By Jane johnson

Jan 2026 Most of this has come from chat gpt for accuracy on general issues. However we have done an extensive journey on this and I believe as does bill Brady that forerunners can expect to be in the first resurrection that hasn’t happened . It is not just for martyrs . Be careful if someone says it is definitely this way as some houses differ.

There is no single consensus in Christianity on whether the “first resurrection” has already happened. Interpretations divide largely along eschatological frameworks. Below is a precise, theology-level overview of the major positions and where agreement and disagreement lie.

The key text Revelation 20:4–6 (KJV) “This is the first resurrection… Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power…” The debate hinges on whether this resurrection is literal or spiritual, past, present, or future, and who participates in it.

1. Amillennial view (majority position historically) Consensus within this camp: The first resurrection has already happened (and is ongoing).

How it is understood

• Spiritual resurrection, not bodily
• Refers to:
• Regeneration / new birth (Eph 2:5–6)
• Or the souls of believers reigning with
• Christ in heaven after death
• The “millennium” is the current Church age •The second resurrection is the future bodily resurrection of all people

Supporters

• Augustine (formative influence)
• Roman Catholic Church
• Eastern Orthodox Church
• Many Reformed / mainline Protestants Strengths
• Fits Revelation’s symbolic/apocalyptic genre
• Avoids a two-stage bodily resurrection
• Integrates cleanly with John 5:24–29

2. Postmillennial view Consensus within this camp: The first resurrection is already happening (spiritual).

How it is understood

• Similar to amillennialism
• Emphasis on:
• Spiritual resurrection through the gospel
• The Church progressively advancing Christ’s reign on earth
• The millennium culminates in Christ’s visible return

Supporters

• Some Puritans
• Modern optimistic Reformed theologians

3. Premillennial view (historic & dispensational) Consensus within this camp: The first resurrection has NOT yet happened.

How it is understood

• Literal, bodily resurrection
• Occurs after Christ’s return
• Participants:
• Martyrs (explicit in Rev 20)
• Often extended to all believers
• Followed by: • A literal 1,000-year reign on earth
• A second resurrection of the wicked Supporters
• Early church fathers (Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus)
• Many evangelical and charismatic churches
• Dispensational theology

Strengths

• Straightforward reading of Revelation 20
• Clear distinction between two resurrections
• Emphasizes historical fulfillment

4. Partial preterist view (minority) Consensus within this camp: The first resurrection has already happened in a historical-covenantal sense. How it is understood

• Fulfilled around AD 70
• Symbolizes:
• Vindication of persecuted saints
• Transition from Old Covenant death to New Covenant life
• Not bodily resurrection

Where most scholars actually agree Across traditions, there is agreement on several points:

• There will be a future bodily resurrection
• Revelation uses highly symbolic language
• The “first resurrection” is distinct from the final resurrection
• Faithful believers share in Christ’s reign in some sense now and later The disagreement is what kind of resurrection and when.