Some people believe that 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “The dead who are in the Mashiyach (Messiah) will first arise,” describes the First Resurrection. Actually, it does not describe the First Resurrection, it simply describes that the believers who died, will be lifted up in the air FIRST to meet the Lord Yeshua at the Last Day, the Second Coming.

 

The First Resurrection is spiritual. It is the regeneration of the spirit upon accepting the Lord Yeshua as YHWH the Messiah Christ.

 

Yeshua Jesus reiterates that eternal life begins after the first resurrection. Revelation20:4-6 explains that the First Resurrection is the salvation and redemption received by: (1) Faith in Christ, (2) Living in obedience to God Elohim, (3) Living a sanctified unpolluted life. This is not describing a futuristic event, but it describes the Regeneration which occurs at the moment of accepting and submitting to the Lord. This is a life given to a dead soul, hence it is properly a resurrection.

“And I saw thrones, and (persons) sat on them, and judgment was given to them, and to the souls that were beheaded for the testimony of Yeshua Jesus and for the Word of Elohim God: and these are they who had not worshiped the beast of prey nor its image; neither had they received the mark upon their forehead or on their hand; and they lived and reigned with their Mashiyach (Messiah) those thousand years. This is the First Resurrection. Blessed and Set Apart (sanctified) is he that has part in this First Resurrection: over them the Second death has no dominion; but they will be, (and) are, priests of Elohim and of his Mashiyach; and they will reign with him the thousand years.”

 

The Second Resurrection is physical in a glorified (multidimentional) body. It is the resurrection of the bodies at the Second Coming of those who died believing in Christ. And, the believers who will be alive at the Second Coming will not die, hence a permanent resurrection.

 

The words in 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 teach us of the glorification of our bodies which will occur at the second resurrection. But, at the same time, the true believers who will be alive on earth at the Lord's Coming, will have their bodies glorified as 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 tells us:

“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, Suddenly, as in the twinkling of an eye, at the last shofar, when it will sound; and the dead will arise, without corruption; and we will be changed. For this which is corruptible, is to put on incorruption; and that which dies, will put on immortality. And when that which is corruptible, will put on incorruption, and that which dies, immortality; then will take place the Word that is written, “DEATH IS ABSORBED IN VICTORY,” (English translation of the Apostolic original Aramaic Text - AENT).

 

Remember: the thousand years is the period between the First Coming of the Messiah and the Second (Final) Coming of the Messiah. The Millennium is not a futuristic event or period.

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Compare

 

The First Death is spiritual. It is the death of the human race in Eve and in Adam. Death passed unto all human beings.

 

The Second Death is physical and spiritual. It is the eternal suffering in every way possible.

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The First Resurrection is spiritual. It is the regeneration of the dead spirits of the believers when they become born from above (born again).

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The Second Resurrection is physical and spiritual. It is when the bodies of the believers become glorified and be with Jesus for eternity.

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