What are the three resurrections? Who is resurrected at each?
The Bible speaks of a First and Second Resurrection in God’s plan for all humanity. There is no “third” resurrection in Scripture. The first resurrection begins with Jesus Christ, Who Paul calls the first fruits of the (first) resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:20:
1Cor. 15:20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.
Following Christ, the Church saints are resurrected at the Rapture (1Cor 15:52-53), which is the next stage of the First Resurrection. Later the 2 Witnesses are resurrected during Tribulation (Rev 11:11-12), followed lastly by the Old Testament saints (Dan 12:1-2). Collectively, these events are called the “First Resurrection” in Revelation 20:5, because this resurrection is limited to the saints of God.
Following the resurrection of all believers, a second resurrection will take place at the conclusion of the 1,000 year Kingdom according to Revelation 20:5. This resurrection is reserved for all unbelievers from Cain until the final soul dies in sin. Revelation 20:12 describes the moment of the second resurrection for all unbelievers.
Rev. 20:12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.
For a complete understanding of these events, we recommend you listen to our entire Revelation Bible study.
