Bible Question:
CDBJ, I have some questions. When will the first resurrection take place (Rev 20:5-6)? Do you see the rapture and the resurrections as different events? ... If so, will people be saved during the tribulation, or will those who reign with Christ (Rev 20:4) be unsaved? Also, will people be saved during the 1,000 year reign of Christ? .... If, not why will Satan have to decieve the nations (Rev 20:4) ... since they are not Christians? I contend that those that reign with Christ are those who had "not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand" ... the second resurrection is for the other believers. The 144,000 who were sealed (Rev 7:4-8) came out of the great tribulation (vs 14). There is a play on words, since this is after the sixth seal (Rev 6). Searcher |
Bible Answer: Sorry Searcher, I said CDBJ. About the Resurrected at Revelation 20:4,6. "I saw thrones, and there were those who sat down on them, and power of judging was given them. Yes, I saw the souls of those executed with the ax for the witness they bore to Jesus and for speaking about God. And they came to life and ruled as kings with the Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years." As clearly stated, it is not "the rest of the dead" who share in the first resurrection. That resurrection is for those who rule with Christ for the thousand years. Does this mean that no others of mankind will live during the thousand years except the ones who rule in heaven with Christ? No; because, if such were the case, it would mean that there was no one on behalf of whom they were serving as priests, and their domain would be a desolate globe. Who are "the rest of the dead"? They are all those of mankind who died as a result of Adamic sin and those who, though survivors of the great tribulation or those who may be born during the Millennium, need to be relieved of the death-dealing effects of such sin. Compare Ephesians 2:1. NWT. Reasoning from the Scriptures. |