Revelation 20 ~ Two Deaths ~ Two Resurrections, ~ Two Judgements

In the twentieth chapter of the Book of Revelation, John talks about firsts and seconds: the second death, the first resurrection, and judgments made along the way. A careful reading teaches us the differences among these terms and the importance of the differences. 

Death ~ When Adam and Eve fell, that fall brought about two deaths.  The first death was physical death and mortality.  The second death was a separation from the presence of God.  No more did God walk and talk with them in the Garden and they were cast out into the world where we live today.  All of us are mortal; all of us will die.  Our bodies go into the tomb and our spirits go  either to prison (Sheol) or paradise (see Jesus' comment to the thief on the cross in Luke 23: 43.)  This implies some sort of judgment at the moment of death.

Resurrection ~ Jesus' resurrection conquered death.  Paul tells us:  But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15: 20-22)  The resurrection is an unconditional gift from Jesus Christ; all of us will one day receive our resurrected and perfected bodies.

All of us will be resurrected, but John tells us there will be a first resurrection and a second resurrection.  Of course, the very first resurrection was that of Jesus Himself.  Many of the righteous dead were also resurrected immediately afterward.  But that was a limited resurrection.  The first resurrection to which John refers is the one that will occur at Jesus' Second Coming, when Satan is bound and the millennial reign begins.  At that time, the righteous are called up from Paradise.  Those who have not "worshipped the beast" will be resurrected at this time and they will live and reign with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20: 4)  John tells us that  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (verse 6)  This is the first resurrection.  But the rest of the dead live not again until the thousand years [are] finished.(verse 5)  That will be the second resurrection; the resurrection of all mankind at the end of the millennium and just prior to the final judgment.

Judgements ~ There have been judgments implicit in God's plan all along.  There is some sort of judgment at death when a spirit is consigned to Prison or Paradise.  There is a judgement on the morning of the first resurrection when those who are righteous are chosen to be resurrected and to live on the Millennial Earth with Jesus for a thousand years.  After the Millennium, Satan will be loosed for a small season before being eternally defeated and cast out into the outer darkness of the bottomless pit.  Then will come the final judgment. 

John writes: And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (Revelation 20: 12-13) This part of the plan is based on both works and grace.  Grace, because we could not repent and be forgiven without it and works because if we do not repent, we will be judged by our works.

I loved this little Shultz cartoon.  It implies that life is not meant to be easy.  What is written about me in the Book of Life is dependent upon my actions, my words, and my thoughts.  Most importantly, it is dependent upon my heart; my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

 

Bottom line: I think that applies to all of us.

Text copyright Gebara Education April 2013

Picture of first resurrection from www.thebibleschool.com
Picture of Jesus Christ reading from the Book of Life from www.insidetheshrink-dailygrace.com
Picture of Charlie Brown by Charles Shultz from multiple sites on the web