Understanding Revelation 20:6: The Blessing of the First Resurrection
Revelation 20:6 declares:
“Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.”
This verse brims with hope and assurance for believers, but it also raises important questions. What is the “first resurrection”? What is the “second death”? And how should we understand this reign of Christ and His people?
Let’s explore this text, showing how it fits into the Bible’s larger story and why a spiritual interpretation makes the most biblical sense.
What Is the First Resurrection?
The “first resurrection” refers to the spiritual resurrection believers experience when they are born again through faith in Christ. Scripture repeatedly describes salvation as a transition from death to life:
- Ephesians 2:5-6 teaches that God has “made us alive together with Christ” and “raised us up with him,” describing the spiritual reality of new life in Christ.
- John 5:24-25 records Jesus saying that whoever believes in Him “has passed from death to life” and that “the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” This is clearly a spiritual resurrection, happening now for those who believe.
The first resurrection is not a physical event but a spiritual transformation. It marks the believer’s transition from spiritual death to new life in Christ, made possible by the power of His resurrection (cf. Romans 6:4-5).
What Is the Second Death?
The “second death” is explained in Revelation 20:14: “The second death is the lake of fire.” This is eternal separation from God, the final judgment for those who reject Him.
- Jesus warns about this in Matthew 10:28, saying, “Fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
- Revelation 21:8 further describes the second death as the destiny of “the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable,” and all who remain in sin apart from Christ.
For believers, the promise is clear: the second death “has no power” over them. Because Christ has defeated death and taken the punishment for sin (Romans 8:1), those who share in the first resurrection are eternally secure in Him.
Priests of God and of Christ
This verse describes believers as “priests of God and of Christ,” a role already assigned to God’s people elsewhere in Scripture:
- 1 Peter 2:9 calls believers “a royal priesthood,” emphasizing their role in worship and service to God.
- Revelation 1:6 declares that Christ has made His people “a kingdom, priests to his God and Father.”
This priesthood is not about offering animal sacrifices but about living lives of worship, prayer, and intercession, serving God and declaring His glory to the world.
Reigning with Christ for a Thousand Years
Believers are also said to “reign with [Christ] for a thousand years.” What does this reign entail?
A Present Spiritual Reign
In Ephesians 2:6, Paul teaches that believers are already seated with Christ in heavenly places. This is not a future earthly reign but a current spiritual reality: believers share in Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness.
The Thousand Years as a Symbolic Period
As discussed in earlier verses, the “thousand years” represent the complete period of Christ’s reign from His resurrection to His return. During this time, believers reign with Him spiritually, advancing His kingdom through the gospel and living as His witnesses in the world (cf. Matthew 28:18-20).
This reign is not about political power but about sharing in Christ’s victory, living as His representatives, and proclaiming His lordship in a broken world.
Why Interpret This Spiritually?
Some might wonder why this passage shouldn’t be taken literally—why not expect a physical first resurrection and an earthly reign of Christ before the final judgment? Let’s consider why a spiritual interpretation fits better:
Revelation’s Symbolic Nature
The book of Revelation is rich in symbolism. For example:
- The “thousand years” is symbolic of completeness, not a literal timespan.
- The “first resurrection” is spiritual, as supported by John 5:24-25 and Ephesians 2:5-6.
Interpreting this passage spiritually is consistent with how we understand the book’s apocalyptic imagery.
Alignment with the Rest of Scripture
A literal interpretation of two physical resurrections and an earthly reign introduces tensions with other clear biblical teachings:
- Jesus taught a single resurrection for all people in John 5:28-29.
- His kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:36), emphasizing its spiritual nature.
A spiritual interpretation harmonizes Revelation 20:6 with these foundational truths.
The Present Hope for Believers
A spiritual interpretation gives believers present assurance. Those who share in the first resurrection are already alive in Christ, reigning with Him, and free from the power of the second death. This isn’t just a distant future hope—it’s a reality now, as described in Colossians 3:1-3.
Christ at the Center
Ultimately, Revelation 20:6 points us to the glory of Christ:
- He is the one who grants the first resurrection, raising us to new life in Him (Romans 6:4-5).
- He is the High Priest who makes us priests to God (Hebrews 4:14-16).
- He is the King who reigns, and we reign with Him through His victory (Revelation 17:14).
This verse is a triumphant reminder of Christ’s power to save and His faithfulness to His people.
Conclusion
Revelation 20:6 offers profound encouragement for believers: if you are in Christ, you are blessed and holy. You share in the first resurrection, meaning you are spiritually alive now, reigning with Christ, and forever free from the power of the second death.
This spiritual interpretation not only fits the symbolism of Revelation but also aligns with the broader teaching of Scripture. It gives us a present hope and calls us to live boldly as priests and co-heirs with Christ. Let this truth stir your heart with gratitude and worship, for in Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).
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