The Three Orders of Resurrection

 

The Three Orders of Resurrection

1 Cor 15:20-23: "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him."

Rev 1:5: "and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth."

1 Cor 15:52: "in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed."

John 5:29: "those who have done what is good will rise to live."

Luke 14:14: "Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Rev 20:4-6: "I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge... They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years... This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection."

Rev 20:11-15: "Then I saw a great white throne... The dead were judged according to what they had done... If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, that person was thrown into the lake of fire."

 

Order	Period	People	Description	Examples	Application	Related Scriptures
First Order	Christ's Era	Jesus Christ	As the firstfruits, first to rise from the dead	The resurrection of Jesus Christ	Opens the door of resurrection for all, serves as proof of victory	Col 1:18: "And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy."
Second Order	Before the Millennium (At the Lord's Return)	Believers in Christ (the righteous)	Resurrection to life at the Lord's return	Faithful believers throughout history	- Receive glorified bodies - Reign with Christ - Participate in millennial kingdom governance	1 Thess 4:16: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first."
Third Order	End Times (End of Millennium)	Unbelievers (the unrighteous)	- Resurrection at millennium's end - Before new heaven and earth<br>- When God completes all dealings	Unbelievers throughout history	- Resurrection to judgment - Face Great White Throne judgment<br>- Eternal destiny	John 5:29: "those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned." Rev 20:5: "The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended."

 

Concluding Notes:

1.      These three orders demonstrate the progression of God's redemptive plan:

o   Beginning with Christ's resurrection (firstfruits)

o   Followed by believers' resurrection (before millennium)

o   Ending with unbelievers' resurrection (end of millennium)

2.      Each order has its specific timing and purpose:

o   First Order: Establishes the reality and victory of resurrection

o   Second Order: Gives life to believers, establishes millennial kingdom

o   Third Order: Final judgment, ends old creation

3.      The distinction between orders reflects:

o   Relationship with Christ (in Christ or outside Christ)

o   Nature of life (unto life or unto condemnation)

o   Final destiny (reigning with Christ or eternal perdition)

4.      This resurrection order fully aligns with God's righteousness and love:

o   Manifests His redemption

o   Executes His judgment

o   Fulfills His eternal purpose

 

*Please refer to the New Testament Recovery Version Bible 1 Corinthians Notes