In the previous study, we learned that Christ has defeated the first death, and that every believer in Him will share in that victory when we are raised with imperishable bodies to eternal life. We also saw that death itself will one day be completely destroyed.
In this third and final study on the topic of death, we will explore what Scripture calls “the second death.”
Christ will never die again
To understand this other death, we must begin with Christ’s dominion over death. “We know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has dominion over Him” (Rom 6:9).
We then look to Jesus’ words to Martha concerning Lazarus’ death:
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).
We have to understand what Jesus meant. He wasn’t saying that whoever believes in Him shall not die at all. The statement, “Though he may die”, in verse 25 means believers in Christ wil die the first death. But even though they face the first death, they shall live with Him forever.
In the next verse, Jesus makes another statement that may seem contradictory to the previous verse:
“And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (v. 6).
Which death is Jesus referring to in verse 26? This points to the fact that there is another death.
Another Death?
Is there another death?
Yes. In His letter to the church in Smyrna, Jesus addresses a church that was going through tribulations and poverty by encouraging them to be faithful unto death. He continues to promise them that if they conquered, they would not be hurt by “the second death”.
“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death” (Rev 2:10-11).
The other death has been named for us as “the second death”. So what is the second death?
What is the second death?
Scripture defines it plainly as the lake of fire that burns with fire and sulfur.
“And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire” (Rev 20:13-14).
Blessed is the one who dies only once—and lives forever with Christ.
Who will Experience the second death?
If Christ has defeated the first death and shared that victory with those who believe in Him even promising them that “Because I live, you shall live also” (John 14:19), who will experience the second death?
“And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Rev 20:15).
And again:
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (Rev 21:8).
Believers in Christ will never experience the second:
“Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years” (Rev 20:6).
Note: The first resurrection refers to the resurrection of the righteous.
the book of life
The book of life (also called the book of the living in Psalm 69:28 and the Lamb’s book of life in Revelation 21:27), contains the names of the righteous—those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Call to repentance
God does not delight in the death of sinners (Eze 33:11). Christ has rendered the first death powerless for those who believe. But the second death remains for those who reject Him. Blessed is the one who dies only once—and lives forever with Christ.
In concluding this study on death, we have learned that:
- Death entered the world because of sin
- Every person will experience the first death—the separation of spirit and body.
- Jesus Christ conquered the first death by His resurrection and staying alive forevermore.
- Believers in Christ will share in His victory over the first death.
- There is a second death—the lake of fire and sulfur
- Believers are promised that the second death has no power over them.
- Those whose names are not written in the Book of Life will face the second death.
Amen.
