What is the difference between the first resurrection and the second resurrection?

from the old testament

• The Old Testament teaches a future resurrection that separates the righteous from the wicked. Daniel 12:2 foretells that many will awake from the dust of the earth, some to everlasting life and others to shame and everlasting contempt. This early glimpse of dual destinies in resurrection lays the foundation for later biblical distinctions.
• God’s power to raise the dead is connected to His covenant faithfulness to His people. In Isaiah 26:19, the prophet assures that the dead of the LORD’s people will live again, rising from the dust to rejoice. This points forward to a bodily resurrection of the faithful and emphasizes its joyful, redemptive purpose.
• Even in the midst of personal suffering, the righteous anticipated bodily restoration. Job expresses confident hope that, even after his body is destroyed, he will see God in his flesh (Job 19:25–27). His expectation is grounded in the justice and vindication of the living Redeemer.
• The vision of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 affirms God's power to restore life where there is only death. While the imagery primarily represents national restoration, it draws on the same resurrection language to show God's authority over the grave and His commitment to restoring His people.
• The expectation of seeing God after death was a comfort to the faithful. In Psalm 17:15, David contrasts his hope with the fate of the wicked, affirming that he will be satisfied when he awakens and beholds the LORD’s face in righteousness. This reflects a forward-looking confidence in a personal, bodily resurrection.

from the new testament

• Jesus teaches that everyone will one day be raised, but the outcomes will differ. In John 5:28–29, He states that those who have done good will rise to life, and those who have done evil will rise to judgment. Note that Jesus was not talking about a salvation based on works, but the good that comes from the transforming work of the Spirit—those who do good are those who have believed in Christ and walk in the newness of life He gives.
• In Luke 14:14, Jesus refers to the “resurrection of the just” as the moment when believers will be repaid for their faithfulness. This confirms that the first resurrection is reserved for those who are in right standing with God.
• Paul reinforces this hope by explaining that Christ is the first fruits of the resurrection, and that those who belong to Him will be raised at His coming (1 Corinthians 15:20–23). This “first resurrection” is not a general resurrection but one specifically for those united to Christ in faith.
• The book of Revelation gives the clearest division between the two resurrections. Revelation 20:4–6 describes the first resurrection as belonging to those who reign with Christ for a thousand years. These believers are declared blessed and holy, and the second death has no authority over them.
• The second resurrection occurs after this millennial reign and involves the rest of the dead. Revelation 20:11–15 shows them standing before the great white throne, where they are judged according to their works. Those whose names are not found in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire—this is the second death.
• Romans 6:5 connects the believer’s hope of resurrection to union with Christ. Those who have been united with Him in His death will also be united with Him in His resurrection. This promise assures that the first resurrection is for those in Christ, not a universal experience for all.

implications for today

The difference between the first and second resurrection has eternal significance for you. If you are in Christ, the first resurrection is your hope—it means you will be raised to live with Him, free from sin, death, and judgment forever. That promise offers comfort in the face of suffering and confidence even in death. You will not be forgotten or abandoned; you will be raised and welcomed into eternal joy.

But the second resurrection is just as real, and it carries a sober warning. Those outside of Christ will rise, not to life, but to judgment. This is not a temporary punishment, but a real, eternal separation from the presence of God. That reality presses every person to consider their standing before the Lord.

If you’ve trusted in Jesus, you have nothing to fear. But if not, now is the time to turn to Him in repentance and faith. The resurrection of the righteous is a promise that is only for those united to Christ. These two resurrections stand as a reminder: one day, every person will rise. What happens after depends entirely on your relationship with Him now.