son, plus all the saints who came out of their graves when Jesus was crucified, were resurrected.

We know none of these people, including the 2 Witnesses of Rev 11, received glorified bodies, or the Bible would have noted that. To exclude such an important part of resurrection is inexcusable, and the Holy Spirit wouldn't leave that out.

Acts 26:23 - that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

This verse proves that no one during Jesus' time on earth received a glorified body, because this verse says that the Messiah is "the FIRST to rise from the dead", meaning receiving a glorified body.

We know the 2 Witnesses didn't either, because the text doesn't say so. So let's not presume or speculation about that.

Since both Jesus and Paul made very clear that there is a SINGLE resurrection of the saved, and 1 Cor 15:23 tells us WHEN that SINGULAR resurrection will occur, we have to be careful to place it correctly on the timeline of history.

Those who claim that Jesus will come in the clouds to rapture up living believers, giving them their glorified bodies. However, consider all the verses you consider to be "rapture verses". Do any of them make clear that Jesus takes these "raptured" believers to heaven? No, none do. There is NO mention in Scripture of Jesus taking resurrected and raptured believers to heaven. So there is no reason to believe that.

One more passage to consider:

Rev 20-
1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain.
2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.
6 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.

The red words in v.4 refer to Tribulation martyrs and they are given glorified bodies with which to reign with Christ during the Millennium. So this is clearly A resurrection. When does it occur? Obviously, when Jesus Christ returns at the Second Advent.

The blue words in v.5 very clearly call this resurrection the FIRST one. And since there is only one for the saved and one for the unsaved, v.5 tells us this is the FIRST resurrection, the one for the saved. All of the saved.

The green words in v.6 refer to "those who belong to Him" (1 Cor 15:23).

So, there are NOT "waves" or "stages" or "series" of resurrections for the saved.

Only ONE. It occurs when Jesus Christ returns at the Second Advent.

Precisely. . .authoritative NT apostolic teaching (as distinct from prophetic riddles/dark sayings whose meanings God said are not spoken clearly--Numbers 12:8) presents one, and only one, resurrection, of all mankind in the last day, at the end of time.

 

[hedrick]

I am not saying that their physical bodies weren't raised. In fact, that is exactly what the text says. Remember, the 2W never physically died before. Enoch and Elijah. They were simply taken. They experience physical death at the end of the ministry in the Tribulation.

What I am saying is that their physical rising doesn't include a glorified body. Just as all the people that Jesus raised from the dead during His ministry on earth, plus all the saints who "came out of their graves" at the crucifixion.

This is based on 1 Cor 15:23, which says of "the resurrection" (only 1), that Jesus is the "firstfruits", meaning He is the first to receive a glorified body, and then WHEN He comes ((Second Advent) "those who belong to Him".

This means that every saved person from Adam forward will participate in the singular resurrection at the same event, including the 2W and all the people that Jesus and His disciples raised from the dead.

If the 2W would receive their glorified bodies when God calls them up to heaven, that would contradict 1 Cor 15:23.

Rev 20:5 specifically describes the Trib martyrs as being in the FIRST resurrection.

We know there will be only 2 resurrections, one for the saved and one for the unsaved.

The singular resurrection of those who belong to Hin will occur at the Second Advent, and the singular resurrection of the unsaved will be at the end of the Millennium when all the unsaved are called to the GWT judgment of Rev 20:11-15.

Great question! Thanks.

I am skeptical about using the Revelation for any literal purpose. But if you’re going to, the first resurrection sounds like an exception for martyrs. The final resurrection has both saved and unsaved.

 

[FreeGrace2]

I am skeptical about using the Revelation for any literal purpose. But if you’re going to, the first resurrection sounds like an exception for martyrs. The final resurrection has both saved and unsaved.

The Bible does not speak of "the final resurrection". It speaks of "the resurrection".

Let's review what the Bible does say.

Luke 14:14 - and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Singular resurrection.

Acts 24:15 - and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Again, a singular resurrection.

1 Cor 15:23 - But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. “when He comes” is in the singular. And note what "those who belong to Him" means. It means EVERY believer from Adam on.

It would be absurd to argue that ANY group of believers wouldn't be included in "those who belong to Him".

The thrust of ch 15 is all about the resurrection of believers. We know that Christ's resurrection is described as "first fruits" because He was the FIRST ONE to receive His resurrection body.

Acts 26:23 - that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

Rev 20-

4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.

