Order of the First Resurrection

But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Revelation 20:5-6 KJV

In the chart below you will see the phases of the First Resurrection listed.

* The Wrath of The Lord *

In the section numbered 4-6, pertaining to the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the rapture of the church, you will see I wrote “before the wrath of God descends.” The bible says that with a shout of the archangel and the sound of the trumpet the Lord will descend with His army. Please realize we (the church) are NOT the army of the Lord. He has His army of 144,000 that will follow Him on horses. I believe the transformation that occurs is an event that is happening almost simultaneously with all these groups of people found in #4-6. 

You, as well as I, have often heard the church will be taken before the tribulation occurs. I would also like to point out the church will not be taken until the 7th trumpet sounds. Remember there are a lot of things happening on earth until that time. In Revelation chapter 9 you will see all the events leading up to the 7th trumpet must occur on earth before it is blown. We know this is the moment the church, known as the “bride of Christ”, is taken and transformed. It is our “marker”, so to speak, to let us know the events leading to the Lord’s return.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 1 Thessalonians 4:16 KJV

From the scripture found in Revelation 19 we know His army is coming with Him. 

14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. Revelation 19:14 KJV

It would not make sense for the Lord to descend, destroy His enemies and then return to heaven to do the tribunal for those in Christ for the millennial reign. It would, however, seem reasonable for the tribunal or judgment seat of Christ, to be held on earth since everyone has been united with their incorruptible bodies and have followed the Lord. Wherever the Lord goes the bride would also follow.

* Hour of Temptation *

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Revelation 3:10 KJV

This scripture does not show us that the church would be taken to heaven before the great tribulation. There will be a great temptation that will manifest upon the world. How would the church and the followers of Jesus prove their faithfulness if they do not face temptation? If we observe the definition of the word “keep” which the Lord states He will keep us from the hour of temptation. The word “keep” in Greek is “tērérō.” It has several descriptions pertaining to this word. It means to attend carefully, take care of (to guard). Metaphorically it is to keep one in the state in which he is. It also means to observe, to reserve: to undergo something. 

In the end times there will be a season of temptation that will be seen in the entire world. Temptation can be anything that will make a person have to make a decision towards a choice for the Lord or against Him. But make no mistake, temptation comes from the enemy, not from God. James tells us this in the Word.

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: James 1:13 KJV

We must be aware of what the Lord has said in His word. He told us we should be vigilant and be aware of the tactics of the enemy. There are a lot of scriptures to review, so I believe this is a good place to stop for today. If you really want to study this it will be good for you to read each of the scriptures in the sections to see how they line up.