First resurrection
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Also known as First Resurrection · Chief Resurrection · Heavenly Resurrection · Resurrection of the Anointed · Resurrection of the Sleeping Saints · Earlier Resurrection
In 1877, the first resurrection was associated with the conclusion of the Gospel Age. From 1879 through 1890, publications identified it as the superior spiritual resurrection of Christ's faithful followers, distinct from the general resurrection of mankind. In 1891, the resurrection of the sleeping saints was explicitly dated to spring 1878. In 1894, Russell acknowledged that an earlier expectation that all living saints would be changed simultaneously without dying had been mistaken. Publications from 1898 through 1915 continued to teach that faithful Christians dying after 1878 experienced an instantaneous resurrection to spirit life. This chronology continued during Rutherford's presidency in 1920. In June 1927, the resurrection of the sleeping saints was reassigned to approximately 1918, associated with Christ's coming to his temple. Later that month, an interpretation of the resurrection illustration in 1 Corinthians 15 was also corrected. Subsequent publications maintained that the sleeping anointed had been raised and that surviving faithful anointed Christians would be resurrected immediately at death. During Knorr's presidency, publications continued to identify the participants as Christ and the 144,000 heavenly joint heirs. In 1951, Revelation 20:5 was explained as referring to mankind's attainment of perfected life after the Millennium, rather than postponing the general resurrection until then. Publications during Franz's presidency retained the heavenly resurrection and the 1918 chronology. In 1979, a publication retrospectively acknowledged the unfulfilled expectation that all surviving anointed Christians would be glorified around October 1, 1914. In 1982, the explanation of Revelation 20:5 was reaffirmed. Publications from 1993 through 2000 under the Governing Body continued to describe the first resurrection as the heavenly resurrection of the 144,000.
- Rev. 20:4-6
- Rev. 14:1-4
- Rev. 14:13
- 1 Cor. 15:20-23
- 1 Cor. 15:42-54
- 1 Thess. 4:15-17
- Phil. 3:10, 11
- John 6:54
- Heb. 11:35, 39, 40
- Rev. 2:10, 11
Key moments
- 1877 Introduced The first resurrection was placed at the conclusion of the Gospel Age, before the succeeding Millennial Age.
- 1891–1915 Refined The sleeping apostles and other faithful overcomers were said to have been raised as invisible spirit beings in spring 1878. Anointed Christians dying after that date were believed to experience their heavenly resurrection immediately at death. A retrospective statement in 1894 acknowledged that an earlier expectation of a simultaneous transformation of all living saints without death had been mistaken.
- 1927–1941 Reversal The resurrection of the sleeping saints was reassigned from the previously taught 1878 chronology to approximately 1918, linked to Christ's coming to his temple. The surviving anointed were still expected to receive an instantaneous resurrection at death. Publications also explained that the resurrection of the dead preceded the transformation of the living remnant rather than both occurring simultaneously.
- 1927 Refined An explanation of 1 Corinthians 15 was corrected. The formerly proposed surviving individual 'it' was rejected as the referent of Paul's resurrection illustration, and 'it' was instead identified with the collective Christ, Head and body.
- 1951 Refined Revelation 20:5 was explained to mean that the rest of the dead would attain fully recognized, perfected life only at the end of the thousand years, not that their resurrection from the dead would be postponed until then.
- 1979 Dropped The publication retrospectively acknowledged that the earlier expectation of glorifying all surviving anointed Christians around October 1, 1914, had not been fulfilled. The completion of the heavenly resurrection was no longer assigned to that date.
- 2007 Refined A precise starting date for the first resurrection was not claimed. Its beginning was inferred to fall between 1914 and 1935; spring 1918 was presented as a possible parallel rather than a date directly confirmed by Scripture.
- 2013 Refined The remaining anointed Christians were now all expected to receive heavenly life after the opening part of the great tribulation and before Armageddon. This resolved the earlier uncertainty about whether some anointed Christians might remain on earth after that war.
- 2024 Refined Matthew 24:40–41 was applied specifically to the final judgment of anointed Christians. Those taken along are faithful anointed ones received by Jesus into the heavenly Kingdom; unwatchful anointed ones are excluded. This clarifies approval for heavenly life without changing the resurrection’s timetable.
