How Many Resurrections Are Mentioned In The Bible?

Believe it or not, millions of Christians swear there will be at least two or more! They base this on erroneous Bible exegesis, using Revelations 20:5-6, which states: (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6 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."

Based on this verse alone, they believe that if there is a "first" resurrection, there must also be a "second" one or even more. They don't trust the specific word of God, they would rather trust the many authors, teachers and preachers who promote these false notions.

If they were to closely examine the true meaning of the word "first" in Revelations 20:5, they would learn that the Greek word used here is (protos) and it defines the word "best, chief, principal and first in rank or quality." It is not describing the word in numerical nor chronological order (such as day 1, day 2, day 3, etc.). If that were the case, the word to describe the amount of days would require using the Greek word "mia." Obviously, the word "first" is best understood in the qualitative sense rather than a sequential number. Obviously, the "best" way (not the 1st time a person is) to be resurrected is through Jesus Christ, which is far better than being resurrected to face eternal condemnation. We all have to die once, as it is appointed, unless you happen to be alive when Jesus returns. Those alive at that time will be changed along with those who have already experienced the first death. Therefore, they (believers) do not have to experience the second death because they shared in the first (best) resurrection when they accepted the gift of salvation and chose to repent and follow Jesus.

Sadly, so many novice Bible students (and teachers) claim the only way we can get a clearer and more succinct understanding of Bible words is solely through hearing the direct voice of the Holy Spirit. They say they don't trust anyone else but the Holy Spirit. Supposedly, by making such a statement they believe they are more correct when they interpret scripture and they can't trust anyone else. So much for those elders we are instructed to study under:

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching; for the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages. (1 Timothy 5:17-18 RSV).

They fail to recognize that the Holy Spirit does bring scripture to remembrance, does confirm the message from God, as well as guides us (student and teacher alike) through a sound study of God's specific words.

Unfortunately, those who believe in more than one resurrection fail to see how misinterpreting one small word (first as opposed to the best), fall into the trap of having to support the "Two Resurrection" theory, one at the so-called Rapture to Heaven event, and then another seven years later. They disregard the scriptural fact that there is only one resurrection, and it will include both believer and the unfaithful:

"Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment." (John 5:28,29).

These verses do not say the good will be resurrected at any Rapture to Heaven, nor 3 and a half to seven years later, but at the same time. The advantage of the believer is that he and she will come forth to the resurrection of life because of their good deeds. They don't receive salvation because of good deeds, but perform good deeds because they are now (and) called "sons of God." Those who committed evil deeds come to a resurrection of judgment, because they failed to accept Jesus as the "first (best)" resurrection, and thereby are condemned. Both are resurrected at the same time, and not separated by a 1000 year period of time, as theorist proclaim! To profoundly realize that believers in Jesus Christ have already experienced the "first (best)" resurrection, read the group of verses below.

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world, (John 11:17-27).

As we have repeatedly stated, the Holy Spirit opens our minds and hearts to be diligent students of God's word through much study. We cannot sit idly by and wait to see if we will hear "voices" to confirm theories:

The King James Version clearly states in 2 Timothy 2:15 to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Attached here is an excerpted chapter, 'A Thousand Years' from our book, The End Times Passover, which explains this matter in greater detail:


Click here to download this chapter "A Thousand Years"