The First Resurrection | Meredith G. Kline Resource Site
Great effort is made to juxtapose the idea of first resurrection with second death. This article tries to show that first resurrection means believers reigning in heaven (even though Rev. 20 says it's reigning on earth). Another amillenial interpretation is to say that the first resurrection is to be baptized into Christ.
In debates between premillenial and amillenial scholars on youtube, the amillenial scholar has admitted that to interpret resurrection from Rev. 20 as anything but bodily resurrection is the weak link in amillenial theory. Sorry I haven't scrounged up the youtube video. But even a cursory understanding of amillenial theory shows this. There is no other place where resurrection means "soul resurrection" or a spiritualized resurrection in the Bible.
This quote strikes me as hilarious:
Three Views of the Millennium | Grace Communion International
Amillenialists often say Rev. is hard to interpret and figurative, yet admittedly if we just try to understand Rev. itself, this amillenialist admits that a literal interpretation would lead one to a premillenial position. Why not let the book speak for itself?
But I firmly agree with this from the same site:
On this matter, we can state a view that almost all Christians can agree on. The millennium is not a defining doctrine of who is a true Christian and who is not. We do not want to divide Christians by their interpretive choices on this matter. We recognize that equally sincere, equally educated and equally faithful Christians can come to different conclusions on this doctrine. Some members of our denomination are premillennial, some are amillennial, and some are postmillennial. But we have much to agree on:
- God has all power and will do all that he purposes and will fulfill all his prophecies.
- Jesus Christ has all power and authority, and he has brought us into his kingdom even in this age.
- Christ has given us life when we were dead in trespasses and sins, we go to be with him when we die, and we will be resurrected.
- Jesus has defeated Satan and Satan still exercises some influence in this world.
- Satan’s influence will be completely and permanently stopped in the future.
- All humans will be resurrected and judged by our merciful and loving and righteous God.
- Christ will return, and will triumph over all enemies, and will lead us all into an eternity with God.
- There will be a new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells, and this wonderful world tomorrow will last forever.
- Eternity will be better than the millennium (no matter how we define the millennium).