Russell
Charles Taze Russell · 1877–1916
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The first resurrection was placed at the conclusion of the Gospel Age, before the succeeding Millennial Age.
1 quote
There are also three subdivisions of the world that now is, viz. the Patriarchal age, reaching from the flood to the death of Jacob; the Jewish age, reaching to the death of Christ; and the Gospel age, reaching to the first resurrection, and end of this world.
The Three Worlds, 1877 -
The first resurrection was identified as the special resurrection of faithful overcomers who would receive divine or spiritual life, reign with Christ and possess immortality. It was distinguished from the general resurrection to human life.
6 quotes
`Verse 4` treats of the first resurrection, those who reign and live with Christ during the thousand years. Now, if "the rest of the dead" (outside the first resurrection,) "live not until the thousand years are finished," they certainly have no probation, for `verses 7 to 10` describe the final winding up of sin and sinners, symbolically termed a "lake of fire and brimstone" where the symbolic beast had been cast, &c.
The Watchtower, December 1, 1879 These overcomers who worship not the symbolic beast or image (Rev. 20:4) constitute the first resurrection, of which Jesus was the first-fruits: "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection; on such the second death hath no power [because they are immortal], and they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with him a thousand years. "--Rev. 20:6.
The Watchtower, September 1, 1881 And we find that while salvation has been purchased for ALL MEN by the precious sacrifice of Jesus, and that consequently all men will be saved out of death [which includes a release from all present imperfections of body and mind], yet we find that there is a special salvation to be shared only by the few, and that the salvation [resurrection] of these is called a chief or first resurrection, and that it is attainable only by a class, who, during this Gospel age follow the example set by Jesus in the beginning of the age —who suffer distress and reproach during this age for Christ's sake.
The Watchtower, March 31, 1884 Their resurrection and exaltation to power precedes that of all others, because through this class all others are to be blessed.
The Divine Plan of the Ages, 1886 The first resurrection at the beginning of the Millennial age and the completion of the general resurrection at its close, reminds us of the fact that our Lord was raised from the power of death, perfect, in the beginning of the Gospel age, but the church lives not until the end of the Gospel age.
The Watchtower, March 1, 1889 It will be a full resurrection change, to all of these, a full, complete lifting out of death into perfection and fulness of life--the perfecting in each of the divine nature. This resurrection to divine existence is the First Resurrection--the chief or most important and most wonderful. It is most wonderful in that it fulfils the most wonderful promises of God--exceeding great and precious promises.
The Watchtower, November 1, 1890 -
The sleeping apostles and other faithful overcomers were said to have been raised as invisible spirit beings in spring 1878. Anointed Christians dying after that date were believed to experience their heavenly resurrection immediately at death. A retrospective statement in 1894 acknowledged that an earlier expectation of a simultaneous transformation of all living saints without death had been mistaken.
7 quotes
And since the resurrection of the Church must occur some time during this "end" or "harvest" period ('Rev. 11:18'), we hold that it is a most reasonable inference, and one in perfect harmony with all the Lord's plan, that in the spring of 1878 all the holy apostles and other "overcomers" of the Gospel age who slept in Jesus were raised spirit beings, like unto their Lord and Master.
Thy Kingdom Come, 1891 But when at that date nothing occurred which we could see, a reexamination of the matter showed me that our mistake lay in expecting to see all the living saints changed at once, and without dying—an erroneous view shared in by the whole nominal church, and one which we had not yet observed or discarded.
Zion's Watch Tower, Extra Edition: A Conspiracy Exposed, 1894 This means that since 1878 the fully consecrated of the Lord's people, those who are completely "dead with him," will not sleep in death, as has been necessary with all the preceding members of the body of Christ throughout the Gospel age: it means that from 1878 onward the dead who die in the Lord will in the moment of dying experience their "change," or share in the first resurrection--in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, pass from mortality to immortality, from weakness to power, from dishonor to glory, from natural to spiritual condition.
