The concept of the resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, representing the hope of eternal life and the ultimate victory over death. The "first resurrection" is a term that appears in the Book of Revelation and is associated with the blessedness of those who partake in it. This entry explores the theological significance and scriptural basis for the blessedness of those who have part in the first resurrection.

Scriptural Basis

The primary scriptural reference to the first resurrection is found in Revelation 20:4-6 : "Then I saw thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were complete. This is the first resurrection. 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."

Theological Significance

1. Victory Over Death: The first resurrection signifies the triumph over physical death, a promise of eternal life with Christ. Those who partake in this resurrection are assured that the "second death"—eternal separation from God—has no power over them. This assurance is a profound source of hope and comfort for believers, affirming the promise of eternal life.

2. Holiness and Blessedness: Participants in the first resurrection are described as "blessed and holy." This indicates a state of sanctification and divine favor. The holiness attributed to them is not of their own merit but is imputed through their faith in Christ and their perseverance in the face of persecution and trials.

3. Priestly Role and Reign with Christ: Those who partake in the first resurrection are granted the privilege of serving as priests of God and of Christ. This priestly role signifies a close, intimate relationship with God, characterized by worship, service, and intercession. Additionally, they are promised to reign with Christ for a thousand years, symbolizing authority and participation in Christ's kingdom.

4. Faithfulness and Perseverance: The passage highlights the faithfulness of those who have been martyred for their testimony of Jesus and their refusal to worship the beast. Their participation in the first resurrection is a reward for their steadfastness and loyalty to Christ, even unto death. This serves as an encouragement for believers to remain faithful amidst trials and tribulations.

Implications for Believers

The blessedness of those who have part in the first resurrection serves as a powerful motivation for Christians to live lives of holiness, faithfulness, and perseverance. It underscores the importance of maintaining a steadfast witness for Christ, resisting the pressures of worldly conformity, and holding fast to the hope of eternal life. The promise of reigning with Christ and being free from the power of the second death provides a compelling vision of the future that shapes the present life of believers.Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

To those who Say, "If the Resurrection is a Thing Excellent and ...
... and free, to the life of blessedness and impassibility ... but only when the trumpet
of the resurrection sounds, which ... in life, after the likeness of those who have ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/xxii to those who say.htm

Nineteenth Day. Holiness and Resurrection.
... May those who have never yet fully accepted this ... 1. Scripture regards the resurrection
in two different aspects ... 2. The blessedness to the disciples of having a ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/nineteenth day holiness and resurrection.htm

What is Written in the Revelation of John Regarding the Two ...
... Him a thousand years." [1339] Those who, on ... passage, have suspected that the first
resurrection is future ... great sin dismissed from the blessedness of paradise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 7 what is written in.htm

The Question as to the Resurrection. Ch. 20:27-40
... the glory of that age, and who will experience the blessedness of "the resurrection
from the ... Those who have a part in this resurrection will be "equal unto ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/e the question as to.htm

So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things
... done good [shall come forth] unto the resurrection of life. ... 4, 6: David also describeth
the blessedness of the ... there were even at that time those who, instead ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 10 so likewise ye.htm

The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
... It is again affirmed that those who have part in the "first resurrection"
will have this blessedness for the thousand years. During ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh and last vision.htm

The First Great Deception.
... until the glorious truth of the resurrection has been ... not wait for the trump for
their judgment and blessedness.". ... of the soul was one of those false doctrines ...
/.../33 the first great deception.htm

Dining with a Pharisee. Sabbath Healing and Three Lessons ...
... If one has part in the resurrection of the just ... implied that God himself would feast
those who feasted ... guest exclaimed upon the anticipated blessedness.] 16 But ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xc dining with a pharisee.htm

The First Great Deception
... until the glorious truth of the resurrection has been ... not wait for the trump for
their judgment and blessedness.". ... of the soul was one of those false doctrines ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 33 the first great.htm

Effectual Calling
... That is, as a learned writer says, those gifts which flow from ... This is the blessedness
of a saint; his condition admits of ... Conversion is styled a resurrection. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm

Why is the truth of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ so important? | GotQuestions.org

Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ important? | GotQuestions.org

When will the Resurrection take place? | GotQuestions.org

Resurrection: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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