When will the various resurrections described in the Bible happen?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible describes multiple resurrections, both past and future. Past resurrections include those performed by prophets, Jesus, and the apostles, as well as Jesus’ own resurrection. The next major resurrection will occur at the rapture, when the dead in Christ will rise and living believers will be transformed (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Another resurrection will happen at Christ’s second coming, raising those who died in faith during the tribulation to reign with Him (Revelation 20:4-6). The final resurrection will occur at the great white throne judgment, where unbelievers will be raised for judgment and cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). Scripture describes multiple resurrections to come, but this reality most urgently calls every person to consider now where they will spend eternity.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Job expresses confidence that after his death, he will see God in his flesh, hinting at bodily resurrection (Job 19:25-27).
• Isaiah 26:19 proclaims that the dead will rise and those in the dust will awake, pointing to future resurrection.
• Some believe a resurrection will take place at the end of the millennial kingdom. This is based on Isaiah 65:20 that speaks of death during this future period. However, others argue that only unbelievers will die during the millennial kingdom. If believers do die during this period, it is argued some kind of transformation or resurrection will be required to give these believers a new body for the future new heaven, new Earth, and new heavenly city.
• Daniel 12:2 clearly describes a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked, leading either to eternal life or shame and contempt.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The next great resurrection to take place is what is known as the rapture. First Thessalonians 4:13-18 describes this as an imminent, any-moment event at which the dead in Christ will rise first to meet Him in the air, followed by all believers living at that time. John 14:1-3 indicates that Jesus will take His people to be with Him. First Corinthians 15:50-58 notes that believers will then receive new, incorruptible bodies.
• Another resurrection will take place at the event called the second coming at the end of the tribulation period. Though believers will be taken up with Christ at the rapture, many more people will come to faith in Him during the tribulation. Those who become believers and die during the tribulation will be resurrected at the return of Jesus and reign with Him during the thousand-year millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6).
• A final resurrection is described in Revelation 20 as the great white throne judgment. At this judgment, unbelievers are raised for a final time of judgment and are cast into the lake of fire with Satan for eternity. It is described as the second death.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

While Scripture describes multiple resurrections to come, the most urgent reality is that every person must decide now where they will spend eternity. Those who place their faith in Christ are assured of eternal life, whether through passing from this life into His presence (Philippians 1:21; 2 Corinthians 5:8) or being caught up to meet Him at the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). There is no second chance after death, and delaying this decision risks missing the hope and joy found in Christ. God’s call to salvation is not just about the future—it transforms our lives today, giving us peace, purpose, and the assurance of His presence. Now is the time to turn to Him, trust in His promise, and live in readiness of His return.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible describes past and future resurrections.
• The next resurrection will be at the rapture with believers rising to meet the Lord and being transformed.
• The final resurrection will be at the great white throne judgment, where unbelievers face eternal judgment.

REFLECT

• How does knowing about the various resurrections described in the Bible influence your perspective on eternity?
• How are you living in readiness for Christ's return, knowing the rapture could happen at any moment?
• How does the reality of the final judgment impact the way you share your faith with others?

ENGAGE

• How does the Bible’s description of the rapture and the second coming shape our understanding of God's timeline for the world?
• What does the resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked teach us about the consequences of our choices today?
• How can understanding the resurrection of believers and unbelievers help us live with a greater sense of urgency about salvation?