There are different orders of resurrection because God has appointed a specific sequence for how and when people will be raised from the dead. Resurrection is not a single event but unfolds in stages according to God’s redemptive plan. These orders reflect His justice, mercy, and purpose in both salvation and final judgment.
Paul outlines this in 1 Corinthians:
“But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end…”
(1 Corinthians 15:23–24)
The first order was Christ Himself, He rose as the firstfruits, proving victory over death and securing resurrection for all who believe. This is rooted in Old Testament imagery where the firstfruits were offered to God as a guarantee of the full harvest to come (Leviticus 23:10).
The second order is the resurrection of believers at Christ’s return. Paul describes this in 1 Thessalonians:
“The dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them…”
(1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)
This is the resurrection unto life, for those who belong to Christ.
The final resurrection will include all the rest, the unjust and the unbelieving, raised for judgment. Jesus said:
“The hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”
(John 5:28–29)
Revelation also shows a distinction:
“But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.”
(Revelation 20:5)
Those who take part in the first resurrection are blessed; the second death has no power over them. The final resurrection brings judgment for those who rejected the gospel.
Different orders of resurrection affirm God’s perfect timing, righteous judgment, and faithful fulfillment of His promises. They also highlight the urgency of salvation now, so one may be raised unto life and not condemnation.
