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Overview
The Bible describes the “Second death” in its last book – the Revelation of Jesus to His servant John. It’s also alluded to by Old Testament writers (Deuteronomy 30:15; Ezekiel 33:11).
The “Second death” is a supernatural event on the part of God. It brings to an end the existence of Satan, fallen angels and unrighteous people (Revelation 20:10; 21:8). It is final and irreversible to the point as they never exist (Obadiah 1:16; Psalm 37:10).
Those who are faithful will not be hurt by the second death (Revelation 2:10). On one that has part in the “First resurrection”, the “Second death” has no power (Revelation 20:6).
The “Second death” is not a natural end of life. Scriptures define it as death for those things that are cast into the “Lake of fire” (Revelation 20:14, 15).
Speaking in figure, it also causes mortal objects and terms to disappear (Revelation 20:14). Sin, death and grave, pain and sickness will be forever gone and forgotten.
This post explains the nature and timing of the “Second death”. Furthermore, who will experience this death and on what decision it is based?
And last but not least is how to avoid it. It is equally important for believers and unbelievers..
The choice one makes in this life will be one’s choice for eternity. And the outcome is eternal life or eternal death.
The post is for seekers of Bible truth. It expands scriptural knowledge, strengthening the believer’s faith and hope for the new eternal reality.
It also helps those who are undecided to make an informed decision.
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Key takeaways
- One that overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.
- The second death has no power to one that has part in the first resurrection.
- It is by the “Lake of fire” that the second death is experienced.
- The fire of God consumes sin and everyone who is attached to it.
- The second death is the wages of sin for fallen angels and unjust people and systems.
Table of contents
- The “Second death” nature and timing
- Where does the “Second death” take place?
- Why is the “Second death” the wages of sin?
- Reconciling a death from God with His mercy and justice
- FAQs about the “Second death”
- Conclusion
The “Second death” nature and timing
The apostle John said that it is a future event. It signifies the very end of this world. The next picture presented to John is the “new heaven and new earth”. For example:
- For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
- And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men. And he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people. God himself shall be with them, and be their God. Revelation 21:2, 3.
Furthermore, the apostle points to those, who will inherit all things, being the children of God (Revelation 21:7). He also exposes those, who will have their part in the second death (Revelation 21:8).
The second death is not caused by strong natural forces, known to humanity. It is a supernatural catastrophe as it happened. Moreover, it is an act of God after the judgment of the world.
As promised in His Word, God brings to an end the things with no eternal future. It is everyone and everything that is under the dominion of darkness, sin and Satan.
Jesus has brought the light of everlasting righteousness and life. It is His free gift to humanity for their justification and renewal of heart and character.
Thus many turned from the power of Satan unto God. They have received forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among the sanctified by faith.
By overcoming sin in their lives they are part of the “First resurrection”. It is for the righteous dead. And the second death has no power over participants in the first resurrection (Revelation 20:6).
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Where does the “Second death” take place?
The “Second death” occurs in the “Lake of Fire”. Scripture gives a list (not exhaustive) of unrighteous people who have their part in the lake. They are to be burned with fire and brimstone. This is the second death (Revelation 21:8).
In contrast, John said that those who overcome will inherit all things (Revelation 21:7). Here he speaks of the inheritance of Heaven. Thus the blessed promise and hope of eternal life comes to fruition.
The lake of fire is from God. It doesn’t exist naturally on the earth. It can be symbolic or a real place. Nevertheless, it signifies the end of everything still connected with sin and unrighteousness.
For instance:
- The devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation 20:10).
- The beast and the false prophet were cast to the same place (Revelation 20:10).
- Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).
- And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death (Revelation 20:14).
The judgment execution of the unjust is through the lake of fire. They have been judged by Christ and His immortal saints for 1000 years prior. For example:
- I (John) saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it. The dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Revelation 20:11, 12.
- Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 1 Corinthians 6:2.
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God is a consuming fire
This description of God having fiery attributes is consistent throughout the Bible.
For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:29.
This New Testament book refers to the same texts found in Deuteronomy 4:24 and 9:3. As a figure, this expression signifies God’s ability to bring an end to everything. With God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
People know very well the effect of fire. So, the fiery imagery is used in Scriptures, conveying spiritual messages. For example:
- The thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit. His throne was like a fiery flame, and His wheels were burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. The judgment was set, and the books were opened. Daniel 7:9, 10.
- When the thousand years have expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison to gather nations together to battle. They compassed the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. Revelation 20:9.
It is crucial to understand the effect of God’s fire over Satan, sin, fallen angels and unrighteous people. All those are devoured by the fire sent from God.
Thus God eradicates sin and sinfulness completely from the entire Universe.
Why is the “Second death” the wages of sin?
The Bible explicitly states that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Because of the sin of Adam and Eve, death came upon humanity. So, all alike go down into the grave.
But this death experienced by all is not the second death. This is the “Sleep death” which the Word of God mentions. For example:
- Consider and hear me, O Lord my God. Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death. Psalm 13:3.
- Our friend Lazarus sleeps. But I go, that I may wake him out of sleep. However Jesus spoke of his death. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. John 11:11-14.
So, no one can avoid the “Sleep death”, ending the life we live now. This is the probationary life, granted by God to everyone after the fall. It is the opportunity to know and choose to be with God or not.
Thus out of His love and mercy to humanity, God gave everybody another chance.
The wages of sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23.
All people are to be brought forth from their graves after the “Sleep death”. It is by God’s plan for redemption of humanity. For example:
- There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. Acts 24:15.
- For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:22.
So, all in the graves will hear Christ’s voice and come forth (John 5:28). Those who have been “accounted worthy” (Luke 20:35) are resurrected for eternal life. They are “blessed and holy.” “On such the second death has no power” (Revelation 20:6).
