Basically. The first resurrection is associated directly with the mark of the Beast. And, that mark is only given during the 42 months that the Beast is active leading up to the climax of the Tribulation. The apostles (who will sit on thrones judging) and those martyred during this period are described as reigning "forever" per Daniel 7 and Revelation 22. I see this section in Revelation 20 as a parallel to that story.TheEditor wrote:Hi Doug,
So you believe that this is a literal raising to life of those that died at the hand of Nero or whomever, during a literal 42 months of tribulation on Jerusalem, and to no others?
Regards, Brenden.
But, I don't expect you to follow my proposal. I'm sure, as usual, you'll make some sort of condescending comment about the fact that it can't be true.
Of course, no one has explained how John 5 gets imported into Revelation 20:4, and how a precisely described class of people (martyrs who don't take the mark) can be spiritualized to mean all believers anywhere in history. As far as the mark goes, I think it's extremely important that it is only described as being obligated in that final 42 months. I don't think Amillennialism has a very good explanation for this.
Doug