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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Revelation 20:5

By the rest of the dead, understand the subdued enemies of the church in their successors, who are said to be dead politically, in respect of their outward condition, which will now be very low; they lived not again. political life; that is, they did not regain or recover that power to persecute the church, which once they had, but are now divested of in great measure, namely, until the thousand years are finished; then they shall have liberty again to vent their enmity against the church, joining with Gog and Magog, as their predecessors, the worshippers of the beast, did combine together before them.

This is the first resurrection, that is, the living again of the saints, in that glorious manner before described, in holy societies, with greater degrees of purity and peace.

Learn, That the reformation of the church, after the ruin of its Pagan and Papal enemies, is as. splendid and glorious resurrection to her; and accordingly such as are sharers in this political resurrection are pronounced blessed: Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection, that is, blessed are they that shall have their lot to live in this happy time, when the means of holiness will more abound, and the measures of holiness be more extensive and universal.

The second death shall never affect them: everlasting misery shall be escape of them; and they shall be priests unto God, to offer up, not expiatory, but gratulatory, sacrifices of prayer and praise unto him; and as the priesthood is spiritual, so is the kingdom also.

They shall reign spiritually over their lusts and corruptions, and have greater power to overcome temptations, and this for. thousand years; that is, during the time of their living here, in that part of the happy millenium in which they shall live, they shall in that time enjoy. more holy, happy, peaceful, and flourishing condition, than the church of God did ever so long enjoy in former times.

Some will have all this to be understood concerning. spiritual resurrection from the grave of sin to. life of holiness and grace; over such indeed the second death or everlasting misery shall have no power: but though this may be alluded to, yet. political, not. spiritual, resurrection seems here to be principally intended.

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Old Testament