Since Acts 24:23 says there will only 2 resurrections, one for the saved and one for the unsaved, and Rev 20 says plainly that the resurrection of tribulation martyrs is the FIRST resurrection, it is clear that all believers will be resurrected (receive their glorified body) when Jesus Christ returns at the Second Advent.

The end of ch 20 describes the SECOND resurrection; the one where all unsaved will be summoned to the Great White Throne judgment, before they are all cast into the lake of fire.

If you have biblical evidence that are multiple resurrections, where glorified bodies are received, I would appreciate seeing the verses.

Thanks.

 

[hedrick]

The Bible does not speak of "the final resurrection". It speaks of "the resurrection".

Let's review what the Bible does say.

Luke 14:14 - and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Singular resurrection.

Acts 24:15 - and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Again, a singular resurrection.

1 Cor 15:23 - But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. “when He comes” is in the singular. And note what "those who belong to Him" means. It means EVERY believer from Adam on.

It would be absurd to argue that ANY group of believers wouldn't be included in "those who belong to Him".

The thrust of ch 15 is all about the resurrection of believers. We know that Christ's resurrection is described as "first fruits" because He was the FIRST ONE to receive His resurrection body.

Acts 26:23 - that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

Rev 20-

4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.

Since Acts 24:23 says there will only 2 resurrections, one for the saved and one for the unsaved, and Rev 20 says plainly that the resurrection of tribulation martyrs is the FIRST resurrection, it is clear that all believers will be resurrected (receive their glorified body) when Jesus Christ returns at the Second Advent.

The end of ch 20 describes the SECOND resurrection; the one where all unsaved will be summoned to the Great White Throne judgment, before they are all cast into the lake of fire.

If you have biblical evidence that are multiple resurrections, where glorified bodies are received, I would appreciate seeing the verses.

Thanks.

I’m inclined to agree. Remember, I don’t use the Revelation for doctrine. But as a matter of honest exegesis, the Revelation does show a preliminary resurrection of some martyrs, and calls it the first resurrection, as you quote. It’s hard to maintain that it has only one.

Some interpreters see the first resurrection as being all believers and the second only the rejects. Others do not. Indeed if soul refers to a non bodily resurrection, the same people might be resurrected a second time more completely. A non bodily resurrection seems like a contradiction in terms though. One interpreter notes that Rev 20:11 ff doesn’t actually use the term resurrection. He thinks 20:4 is the only resurrection, for all believers, and the rejects are judged in 11ff without being given new bodies.

I think the simplest understanding is martyrs only in 4 and everyone else in 11ff. That agrees with Aune’s commentary in the Word series.

 

[FreeGrace2]

I’m inclined to agree. Remember, I don’t use the Revelation for doctrine. But as a matter of honest exegesis, the Revelation does show a preliminary resurrection of some martyrs, and calls it the first resurrection, as you quote. It’s hard to maintain that it has only one.

I use Revelation for prophecy. However, the proof for only 1 resurrection of the saved comes from the other verses I have given.

Luke 14:14 - and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Singular use of "resurrection"

Acts 24:15 - and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. This clearly indicates a total of TWO resurrections; one for the saved and one for the unsaved.

1 Cor 15:23 - But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. We learn from this verse that Jesus is the first human to receive a glorified body. Then, we learn WHEN the resurrection of the saved will occur: WHEN He comes.

Then we have REv 20, where the resurrection of tribulation martyrs is actually called the FIRST resurrection.

Some interpreters see the first resurrection as being all believers and the second only the rejects. Others do not.

From the verses above, I can't imagine how the 'others' don't see that.

Indeed if soul refers to a non bodily resurrection, the same people might be resurrected a second time more completely.

I don't follow. Could you explain a bit more? Is there Scripture that supports it?

Actually, the Greek word "resurrection" is more literally translated as "raise from the dead'.

However, Jesus raised at least several people; Lazarus and the widow's son, His disciples. And we have the account of "many saints coming out of their graves" at the crucifixion.

However, the key here is when a person receives a glorified body, in keeping with 1 Thess 4 and 1 cor 15:52.

A non bodily resurrection seems like a contradiction in terms though. One interpreter notes that Rev 20:11 ff doesn’t actually use the term resurrection. He thinks 20:4 is the only resurrection, for all believers, and the rejects are judged in 11ff without being given new bodies.

Yes, it it not clear whether the unsaved are actually given new bodies. It's possible that they are given their original bodies back, to exist in the lake of fire for eternity.

