A person’s opportunity for salvation comes when God calls and chooses someone, at which time He opens his or her mind to spiritual understanding. When we think of our family members and friends who have died without really understanding the Bible, it’s a great comfort to know about the second resurrection, which is supported by many Scriptures.
The Bible speaks of both a first and second resurrection. The first resurrection is referred to in Revelation 20:4-6: “And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image….And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”
“The first resurrection” is specifically mentioned in verses 5 and 6 and is the resurrection of the saints (the true followers of Christ) which will take place at Christ’s second coming. They are those who have been given understanding, had their minds opened to God’s truth and are being judged in this lifetime (1 Peter 4:17). The “second death has no power” over them, meaning they are made immortal at Christ’s return and live eternally.
The word “first” in Revelation 20:5-6 implies there will be another resurrection, as The Expositor’s Bible Commentary brings out: “Why does John call this the ‘first’ resurrection? The term prote clearly implies the first in a series of two or more” (Alan Johnson, 1981, notes on Revelation 20:6). Verse 5 speaks of “the rest of the dead,” referring to everyone else who has ever lived and died. They will “live again,” after “the thousand years were [are] finished” by being resurrected to physical human life so they can learn God’s truth and have the opportunity to live by it. This is not a second chance. It will be their time of judgment.
Because of the reference in Revelation 20:11 to a ‘great white throne’ this period of time is sometimes referred to as the Great White Throne Judgment. Judgment, however, does not just mean a final sentencing, it includes an evaluation period to determine whether, on learning God’s truth, a person is willing to act on that truth and turn to God. Those who are raised in the second resurrection will be “judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books [the books of the Bible that will then be open to them” (Revelation 20:12). If people at that time believe, repent, obey and receive God’s forgiveness and grace, their names will be written in “the Book of Life”—which means God will give them His gift of eternal life (Philippians 4:3).
We are given a description of the second resurrection in Ezekiel chapter 37. The vision of the valley of dry bones describes people being resurrected to their physical bodies and given new life. Mathew 11 tells us this second resurrection applies not only to the ancient house of Israel, but will include all nations. Jesus described a time during which the long-dead people of the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh and the biblical “queen of the South” from Solomon’s time will rise with those of His generation, and come to understand the truth about who Christ is and the purpose of life. Those whom Jesus specifically mentioned, and countless more like them, will at last experience their opportunity for salvation.
God’s promise to pour out His Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28) has not yet fully taken place. God loves all people and longs to see everyone choose to live His way so He can give them eternal life. Everyone who has not had an opportunity for salvation will receive that opportunity when they rise to physical life in the second resurrection. Peter tells us God is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
This time of the second resurrection is commemorated every year by those who observe the annual Holy Days (See the recommended study guide: God’s Festivals: Keys To Humanity’s Future for more information.) This festival is referred to in the Bible as “the eighth day.” The Eighth Day is first mentioned in connection to the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) in Leviticus 23:36: “On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation….It is a sacred assembly” The Eighth Day is also mentioned in verse 39 and Numbers 29:35; 2 Chronicles 7:9; and Nehemiah 8:18. Jesus Christ also observed the Eighth Day (John 7:37).
This final commanded Holy Day of the year shows how deep and far reaching the merciful judgments of God are. He will see His plan for humanity through and bring many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10) when His promise to pour out His Spirit on all flesh will find its fullest manifestation.
