The Two Resurrections

1. What are the two resurrections mentioned in the Bible?

• John 5:28-29 (KJV): "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."

Explanation: Jesus speaks of two distinct resurrections: one for the righteous (resurrection of life) and one for the wicked (resurrection of damnation). These events highlight the eternal destinies determined by the choices made in this life.

2. When will the resurrection of the righteous take place?

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (KJV): "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: 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."

• John 14:2-3 (KJV): "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Explanation: The resurrection of the righteous occurs at the Second Coming of Christ. The dead in Christ will rise first, and the living believers will join them to meet the Lord. Jesus' promise to return for His followers ensures the hope of eternal life.

3. What happens to the wicked at Christ's Second Coming?

• 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 (KJV): "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power."

• Revelation 6:15-17 (KJV): "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men... said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

Explanation: At the Second Coming, the wicked who are alive will be destroyed by the brightness of His coming, while the wicked dead remain in their graves until the second resurrection. The fear and rejection of Christ by the wicked fulfill prophecy.

4. When will the resurrection of the wicked occur?

• Revelation 20:5 (KJV): "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection."

• Daniel 12:2 (KJV): "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."

Explanation: The wicked will not be resurrected until after the 1,000 years (the millennium). This contrasts with the righteous, who are raised at the beginning of the millennium. The resurrection of the wicked leads to their final judgment.

5. What happens during the millennium?

• Revelation 20:4 (KJV): "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 they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."

• Jeremiah 4:23-27 (KJV): "I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled... For thus hath the Lord said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end."

Explanation: During the millennium, the righteous reign with Christ in heaven and participate in the judgment of the wicked, reviewing the records of their lives (1 Corinthians 6:2-3). The earth remains desolate, confirming the consequences of sin.

6. What is the fate of the wicked after the millennium?

• Revelation 20:7-9 (KJV): "And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and shall go out to deceive the nations... And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them."

• Malachi 4:1 (KJV): "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."

Explanation: After the millennium, the wicked are resurrected, and Satan deceives them into attacking the Holy City. God sends fire from heaven, destroying them and cleansing the earth. Their complete destruction fulfills God's promise of a purified universe.

7. What promise does God give about the new earth?

• Revelation 21:1-4 (KJV): "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away... And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

• Isaiah 65:17 (KJV): "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind."

Explanation: After the destruction of the wicked, God will create a new earth where righteousness dwells. Sin, death, and pain will no longer exist, and the redeemed will enjoy eternal life with God. This is the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

8. What should we do to ensure we are part of the first resurrection?

• John 11:25-26 (KJV): *"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

• Acts 24:15 (KJV): "And have hope toward God... that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust."

• Revelation 22:12-14 (KJV): "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

Explanation: Faith in Christ ensures participation in the first resurrection. Believing and obeying Him leads to eternal life, while rejecting Him leads to judgment. Obedience to God's commandments reflects a life surrendered to Him.

9. What is the ultimate victory over death?

• 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 (KJV): *"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed... O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"

• Hosea 13:14 (KJV): "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes."

Explanation: The resurrection of the righteous marks the ultimate victory over death, made possible through Jesus Christ. His sacrifice and resurrection assure believers of eternal life. Death itself will be destroyed, fulfilling God's promise of everlasting life.

Conclusion: The Bible clearly teaches two resurrections—one for the righteous at Christ’s return and another for the wicked after the millennium. The hope of eternal life is available to all who accept Jesus as their Savior. Let us live in faith and obedience, preparing for the resurrection of life and the eternal joy in God’s new creation.