The Difference between The Rapture and the First Resurrection

Common among dispenationalist is to say the First Resurrection happens in stages. 

The first resurrection takes place in various stages. Jesus Christ Himself (the “first fruits,”1 Corinthians 15:20), paved the way for the resurrection of all who believe in Him. There was a resurrection of the Jerusalem saints (Matthew 27:52-53) which should be included in our consideration of the first resurrection. Still to come are the resurrection of “the dead in Christ” at the Lord’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:16) and the resurrection of the martyrs at the end of the Tribulation (Revelation 20:4).

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/resurrection-first-second... 

From my teens I found this not to be helpful. But one day, while studying Revelation 20:5 I read " This is the first resurrection" for the umpteenth time and the proverbial light bulb came on...it says what it means " This is the first resurrection." There are no stages to the first resurrection...this is a single event after Jesus' second coming. Once this obstacle was removed, the the uniqueness of the rapture from the first resurrection stood out with clarity.