The Watchtower, September 1, 1898 We hold, therefore, that the resurrection of the dead in Christ was due to take place in the Spring of 1878.
The Watchtower, March 15, 1902 This is true, but there is a reason for our supporting such a hope in the present time which could not be adduced prior to 1878, the date from which we claim this enlargement of the hope of the Lord's people dates.
The New Creation, 1904 Answer.--The Church may Scripturally be viewed from two standpoints:-- (1) The Church in glory will consist exclusively of the Redeemer and His Bride class, His joint-heirs, or, under the other figure, "Jesus, the Head, and the Church, His Body"--"members in particular of the Body of Christ." These alone will have part in the "first resurrection"; these alone will reign with Christ a thousand years.
The Watchtower, November 1, 1911 The work of setting up the Kingdom has, we understand, been progressing from that date, and is now merely lacking the last members of the Church class.
The Watchtower, February 15, 1915
Rutherford
Joseph F. Rutherford · 1917–1942
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The earlier teaching that anointed Christians dying from 1878 onward immediately entered the first resurrection continued to appear in publications. The first resurrection continued to be associated with Christ's resurrection and the eventual resurrection of the church in his likeness.
2 quotes
This means that since 1878 the fully consecrated of the Lord’s people, those who are completely “dead with him,” will not sleep in death, as has been necessary with all the preceding members of the body of Christ throughout the Gospel age: it means that from 1878 onward the dead who die in the Lord will in the moment of dying experience their “change,” or share in the first resurrection—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, pass from mortality to immortality, from weakness to power, from dishonor to glory, from natural to spiritual condition.
The Bible on Our Lord's Return, 1920 The Scriptures also assure us that our resurrection is really a part of his resurrection, a part of the first resurrection—that Jesus, the Head of the glorious Christ, was raised from the power of death, was glorified on the third day after his death, and that early in the morning of the new dispensation the church will come forth from death in his likeness, sharers in his resurrection.—Philippians 3:16.
The Watchtower, February 15, 1921 -
The resurrection of the sleeping saints was reassigned from the previously taught 1878 chronology to approximately 1918, linked to Christ's coming to his temple. The surviving anointed were still expected to receive an instantaneous resurrection at death. Publications also explained that the resurrection of the dead preceded the transformation of the living remnant rather than both occurring simultaneously.
4 quotes
It follows then that the temple of God was brought together in 1918, and that that marks the time of the resurrection of the sleeping saints.
The Watchtower, June 1, 1927 From that time forward the resurrection of the good and faithful Christians has been instantaneous ; that is to say, at the moment of death the change from human to spirit beings takes place.
Golden Age, February 20, 1929 If, as it has been contended by some, both the sleeping faithful saints and the faithful ones on earth are changed in the same instant, then the resurrection of the dead could not precede the change of the living; but when we understand that the words “at the same time with them” really mean within “the day of Jehovah”, which began in 1914 and continues until the close of Armageddon, the matter is entirely clear and these texts are completely in harmony, as indeed they must be.
The Watchtower, January 15, 1934 Within that period of time, to wit, after the resurrection of the sleeping saints and until the completion of the first resurrection, all those of this “remnant” who die faithful experience their change from mortality to immortality, “in a moment,” and do not sleep in death.
The Watchtower, May 1, 1941 -
An explanation of 1 Corinthians 15 was corrected. The formerly proposed surviving individual 'it' was rejected as the referent of Paul's resurrection illustration, and 'it' was instead identified with the collective Christ, Head and body.
1 quote
An examination of the entire chapter (1 Corinthians 15) discloses these cardinal points, to wit: (1) That the resurrection of Christ is the paramount question at issue; (2) that this resurrection includes the body members with the Head, and that all constitute one; and (3) that the “it” mentioned in verse forty-four, and in other places in this same chapter, does not mean the soul, being, new creature, ego, character, entity or identity; that the “it” has no reference to an individual but that the “it”, as here used, means The Christ, the anointed of God.