I think the simplest understanding is martyrs only in 4 and everyone else in 11ff. That agrees with Aune’s commentary in the Word series.

I guess Aune must have read my thread then.

 

[hedrick]

As I noted, I don't use the Revelation for doctrine. I agree that aside from that one place the NT generally seems to envision one resurrection, either of the saved only or of everyone. 1 Cor 15 suggests (although it doesn't specifically talk about the rejects) that just believers are resurrected. I know Acts quotes Paul as talking about what seems to be a single resurrection of both, but Acts quotations of Paul don't always match exactly his own statements.

Now let's look at the Synoptics:
Mat 22:30 seems to use Resurrection just for saved. Luke 14:14 speaks of resurrection of the righteous. Luke 20:36 speaks of those worthy to share in the life to come.

I'm aware it's not unanimous, and you can interpret the statements just quoted as meaning whatever you like. John refers to a resurrection of condemnation (5:35) and Matthew 25:41 suggests some kind of post-mortem punishment that sounds eternal.

But I think the preponderance of evidence is resurrection only of the saved. I understand Jesus' various teachings about varying levels of reward and punishment as referring to people who will end up with him.

 

[FreeGrace2]

But I think the preponderance of evidence is resurrection only of the saved. I understand Jesus' various teachings about varying levels of reward and punishment as referring to people who will end up with him.

Since Acts 24:15 does say clearly there is a resurrection of the wicked and righteous, obviously meaning unsaved and saved, there will be a gathering of all the unsaved at the GWT.

My main point is that the Bible talks of a single resurrection of the saved. Therefore, it is important where one puts that resurrection on the timeline of history.

And Rev 20:5 describes the resurrection of tribulation martyrs as the first.

 

[Davy]

As to the 2Ws, they obviously rise bodily if they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. Then the text goes on to say---And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. Which obviously means they are ascending bodily up to heaven. How do you make that not mean they are raised bodily and that they ascend bodily? It couldn't possibly be meaning their souls. Ppl die all the time. Some ppl even witness others dying. No one ever sees their soul leaving them even though their soul leaves their body.

It's called transfiguration. Lord Jesus' flesh body was transfigured to "a quickening spirit" according to Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15.

 

[Davy]

Some obviously pick'n'choose Scripture they want in support of what they 'want' to believe, and discard others.

Per Matthew 27:52-53, we are told this after Jesus died on His cross...

Matt 27:52-53
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
KJV

Now according to Hebrews 9:27, it is appointed for men once to die, so we know those were resurrected to the spiritual body that Paul taught did not just die again later.

Per Mark 9, Jesus' flesh body was transfigured in order to speak with Moses and Elijah who appeared there on the mount with Peter, James, and John being there with Him and seeing it.

Those events (which the OP missed), reveals the idea of resurrection began with Jesus' resurrection, but that there still is going to be a general resurrection of both the just and the unjust on the day of His 2nd coming (John 5:28-29).

 

[FreeGrace2]

Some obviously pick'n'choose Scripture they want in support of what they 'want' to believe, and discard others.

Per Matthew 27:52-53, we are told this after Jesus died on His cross...

Matt 27:52-53
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
KJV

Do you believe that these people, plus Lazarus (Mary's brother) and the widow's son, received resurrection bodies, otherwise called "glorified bodies" that can't die?

Now according to Hebrews 9:27, it is appointed for men once to die, so we know those were resurrected to the spiritual body that Paul taught did not just die again later.

What evidence from any text says or clearly shows that any of them received glorified bodies?

Per Mark 9, Jesus' flesh body was transfigured in order to speak with Moses and Elijah who appeared there on the mount with Peter, James, and John being there with Him and seeing it.

No, Jesus wasn't gransfigured "in order to speak with Moses and Elijah". His transfiguration was to show Peter James and John what the glorified body (that every believer will receive at the resurrection) looked like. Jesus wasn't transfigured for Moses and Elijah's benefit.

Those events (which the OP missed), reveals the idea of resurrection began with Jesus' resurrection, but that there still is going to be a general resurrection of both the just and the unjust on the day of His 2nd coming (John 5:28-29).

Didn't miss a thing. Maybe you missed something.

1 Cor 15:23 - But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

Ch 15 is the "resurrection chapter". This verse shows that Jesus is the FIRST to receive a glorified body, and then "when He comes (Second Advent) those who belong to Him".

The verse is clear that ALL believers from Adam on belong to Him. It would be absurd to argue against that.

