Crushing the Serpent's Head - The First Resurrection

 Returning now to those who "came to life and ruled as kings with the Christ,"  John writes:  "This is the first resurrection." (Revelation 20:5b) How is it first?  It is "the first resurrection"as to time, for the oens who experience it are a "firstfruits to God and to the Lamb." (Revelation 14:4)   It is also the first in importance, since those who share in it become corulers with Jesus in his heavenly Kingdom and Judge the rest  of mankind.  Finally, it is first in quality. Apart from Jesus Christ himself, those raised in the first resurrectio are the only creatures spoken of in the Bible as receiving immortality. - 1 CORINTHIANS  15:52; 1 TIMOTHY 6:16.

What a blessed prospect for these anointed ones!  As John declares:  "Happy andholyis anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority." (Revelation 20:6a)  As Jesus promised the Christians in Smyrna, these conquerors that share in "the first resurrection" will be in no danger of harm by "the second death," which means annihilation, destruction without hope of a resurrection.  (Revelation 2:11; 20:14)  The second death has "no authority" over such conquerors, for they will have put on incorruption and immorality. -  1 CORINTHIANS 15:53.

How different from earth's kings during Satan's tenure of authority!  These have ruled at most for a mere 50 or 60 years.  Many of them have oppressed mankind.  In any case, how could the nations benefit permanently udner ever-changing rulers with ever-changing policies?  In contrast, John says of the earth's rulers:  "But they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for  the thousand years." (Revelation 20:6b)  With Jesus, they will form the sole government for a thousand years.  Their priestly service, in apply the merit of Jesus' perfect human sacr ifice, will lift obedient humans to spiritual, moral, and physical perfection.  Their kingly service will result in building a global human society that reflects Jehovah's righeousness and holiness.  As judges for a thousand years, they, with Jesus, will lovingly guide responsive humans  toward the goal of everlasting life. - JOHN 3:16.

Next time: Crushing the Serpent's Head - The Final Test

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