The Watchtower, June 15, 1927
Knorr
Nathan H. Knorr · 1942–1977
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The first resurrection continued to be taught as an invisible resurrection to immortal spirit life, exclusively for Christ and the 144,000 heavenly joint heirs. The resurrection of the sleeping anointed was considered already underway, while faithful survivors would be raised immediately after death.
3 quotes
Only the 144,000 participate with Christ Jesus in this first resurrection and they are the only ones from among men to go to heaven.
The New World, 1942 The surviving Christians, on completing their earthly work and dying in their integrity toward God, do not need to sleep on in the graves to await the Lord’s descent and his call to the Christian dead to awake and arise.
The Watchtower, April 1, 1947 Because he is the "firstborn from the dead" and his resurrection is not only first in time but also first in importance, his kind is the first resurrection, and the 144,000 take part in it.
This Means Everlasting Life, 1950 -
Revelation 20:5 was explained to mean that the rest of the dead would attain fully recognized, perfected life only at the end of the thousand years, not that their resurrection from the dead would be postponed until then.
1 quote
Also note that it does not state that the rest of the dead were not resurrected until the thousand years were finished, as if there were a thousand years between the first resurrection and the resurrection of mankind in general.
The Watchtower, July 15, 1951 -
The teaching continued to identify the first resurrection with the heavenly royal priesthood of 144,000, whose members would receive immortality and share in Christ's millennial reign. Jesus' own resurrection was identified as its beginning. The unfaithful who committed willful, unforgivable sin were excluded from this resurrection.
7 quotes
Happiness and holiness belong to those having part in this order of priests, for they share in the “first resurrection,” and over them “the second death has no authority.”
The Watchtower, April 1, 1954 God resurrected Jesus, not human, but spirit, Jesus “being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” (1 Pet. 3:18, RS) God raised him immortal, no more subject to death but clothed upon with immortality. (Rom. 6:9, 10; 1 Cor. 15:42-54) The resurrection of Jesus was the beginning of the “first resurrection.” (Rev. 20:6) It was indeed new!
The Watchtower, April 15, 1958 The resurrection to which he was at first looking forward as a spirit-begotten son of God was the "first resurrection," that of the 144,000 disciples who gain life in the invisible heavens as joint heirs with Jesus Christ the King-Priest.
The Watchtower, March 1, 1965 When, by the "first resurrection" of these Christians who have been faithful to death, they are transferred to the heavens to "be priests of God and of the Christ" and to "rule as kings with him for the thousand years," this will leave no ordained priests of Jehovah God here on earth.
The Watchtower, April 15, 1968 By thus participating in the "first resurrection," they will be ushered into the heavenly Most Holy; and "they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years."
Paradise Restored to Mankind—By Theocracy!, 1972 They enter into the heavenly kingdom with Christ by means of a resurrection to spirit life, spoken of as "the first resurrection."
The Watchtower, November 15, 1975 Thus the members of "the bride, the Lamb's wife," experience the same kind of resurrection as the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, had.
Holy Spirit—The Force Behind the Coming New Order!, 1976
Franz
Frederick W. Franz · 1977–1992
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The first resurrection remained limited to the 144,000 anointed Christians raised to heavenly life. Publications continued to explain that the resurrection of previously deceased anointed Christians commenced in 1918 and that the remaining faithful anointed would receive their heavenly resurrection after death.
3 quotes
In God's due time the 144,000 joint heirs with Christ are richly supplied that entrance into the heavenly kingdom by means of the "first resurrection."
The Watchtower, March 1, 1978 The Bible reveals that only 144,000 persons are so resurrected to heavenly life to "rule as kings over the earth."
Awake!, July 22, 1979 The Watchtower has long presented the view that this resurrection of anointed Christians from death commenced in the year 1918.
The Watchtower, October 1, 1986 -
The publication retrospectively acknowledged that the earlier expectation of glorifying all surviving anointed Christians around October 1, 1914, had not been fulfilled. The completion of the heavenly resurrection was no longer assigned to that date.
1 quote
We recall that for some decades quite a few thought that the glorification of all surviving members of the Christian congregation would occur at the end of the Gentile Times around October 1, 1914.
