The First Resurrection

[CoreyD]

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.”

Colossians 1:18

He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

Revelation 1:5

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,

Why is Jesus Christ referred to as the first to rise from the dead; the firstborn from the dead?
Please remember to give an honest, positive response backed up by scripture and reason in a loving manner.
If you are not using scripture to back up your response, or you are speaking from personal opinion, please preface your statements with "In my opinion," or "I believe."

Thank you.

 

[HTacianas]

Acts 26:23


Colossians 1:18


Revelation 1:5


Why is Jesus Christ referred to as the first to rise from the dead; the firstborn from the dead?
Please remember to give an honest, positive response backed up by scripture and reason in a loving manner.
If you are not using scripture to back up your response, or you are speaking from personal opinion, please preface your statements with "In my opinion," or "I believe."

Thank you.

Jesus is considered the first to rise from the dead in that he rose with a glorified body. Those who are resurrected at the end will also have a glorified body, see 1 Cor 15:35-44. Paul describes it as a type of flesh, and in his description he points out that the flesh of different animals each differ from the other. So there is a spiritual body comprised of some type of flesh.

 

[CoreyD]

Jesus is considered the first to rise from the dead in that he rose with a glorified body. Those who are resurrected at the end will also have a glorified body, see 1 Cor 15:35-44. Paul describes it as a type of flesh, and in his description he points out that the flesh of different animals each differ from the other. So there is a spiritual body comprised of some type of flesh.

Thank you very much. Thanks so much for using scripture to answer the question, as well.
I was thinking of 1 Corinthians 15, also. However, I had verse 23 in mind. 1 Corinthians 15:23

But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.​

Where does Paul describe this body as "a type of flesh" though? I don't recall reading that in scripture.

If Jesus is the first to receive this body, and there are others that will follow him, which the scriptures agree with - Hebrews 6:19, 20; Hebrews 10:19, 20, why do people teach that Enoch, Elijah, Abraham, and others before Jesus, went to heaven?
Evidently, they have not considered these scriptures. Would you agree?

 

[HTacianas]

Thank you very much. Thanks so much for using scripture to answer the question, as well.
I was thinking of 1 Corinthians 15, also. However, I had verse 23 in mind. 1 Corinthians 15:23

But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.​

Where does Paul describe this body as "a type of flesh" though? I don't recall reading that in scripture.

If Jesus is the first to receive this body, and there are others that will follow him, which the scriptures agree with - Hebrews 6:19, 20; Hebrews 10:19, 20, why do people teach that Enoch, Elijah, Abraham, and others before Jesus, went to heaven?
Evidently, they have not considered these scriptures. Would you agree?

1Co 15:38 But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.

1Co 15:39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.

1Co 15:40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another...

1Co 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.

Comparisons of different types of flesh, and then a body that is sown in corruption then to be raised in incorruption, is the comparison of the type of body one is resurrected with. But there is that in-between time when souls of the dead exist as souls -or spirits- until they are united with their resurrected bodies. As to Moses and Abraham, they died and their souls went into the presence of God. Enoch and Elijah are different if you hold that they were taken bodily to heaven.

 

[CoreyD]

1Co 15:38 But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.

1Co 15:39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.

1Co 15:40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another...

1Co 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.

All flesh is not the same flesh, is true, but that is flesh, which Paul elaborated on - flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.
Celestial bodies are not flesh, though.

There is flesh, and there is spirit.
Celestial bodies are spirit. God is a spirit. John 4:24. Angels are spirit. Hebrews 1:7
Paul even goes on to explain that in the scripture you quoted - 1 Corinthians 15:40.
What lives on earth is flesh. What lives in heaven is spirit.

The Bible says, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body flesh but made alive in the Spirit." 1 Peter 3:18
This agrees with what Paul said.

Comparisons of different types of flesh, and then a body that is sown in corruption then to be raised in incorruption, is the comparison of the type of body one is resurrected with.

Types of body. That is correct.
There are spirit bodies, and fleshly bodies. Two types of bodies.
You got it.

But there is that in-between time when souls of the dead exist as souls -or spirits- until they are united with their resurrected bodies. As to Moses and Abraham, they died and their souls went into the presence of God. Enoch and Elijah are different if you hold that they were taken bodily to heaven.

A reminder from the OP.
Please remember to give an honest, positive response backed up by scripture and reason in a loving manner.
If you are not using scripture to back up your response, or you are speaking from personal opinion, please preface your statements with "In my opinion," or "I believe."

Thank you.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Later in Collisans, Paul expands on the topic of the spiritual resurrection of Christ the head together with His body, which is each believer individually:

Colossians 2:12-13 KJV
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Jesus is the head. When God raised the head, the body came with Him. This occurred on the 3rd day when God raised Him. This is primarily speaking of the spiritual resurrection, where we were raised up together with Him.

Ephesians 2:1-6 KJV
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

A more accurate translation of John 3:15-16 shows us how eternal life comes to us. We believe "into Christ."

