It is taught commonly that the first resurrection is for the saved and the second resurrection is for the lost. From our point of view, the Scriptures do not support this position.

As we understand it, the first resurrection is for the firstfruits of the Bride and the second resurrection is the general resurrection from the dead.

Until we come to the Book of Revelation, it seems the Apostles themselves were not aware the resurrection would be separated into two events with an intervening thousand-year Kingdom Age.

It is apparent that neither the majority of the Church nor the nations of the earth are ready for the new heaven and earth reign of Christ. Thus we believe the thousand years are for the purpose of perfecting the Church so the Church will be prepared to serve as the light of the world for those nations of people whom the Lord assigns to salvation, that is, who are to be preserved in the Day of Wrath.

Every human being shall be raised from the dead. No person born on the earth will be left in a place of burial or interment. All shall be brought forth and stand before Christ and His saints to be judged.

"Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned." (John 5:28,29—NIV)

"All who are in the graves will hear his voice and come out."

But we find the Apostle Paul stating a goal that may be foreign to us.

And so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:11—NIV)

The thought has been ventured that Paul was referring merely to an advanced state of spiritual maturity, not actually to the bodily resurrection from the dead. We do not believe this to be true for three reasons:

The Greek term here is out-resurrection, a special use appearing only once in the New Testament.

The expression "first resurrection" found in Revelation 20:6.

The passages in which Paul groaned for the redemption of his body, a desire seldom or never heard in today's evangelical teaching.

In fact, a few verses later in Philippians Paul speaks clearly of the resurrection of his body.

Who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 3:21—NIV)

We are not implying we will achieve resurrection prior to the Lord's return. Our point is that while all people will be raised from the dead at some point, the first resurrection, the resurrection of the royal priesthood, must be attained.

We do not attain the first resurrection by taking the four steps of salvation. We attain the first resurrection as Paul teaches, by laying aside all else, counting the things of the world as garbage, until we are living in the power of Christ's resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.

To be continued.