Biblical explanation
Paul gives a remarkably clear sequence in 1 Thessalonians 4. When Christ descends from heaven with a shout and the trumpet of God, "the dead in Christ shall rise first" (1 Thessalonians 4:16). The living believers are then caught up together with them to meet the Lord (verse 17). First Corinthians 15:22-23 gives the same order: "Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming." Revelation 20 describes the righteous participating in the "first resurrection" (Revelation 20:4-6). The second resurrection occurs after the thousand years. Revelation 20:5 says, "the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished." This establishes a distinction between the resurrection of the righteous and the later resurrection connected with final judgment. Jesus also spoke of a resurrection of life and a resurrection of judgment (John 5:28-29).
Key takeaway
The great controversy reveals God's character as Christ ministers as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. The dead await the resurrection, Christ's return will be visible and personal, and prophecy calls believers to faithful mission rather than date-setting or fear.