Understanding the Special Resurrection Before Christ's Return

Yes, there is a special resurrection of specific groups of people that occurs just before the second coming of Christ.

The Participants of the Special Resurrection

This unique event involves two distinct classes of people who have a specific relationship to Christ's mission and His sufferingBDOC 11.6.

• The Faithful of the Third Angel’s Message: All those who have died in the faith of the third angel's message will be raised from their graves glorifiedHvn 28.1. This includes those who have fought the good fight of faith and kept the faith until their rest 2 Timothy 4:7-8EVRR513. These righteous individuals are raised to hear God’s covenant of peace with those who have kept His law and to witness the glorious appearing of the Savior they loved and servedHvn 28.1.

• The Enemies of Christ: A specific group of the wicked will also be raised at this timeBDOC 11.6. This includes those who "pierced Him," those who mocked and derided Christ’s dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people Revelation 1:7Hvn 28.1. They are brought forth to behold Him in His glory and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedientHvn 28.1.

Timing and Purpose of the Event

This event is distinct from the general resurrection of the righteous and the general resurrection of the wickedBDOC 11.6.

• Prior to the Second Advent: The participants in the partial resurrection rise from the dust after the living saints are delivered from their oppressors, allowing them to witness the final climactic scenes of earth's historyEVRR513.

• Witnessing the Advent: Unlike the majority of the righteous who are raised when Christ has already appeared, those in the special resurrection see the dark clouds roll away and behold the small, captivating cloud on the eastern horizon that marks the approach of the KingEVRR513.

• Biblical Foundation: This event is described in the prophecy of Daniel, which states that many who sleep in the dust shall awake, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt Daniel 12:2. It is also alluded to in the book of Revelation, which notes that those who pierced Him will see Him when He comes with clouds Revelation 1:7BDOC 11.6.

The Experience of the Resurrected Saints

For the righteous, this resurrection is a special reward for their unwearied diligence and sacrificeEVRR513. They hear the voice of the Son of God calling them to "Awake" and behold the transcendent glory of the returning Messiah surrounded by millions of radiant angelsEVRR513+1. Together with the living saints, they exclaim with joy, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us" Isaiah 25:9EVRR513. This condition marks the beginning of a close and tender relationship with God that will endure for eternityHvn 40.3.