Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
Notice the fourfold blessing of the Fifth Beatitude of the Revelation. First, saints of the Millennium partake in the First Resurrection. Jesus refers to this as the palingenesis, the Regeneration (Mat 19:28). It is also known as the apokatastasis, the Restoration (Acts 3:21). Beloved, resisting sin and temptation as we follow Christ is truly worthwhile!
Second, they escape the Second Death. What is this Death? “And Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death” (v14). It is a state of eternal separation from God. In one word, this death is Hell, literally. Beloved, all who are Born Twice shall only Die Once. But those who are Born Once, shall Die Twice! Which is yours?
Third, they serve as priests of God. Our destiny as God’s living stones, an holy and royal priesthood, who offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Christ and showing forth the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvellous light, shall fully manifest in the Millennium (1 Pet 2:5,9).
Fourth, they reign with Christ. God’s original intent for His children to have dominion on earth (Gen. 1:28), shall be fulfilled in the end (Rev 20:4). It’s not a light matter that we are destined to be heirs and joint-heirs with Christ and to be glorified with Him (Rom 8:17). Our willingness to suffer for Him qualifies us to reign with Him (2 Tim 2:12). You and I have no clue just what an awesome heritage the Lord has prepared for those who love Him! Being a bold Christian is worth its weight in gold, and worth every sacrifice, beloved.
Pastor Josh