The Second Death
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). Notice from this scripture the term “second death.”
What is the second death? In order to answer that question, we should consider the context in which the term is found. The book of Revelation was written to Christians of the first century who were suffering persecution for their faith. John wrote in the second chapter of Revelation: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil will cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (verse 10). Observe the terms “suffer,” “prison,” “tribulation,” and “death.” All of these terms indicate that these early Christians were suffering persecution.
Not only were they being persecuted, but some would actually be put to death. Consider this reference: “I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held” (Revelation 6:9). That some would be “slain” means they would die physically. This must be the “first” death. [It stands to reason that if there is a “second” death, there must be a “first.”] The first death, physical death, is the death we all will experience: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Notice that all will die “once.”
That brings us back to the original question: What is the “second” death? The answer to that question is found in Revelation 21:8—the first scripture reference in this article. John affirms that there is coming a time when the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars will have their part in a lake of fire. After listing some of those who will experience the lake of fire, John states: “which is the second death.” The second death, therefore, is a reference to hell. Hell is a real place. The same Bible which reveals there is a heaven is the Bible which reveals the reality of hell. To deny one is to deny the other. All will die the “first” death, but because of Jesus’ death we don’t have to die the “second” death. The horrors of hell can be avoided, and we can live forever in the glory and bliss of heaven! Prepare today by obeying the Gospel and serving the Lord faithfully.