John 3:15 LITV
15 that everyone believing into Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that everyone believing into Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

This passage discusses the need to be born again. We are born again by believing "into" Christ, that is, His death, burial, and resurrection, which Paul calls being baptized into Christ.

Romans 6:3-4 LITV
3 Or are you ignorant that all who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
4 Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we should walk in newness of life.

Peter restates this principle in his own terminology:

1 Peter 1:3 KJV
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

The resurrection of Jesus imparted the new birth to believers, which is the reception of eternal life.

 

[eleos1954]

Acts 26:23


Colossians 1:18


Revelation 1:5


Why is Jesus Christ referred to as the first to rise from the dead; the firstborn from the dead?
Please remember to give an honest, positive response backed up by scripture and reason in a loving manner.
If you are not using scripture to back up your response, or you are speaking from personal opinion, please preface your statements with "In my opinion," or "I believe."

Thank you.

Jesus rose with an incorruptible body (no decay). He was to be the first fruits (first born among the dead) to a glorified body. He had preeminence. Jesus is “the firstfruits of the 1st Resurrection,” not the first person to rise from the dead.

Jesus will retain His glorified human body (non perishable) along with being the supreme deity ... we will be gloried with Him and shall be given a glorified body (non perishable) as well for eternity! AMEN !!!!

Our current bodies are corrupt because of sin.

1 Corinthians 15:53-55
King James Version​

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

 

[CoreyD]

Later in Collisans, Paul expands on the topic of the spiritual resurrection of Christ the head together with His body, which is each believer individually:

Colossians 2:12-13 KJV
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Jesus is the head. When God raised the head, the body came with Him. This occurred on the 3rd day when God raised Him. This is primarily speaking of the spiritual resurrection, where we were raised up together with Him.

Ephesians 2:1-6 KJV
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

A more accurate translation of John 3:15-16 shows us how eternal life comes to us. We believe "into Christ."

John 3:15 LITV
15 that everyone believing into Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that everyone believing into Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

This passage discusses the need to be born again. We are born again by believing "into" Christ, that is, His death, burial, and resurrection, which Paul calls being baptized into Christ.

Romans 6:3-4 LITV
3 Or are you ignorant that all who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
4 Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we should walk in newness of life.

Peter restates this principle in his own terminology:

1 Peter 1:3 KJV
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

The resurrection of Jesus imparted the new birth to believers, which is the reception of eternal life.

Thank you for sharing.
Are you saying that these three scriptures refer not to a literal resurrection of the Messiah, but a figurative resurrection?

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.”

Colossians 1:18

He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

Revelation 1:5

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,

 

[CoreyD]

Jesus rose with an incorruptible body (no decay). He was to be the first fruits (first born among the dead) to a glorified body. He had preeminence. Jesus is “the firstfruits of the 1st Resurrection,” not the first person to rise from the dead.

I love this answer. Firstfruit of the first resurrection.
That is a very precise, clear and simple answer.
Would have been nice if you had referenced the scripture that mentions the first resurrection. Revelation 20:6

Excellent!
So, no person who died prior Christ has part with the first resurrection.
None of those persons are firstfruits to God, and have not been resurrected to heaven with a glorified body - 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.

Jesus will retain His glorified human body (non perishable) along with being the supreme deity ... we will be gloried with Him and shall be given a glorified body (non perishable) as well for eternity! AMEN !!!!

Which scripture did you find that says, "Jesus will retain His glorified human body"?
If this is an opinion, or there are no scriptures to back any claims made...
Please remember to give an honest, positive response backed up by scripture and reason in a loving manner.
If you are not using scripture to back up your response, or you are speaking from personal opinion, please preface your statements with "In my opinion," or "I believe."

Our current bodies are corrupt because of sin.

1 Corinthians 15:53-55​

King James Version​

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

Corruptible in this case, means perishable.
Whether sinful, or sinless, mankind has corruptible bodies - that is, perishable, or subject to decay.

HELPS Word-studies
Cognate: 5349 phthartós (an adjective, derived from 5351 /phtheírō) – perishable, what easily perishes disintegrates (corrupts) – like the break-down of the physical body during our natural lifetime. See 5351 (phteírō).

From phtheiro; decayed, i.e. (by implication) perishable -- corruptible.
phtheiró: to destroy, corrupt, spoil

However, yes, it is through sin that man dies. Romans 5:12
Thus, we would not be withering away, had Adam not sinned. Genesis 2:17; Deuteronomy 32:5; Psalm 36:9; Acts 17:28

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Thank you for sharing.
Are you saying that these three scriptures refer not to a literal resurrection of the Messiah, but a figurative resurrection?

Acts 26:23


Colossians 1:18


Revelation 1:5

This refers to our being spiritually dead in sins and being raised up spiritually together with Him.

Of course, He was thereafter raised physically, as we will be on the last day.

 

[CoreyD]

This refers to our being spiritually dead in sins and being raised up spiritually together with Him.

Jesus?
You are not saying Jesus was spiritually dead in sins, so I think you may have gotten a bit confused about what is being discussed.

