Who are the people included in the first resurrection in Revelation 20?
The first resurrection includes all believers, encompassing the saved from Abel through the tribulation period. They are resurrected and in the Lord's presence, while the rest of the dead—the lost—remain in their original state until the thousand years are finished. This resurrection is identified as the first resurrection.
Les explains the contrast in these verses so there is no mistaking the resurrections. The saved are all believers from Abel through the tribulation, and they are now resurrected and in the Lord's presence. The rest of the dead are the lost, since God overall sees only two groups: the lost and the saved. The lost stay in their original state, in hell as we understand it, during the thousand-year Kingdom rule. The word "this" in verse 5 refers back to the people in verse 4, and that group is the first resurrection.
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
More Questions
What does 'this is the first resurrection' refer to in Revelation 20:5?
The word 'this' at the end of Revelation 20:5 refers to the people in verse 4, and those people are the first resurrection.
Which believers are the resurrected people John sees in Revelation 20?
The resurrected believers in Revelation 20 include those who were beheaded, those who were martyred, and tribulation saints who did not worship the beast or his image and did not receive his mark on their foreheads or hands.