The Bible calls Jesus “the firstborn from the dead”:
“He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent” (Colossians 1:18).
“And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth” (Revelation 1:5).
The Meaning of “Firstborn from the Dead”
The firstborn from the dead simply means Jesus Christ is the first to rise from the dead in an immortal, glorified, indestructible body, never to die again. His resurrection is the solid ground of the hope for eternal life. It is a living promise that death has been conquered forever.
To be “firstborn from the dead” also speaks of rank. “Firstborn” in biblical thought signifies preeminence and inheritance rights. Jesus is supreme over all creation, both the living and the dead.
Jesus and the Resurrection to Eternal Life
Before Christ, death was final. Though some OT prophets and even Jesus Himself raised the dead, those people all returned to mortal life and eventually died again. But when Christ rose, He conquered death permanently. He became the starting point, the beginning of a new creation. His resurrection marks the dawn of a new order in which sin and death no longer reign.
Jesus’ victory ensures that everyone who belongs to Him will follow in the same resurrection life. This is the hope of the first resurrection—the resurrection of the righteous (Revelation 20:6). For believers, this means that the power that raised Jesus now guarantees their own resurrection to life and glory (Romans 8:11).
In the book of Revelation, Jesus introduced Himself to John as the one who is (lives and reigns now) and who was (has always existed) and who is to come (will appear again in glory), the almighty (Revelation 1:8). In other words, Jesus is eternal, unchanging, and sovereign over all history.
The Beast and the Resurrection to Judgment
But the Bible also reveals another serious reality. The beast, the final enemy of God’s people, will also rise from the dead. Revelation 17:8 describes him as “the beast that was, and is not, and is to come up out of the abyss and go to destruction.” His resurrection, unlike Christ’s, is not unto life but unto judgment. In this sense, he becomes the firstborn of those destined for eternal destruction. This is often referred to as the second resurrection (John 5:29). As Jesus leads His people into eternal life, the beast leads those who reject truth into eternal loss.
The book of Revelation often describe the beast as the one who was (was once alive and held power) and is not (defeated and no longer lives) and will rise to destruction (will briefly resurrect to life only to face final judgment and eternal ruin) (Revelation 17:8). In other words, the beast’s existence is limited, deceptive, and destined for destruction. It imitates God’s eternal nature but ends in defeat.
Two Ultimate Destinies for Humanity
Jesus and the beast represent two ultimate destinies for humanity. Therefore, everyone must choose whose resurrection they will follow: the resurrection to eternal life or the resurrection to judgment and everlasting destruction.
Jesus, the Firstborn from the dead, has risen to eternal life and offers the same resurrection to all who believe in Him. Those who follow Him are promised the first resurrection, a resurrection to life, joy, and eternal fellowship with God (Revelation 20:6). This resurrection is not temporary or fleeting; it is permanent and marks victory over sin, suffering, and death.
The beast, on the other hand, symbolizes rebellion against God and ultimate destruction. His resurrection is a counterfeit of Christ’s. It is not a resurrection to life but a resurrection to judgment. Those who align themselves with the beast or reject God face the second resurrection, a resurrection to condemnation and everlasting destruction (John 5:29). This shows that resurrection is inevitable. However, the outcome depends on whose authority and power you align with.
A Call to Faithfulness and Repentance
As a follower of Jesus, this is a call for you to remain faithful. The same power that raised Jesus is working in your life. No pain, loss, or hardship can undo what God has promised you. As Jesus said, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19).
If you are not yet a follower of Jesus, today is the day to believe and give your allegiance to the One who has complete authority over death and the realm of the dead. Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, reigns forever. His empty tomb is both a promise and a warning. Follow Him now, and you will rise with Him in glory. Reject Him, and you will face resurrection to judgment. The choice is before every soul.
“Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power” (Revelation 20:6).
