Meaning of Revelation 20:6

This verse from Revelation 20:6 describes the blessed state of those who participate in the "first resurrection," signifying a profound spiritual transformation and liberation from the ultimate consequence of sin, which is the "second death." This resurrection is not merely a physical reanimation but a comprehensive spiritual renewal, granting believers immediate access to God's presence and a participatory role in Christ's reign. The promise of being priests and reigning with Christ highlights their elevated status and intimate communion with the divine, signifying their restored dominion and service in the age to come.

Context and Background

Revelation 20:1-3 introduces a period of a thousand years where Satan is bound, preventing him from deceiving the nations. Following this, Revelation 20:4-5 speaks of those who were beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, who come to life and reign with Christ for a thousand years, and it explicitly states that "the rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended." This sets the stage for verse 6, distinguishing between two groups of the dead and two resurrections. The "first resurrection" is therefore contrasted with the eventual resurrection of the unsaved. The imagery of a thousand-year reign, often referred to as the Millennium, is a significant eschatological concept within Christian theology, though its precise interpretation varies among denominations.

Key Themes and Messages

• The First Resurrection: This is a pivotal concept, distinguishing between a resurrection of the righteous and a later resurrection of the unrighteous. It signifies a spiritual rebirth and vindication for believers.
• Blessedness and Holiness: The verse directly pronounces a blessing upon those who partake in this resurrection, emphasizing their consecrated status and divine favor.
• Victory Over the Second Death: The "second death" is understood as eternal separation from God, the ultimate consequence of sin. The verse assures that those in the first resurrection are exempt from this fate.
• Priesthood and Reigning with Christ: This signifies a restored relationship with God, mirroring the priestly role of Christ himself, and participation in His sovereign rule. This implies not just passive enjoyment but active involvement in God's purposes.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, the "first resurrection" can be understood as encompassing the present reality of salvation and spiritual life in Christ. Believers are metaphorically "raised" from spiritual death to life through faith (Ephesians 2:1-6). This present reality of being "in Christ" grants them victory over sin and death now, and assures them of future glorification. The promise of reigning with Christ speaks to the believer's present and future authority in spiritual warfare and their ultimate participation in Christ's kingdom. It encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that faithfulness leads to eternal reward and communion with God.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a culmination of Old Testament prophecies concerning a future redeemed people who would serve God and a messianic kingdom. It echoes themes found in Daniel 7:18, which speaks of the saints of the Most High receiving the kingdom. The concept of a priestly people is established in Exodus 19:6. The idea of a future reign with the Messiah is present in Psalms and Isaiah. Revelation 20:6 provides a specific eschatological framework for these promises, situating them within the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan, from creation to the new heavens and new earth.

Analogies

• A Champion's Victory: Imagine a victorious athlete who has trained rigorously, overcome all obstacles, and is now crowned with laurel wreaths and honored in a grand ceremony. Those in the first resurrection are like such champions, having overcome the trials of life and sin, and are now honored and reigning with their ultimate King.
• A Royal Wedding Feast: The first resurrection can be likened to the joyous celebration and inauguration of a royal wedding. The bride (the Church) is united with the King (Christ) and participates in the splendor and authority of His kingdom.
• Graduation and Commissioning: The first resurrection is like a graduation ceremony where students receive their diplomas (vindication) and are then commissioned for future service and leadership.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 5:24-29: Jesus speaks of hearing His word and believing in Him as passing from death to life, and of an resurrection of life and a resurrection of judgment, aligning with the concept of two resurrections.
• Romans 6:4-5: Paul describes believers being "buried with him through baptism into death" and raised with Christ, signifying a spiritual resurrection and newness of life.
• 1 Corinthians 15:20-26: This chapter extensively discusses the resurrection of Christ as the "firstfruits" and the subsequent resurrection of believers, emphasizing the defeat of death.
• Philippians 3:10-11: Paul expresses his desire to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, and to share in his sufferings, "if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead."
• 2 Timothy 2:12: Paul states, "If we endure, we will also reign with him." This directly connects perseverance and faithfulness to reigning with Christ, echoing the promise in Revelation 20:6.