There are two resurrections mentioned in the Scriptures: the resurrection of the just and the unjust. (`John 5:28,29`; `Acts 24:15`.) The just or righteous–the Church of Christ gathered out from among the nations during this Christian Era–are to experience a special resurrection. This is referred to in the Scriptures as the "first" or chief resurrection: "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection . . . these shall be kings and priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with Him a thousand years." (`Rev. 20:6`.) These are to reign on the earth (`Rev. 5:10`) over the world of mankind, who will have been awakened from the tomb by the Lord at His second coming. The object of this reign is to resurrect, or raise up the fallen race of humanity by judgments to a condition of righteousness, perfection and life. When all the willing and obedient have attained to perfect life at the conclusion of the thousand years, they will continue to inhabit the earth throughout eternity, for the earth will have been restored to the Edenic conditions that prevailed when Adam was placed in the Garden. The earth will abide forever, as God formed it to be inhabited, and He assures us that the place of His feet shall be made glorious. The Church will experience a resurrection to spiritual, heavenly conditions; the world, aside from the Church, is to be resurrected to human perfection and life.