The Watchtower, June 15, 1979 -
The earlier interpretation of Revelation 20:5 was reaffirmed: the rest of the dead are resurrected during the Millennium rather than only after it, and they attain perfected life at the end of the thousand years.
1 quote
This cannot mean that they are not resurrected until after the millennial judgment day, because those who share in the "first resurrection" are given "power of judging" and will be "priests" and "rule as kings" with Christ "for the thousand years." (Revelation 20:4-6)
The Watchtower, April 1, 1982
Governing Body
1992–
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The first resurrection continued to be described as the heavenly resurrection of Christ's 144,000 anointed followers to immortal spirit life, distinct from the subsequent earthly resurrection of the rest of mankind. The heavenly resurrection was understood to begin with anointed Christians who had died before Christ's royal presence, while faithful anointed Christians still living would also have to die before receiving heavenly life.
5 quotes
Therefore, once Jesus' presence as King began, we would expect the heavenly resurrection to start, commencing with those of spiritual Israel who had already died as integrity keepers.
The Watchtower, January 15, 1993 Thanks to Jesus' ransom sacrifice, faithful anointed ones, being declared righteous, have the sure hope of being resurrected as immortal spirit creatures, like Jesus.
The Watchtower, February 15, 1995 This "first resurrection" is for a limited number, and the Scriptures themselves reveal that just 144,000 will be taken from among faithful men and women.
The Watchtower, October 15, 1996 Since the heavenly resurrection is orderly, "each one in his own rank," it is evident that the earthly resurrection will not create a chaotic population explosion.
The Watchtower, July 1, 1998 Paul considered selfish advantages "a lot of refuse" and 'took the loss of all things' so that he might 'know Christ and the power of his resurrection.' The apostle was willing to submit to a death like that of Christ in the hope of receiving "the earlier resurrection." Also called "the first resurrection," it is experienced by Jesus' 144,000 anointed followers.
The Watchtower, July 15, 2000 -
A precise starting date for the first resurrection was not claimed. Its beginning was inferred to fall between 1914 and 1935; spring 1918 was presented as a possible parallel rather than a date directly confirmed by Scripture.
1 quote
God’s Word does not disclose a precise date for the first resurrection, but it does reveal that it occurs over a period of time, during Christ’s presence.
The Watchtower, January 1, 2007, pp. 25–30, “The First Resurrection”—Now Under Way!, pars. 11–12, 18 -
Regarding selection for heavenly life, 1935 was no longer treated as a definite closing date, with later anointed ones merely replacing unfaithful predecessors. No specific end date for the heavenly calling was set. This concerns participants, not the resurrection’s starting date.
1 quote
Thus, it appears that we cannot set a specific date for when the calling of Christians to the heavenly hope ends.
The Watchtower, May 1, 2007, pp. 30–31, Questions From Readers: When does the calling of Christians to a heavenly hope cease? -
The remaining anointed Christians were now all expected to receive heavenly life after the opening part of the great tribulation and before Armageddon. This resolved the earlier uncertainty about whether some anointed Christians might remain on earth after that war.
1 quote
all anointed ones who still remain on earth […] will at some point be raised to heaven before the outbreak of the battle of Armageddon. […]
The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, pp. 3–8, “Tell Us, When Will These Things Be?”, footnote b -
Matthew 24:40–41 was applied specifically to the final judgment of anointed Christians. Those taken along are faithful anointed ones received by Jesus into the heavenly Kingdom; unwatchful anointed ones are excluded. This clarifies approval for heavenly life without changing the resurrection’s timetable.
1 quote
Are these comments connected? It appears so. Only genuine, faithful anointed ones will be “taken along,” received by Jesus into the heavenly Kingdom.—John 14:3.
The Watchtower, September 2024, pp. 20–25, Are You Heeding the Warnings?, pars. 15–16 -
Anointed Christians remaining on earth during the great tribulation were expected to receive heavenly life shortly before Armageddon, reaffirming the 2013 clarification.
1 quote
some of Christ’s brothers […] will not be taken to heaven until shortly before the outbreak of Armageddon.
The Watchtower, May 2024, pp. 8–13, What Do We Know About Jehovah’s Future Judgments?, par. 11
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