So this verse clearly teaches that ALL believers will receive resurrection bodies at the Second Advent.

Your mention of the "graves that were opened" when Jesus was crucified is immaterial to when people receive resurrection bodies, because of Acts 26:23 - that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

This verse refers specifically to the glorified body of Jesus. So those "raised from the dead" by Jesus, His disciples and those at the crucifixion, did NOT receive glorified bodies.

 

[Davy]

Brethren, be careful with heeding the Jew's religion about the resurrection, for they try to turn New Testament Scripture around to force it to fit their superstitious beliefs they wrongly interpret from the Old Testament.

In 1 Peter 3 and 1 Peter 4, Peter showed that Jesus at His resurrection went and preached to the "spirits in prison", which is about those who had died back to the time of the flood of Noah's day...

1 Peter 3:18-20
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

19 By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
KJV

That "prison" is about the prison pit of hell, in the heavenly dimension. And that Jesus would do that was prophesied in Isaiah 42:7...

Isa 42:6-7
6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
KJV

And per 1 Peter 4:5-6, it confirms that Jesus went there and preached The Gospel to those souls in the heavenly prison. Isaiah 42 then shows He would lead those who believed out of that prison house. Thus those are part of the 'firstfruits' also.

My main point by that though is, that Peter showed those "spirits" are about those who had died in their flesh, and yet they HAD to have been aware in the heavenly in order for Jesus to preach The Gospel to them! It proves what Jesus said about the soul continuing in life after death of the flesh body.

 

[DaveM]

this is a great thread the question I have.

1. 
   the question becomes what about the people that came out of the graves, that Jesus and Paul raised from the dead. The bible says that it is appointed man to die one time.
   
2. Hebrews 9:27, 28
   27. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
3. 28. so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him

 

[FreeGrace2]

this is a great thread the question I have.

1. 
   the question becomes what about the people that came out of the graves, that Jesus and Paul raised from the dead. The bible says that it is appointed man to die one time.
   
2. Hebrews 9:27, 28
   27. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
3. 28. so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him

We have to consider whether any of these people, including Lazarus, Eutycus and the 2 witneses in Rev.

Acts 24:15 says there will be just one resurrection for the saved. 1 Cor 15:23 also indicates just one resurrection for the saved, and is the resurrection where all believers will receive their glorified bodies (1 Thess 4, 1 Cor 15:52).

On that basis, I don't see how anyone before Christ died could be given a glorified body, since 1 Cor 15:23 shows that Jesus is the "first fruits" of resurrection. And Acts 26:23 clarifies by saying "the first to rise from the dead". That leaves out all the ones who were raised before His resurrection, when He did receive His glorified body.

Since none of them did, it seems logical that anyone after Christ wouldn't receive a glorified body until the whole lot of saved do.

If this doesn't clarify, or enough, please ask.

 

[DavidPT]

this is a great thread the question I have.

1. 
   the question becomes what about the people that came out of the graves, that Jesus and Paul raised from the dead. The bible says that it is appointed man to die one time.
   
2. Hebrews 9:27, 28
   27. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
3. 28. so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him

Haven't there been cases in our day and time of ppl being pronounced clinically dead then being revived sometime later? And haven't some of these same ppl died yet again at an even later time and are still dead, as we speak? How does one explain something like that if it's appointed man to die one time?

When I was in my late teens I knew someone who was close to my age who had recently moved into the same town I lived. He had just gotten a job not too long before this that required him driving 50-100 miles each day, each way, to get to this job and back. One day he was telling me about something that tragically happened to him around a year earlier. This would have been before he moved to my town. He said that he got into a head-on collision with a semi truck and was pronounced dead at the the hospital when doctors were unsuccessful at saving his life. Yet, somehow he managed to come back to life eventually.

This is where it gets really bizarre, keeping in mind this job he has that he has to drive back and forth everyday. Not too long after he telling me these things involving the head-on with the semi, maybe a month a two later, here I am looking through the local newspaper, and while browsing the Obits I see his name listed. It seems that on his way back from work he fell asleep at the wheel and rear-ended a semi of all things, killing him instantly this time, and this time never coming back to life again. 2 different encounters with a semi truck. He eventually survives the head-on collision, where if I recall, he indicated he was going at least 60MPH when it happened, but he doesn't survive the rear end collision.

This at leaves proves to me that there is something to it, thus not anyone's imagination, when one is pronounced clinically dead and eventually revived then later dying permanently, as was the case above.