The scriptures being discussed are...
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.”

Colossians 1:18

He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

Revelation 1:5

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,

These are referring to Christ's resurrection. Not mankind's. Is that right?

Of course, He was thereafter raised physically, as we will be on the last day.

Are you saying Christ was raised figuratively? When did that happen, and which scripture says this?

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Jesus?
You are not saying Jesus was spiritually dead in sins, so I think you may have gotten a bit confused about what is being discussed.

The scriptures being discussed are...
Acts 26:23


Colossians 1:18


Revelation 1:5


These are referring to Christ's resurrection. Not mankind's. Is that right?


Are you saying Christ was raised figuratively? When did that happen, and which scripture says this?

No, not figuratively. Spiritually and then Physically.

Ephesians 2:1-10 KJV
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

A question often asked. If we were quickened together with Christ from spiritual death... then what state was Christ in at that moment of quickening?

 

[CoreyD]

No, not figuratively. Spiritually and then Physically.

Ephesians 2:1-10 KJV
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

A question often asked. If we were quickened together with Christ from spiritual death... then what state was Christ in at that moment of quickening?

I think you are confusing mankind with Christ.
The scriptures are not about mankind. They are about Christ.
Christ was never dead in trespasses and sins, and needing to be quickened from them.

Perhaps you are carried away with your own thoughts.
Would you like to address the question in the OP?
Why is Jesus Christ referred to as the first to rise from the dead; the firstborn from the dead?

 

[SavedByGrace3]

I think you are confusing mankind with Christ.
The scriptures are not about mankind. They are about Christ.
Christ was never dead in trespasses and sins, and needing to be quickened from them.

Perhaps you are carried away with your own thoughts.
Would you like to address the question in the OP?
Why is Jesus Christ referred to as the first to rise from the dead; the firstborn from the dead?

No... I am just quoting a scripture.

Ephesians 2:1-10 KJV
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved);

 

[CoreyD]

No... I am just quoting a scripture.

Ephesians 2:1-10 KJV
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved);

Oh, okay.
Why may I ask?

 

[eleos1954]

I love this answer. Firstfruit of the first resurrection.
That is a very precise, clear and simple answer.
Would have been nice if you had referenced the scripture that mentions the first resurrection. Revelation 20:6

Excellent!
So, no person who died prior Christ has part with the first resurrection.
None of those persons are firstfruits to God, and have not been resurrected to heaven with a glorified body - 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.


Which scripture did you find that says, "Jesus will retain His glorified human body"?
If this is an opinion, or there are no scriptures to back any claims made...
Please remember to give an honest, positive response backed up by scripture and reason in a loving manner.
If you are not using scripture to back up your response, or you are speaking from personal opinion, please preface your statements with "In my opinion," or "I believe."


Corruptible in this case, means perishable.
Whether sinful, or sinless, mankind has corruptible bodies - that is, perishable, or subject to decay.

HELPS Word-studies
Cognate: 5349 phthartós (an adjective, derived from 5351 /phtheírō) – perishable, what easily perishes disintegrates (corrupts) – like the break-down of the physical body during our natural lifetime. See 5351 (phteírō).

From phtheiro; decayed, i.e. (by implication) perishable -- corruptible.
phtheiró: to destroy, corrupt, spoil

However, yes, it is through sin that man dies. Romans 5:12
Thus, we would not be withering away, had Adam not sinned. Genesis 2:17; Deuteronomy 32:5; Psalm 36:9; Acts 17:28

So, no person who died prior Christ has part with the first resurrection.
None of those persons are firstfruits to God, and have not been resurrected to heaven with a glorified body - 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.

They will ... when He returns ;o). So looking forward to His return ... AMEN!!!

 

[CoreyD]

They will ... when He returns ;o). So looking forward to His return ... AMEN!!!

Sounds like you are looking forward to - not the first, but the second resurrection. Matthew 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15
I am too.

 

[eleos1954]

Sounds like you are looking forward to - not the first, but the second resurrection. Matthew 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15
I am too.

1st Resurrection ... is of the saved ... the 2nd of the lost.

Revelation 20

5The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years were complete (2nd resurrection of the lost). This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed 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.

 

[CoreyD]

1st Resurrection ... is of the saved ... the 2nd of the lost.

Revelation 20

5The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years were complete (2nd resurrection of the lost). This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed 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.

Why do you refer to these as lost?

 

[eleos1954]

Why do you refer to these as lost?

When Jesus returns all judgement for all times has taken place .... the saved are taken to heaven for 1,000 years .... those left on planet earth are destroyed on planet earth (with the brightness of His coming**) and the earth is left in a desolate condition ... but this is not the full end .... after the 1,000 years the 2nd resurrection (of the lost) takes place .... the battle of Gog and Magog takes places .... attacks the New Jerusalem that has descended from heaven. God destroys the earth and everything in it (this is the 2nd death for eternity) and then makes everything new and His people will dwell with Him forever on the new earth. Amen!

** brightness of His coming
2 Thessalonians 2 KJV