But the rest who haven’t repented to God and chosen Christ as Savior and Lord receive “the wages of sin.” Thus finally they experienced the second death.
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Reconciling the “Second death” with God’s mercy and justice
God’s sovereignty in heaven and on earth remains unchanged after the fall of humanity. (Psalm 103:19). It is always executed in perfect harmony with His goodness, justice and mercy.
Our life originates from God and depends on Him (John 1:4). He sustains all forms of life – natural and spiritual (Genesis 1:27; Acts 17:28; 1 John 4:9).
This world was “sold under sin” and it is broken today. Adam and Eve believed the lies of Satan.
They distrusted God, going their own way. But, it is the way of self destruction, cutting ties with the ultimate Source of life.
They were deprived from the “Tree of life” and banished from the “Garden of Eden”. Thus God unmistakably implied that there will not be immortal sinners.
He has granted a probationary life to humans. He gave them a second chance to learn, understand and choose the way out. (Romans 7:14; 2 Peter 3:9).
God devised and executed with His Divine Son the redemptive plan for His creation. Once in the hands of Satan, they were not able to help themselves.
Out of His love to humanity, God crucified Himself in the person of His Son. He paid the price for their redemption with His blood on the cross.
Thus God remained just to Himself and His Law of love, to humanity and to the rest of the Universe.
He also has appointed a time for the end of probation. Thus He declared the irreversible end to:
- Sin and the originator of sin – Satan.
- Fallen angels.
- Unrighteous people.
But, for those who overcome sin through His grace, there is no condemnation. For example:
- To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7.
- For the wages of sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23.
God earnestly pleads with everyone since the fall of our first parents:
As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked. But that the wicked turn from his way and live. Ezekiel 33:11.
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God’s dealing with evil
Many today still have difficulties harmonizing the existence of evil under the sovereignty of God.
Scriptures give the definition of sin. Sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4.
It is a manifestation of the opposition and controversy with the law of love – the foundation of the Divine government. (Romans 8:7; Romans 13:10).
Satan was the first to sin against God. He has deceived himself by the pride of his own heart, coveting the position of the Almighty. (Isaiah 14:13, 14; Ezekiel 28:6, 17; Jeremiah 49:16).
God gave him time to fully develop his pretensions. Thus the holy angels had the opportunity to see God’s true justice and love.
Satan has also deceived our first parents, Adam and Eve. So sin entered into the world. Since then, Satan accuses humanity, insisting their punishment if God is just.
God didn’t change the way He governed the Universe after the fall of angels and humans.
God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.
Thus He fully exposed the character of Satan. Christ defeated him that had the power of death, by His sacrificial death on the cross. (Hebrews 2:14).
The Deity was glorified. And the most full display will be at His second coming. (Matthew 25:31).
God is in control of the fate of those who will choose to be with Him for eternity.
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39.
FAQs about the “Second death”
What is the “Second death”?
Core question: What exactly does “second death” mean in the Bible?
The “second death” is defined in the New Testament book of Revelation.
- This is the death of celestial and human beings in the “Lake of fire”.
- Revelation 20:10 – The devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are.
- Revelation 21:8 – 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 20:15 – And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
- This is also the death (symbolically) for inanimate objects and terms such as “death” and “graves”
- Revelation 20:14 – Death and hell (grave) were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
In short: The “Second death” is the casting into the lake of fire. It is God’s supernatural event as the outcome of His judgment. It brings the utter end.
Where does the Bible mention the “Second death”?
Core question: Where do I find this in the Bible?
The “Second death” phrase can be found only in the book of Revelation.
- Revelation 2:11 – He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
- Revelation 21:8 – 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 20:14 – Death and hell (grave) were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
The “Second death” is tightly connected with the “Lake of fire” (Revelation 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8).
In short: Revelation mentions the phrase “Second death” as experiencing this death in the “Lake of fire”.
Who will experience the “Second death”?
Core question: Who ends up in the “second death”?
God has appointed time to judge the world in righteousness (Psalm 9:8; Acts 17:31). The righteous – resurrected and those alive receive the reward of eternal life at Christ’s second coming.
The rest will experience the “Second death”.
- Revelation 20:10 – The devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are.
- Revelation 21:8 – 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 20:15 – And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
In short: The “Second death” is the outcome of God’s final judgment to the unrighteous. They are those, persisting in unbelief and sin.
How is the “Second death” different from the “Sleep death” (First death)?
Core question: Is the “Second death” just dying again, or something else?
Jesus and Paul refer to the death everyone experienced at the end of this life as “Sleep death”. (John 11:11-15; 1 Corinthians 15:51). This death is followed by resurrection for everyone at different times and purposes.
- Marvel not at this. For the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice. And shall come forth. They that have done good, unto the resurrection of life. And they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28, 29.
The “Second death” is final. There’s no resurrection for anyone after this death. All that are cast in the lake, burning with fire and brimstone come to utter end as they never existed. (Obadiah 1:16; Psalm 37:10).
In short: After the “Sleep death” (physical death) comes resurrection. People are resurrected to receive the judgment defined (Hebrews 9:27).
The “Second death” is irreversible execution of the judgment allotted. It is a complete exclusion from the new eternal reality (Revelation 21).
Is the “Second death” eternal conscious torment or destruction?
Core question: Is the “second death” endless punishment or final destruction?
The “Second death” is a complete and utter end of fallen celestial and human beings.
- Fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. Revelation 20:9)
So, “devouring by fire” is a complete destruction with no remains left.
The Revelation also mentions the earthly systems, such as “Beast” and “False prophet” in “the lake of fire and brimstone”. Revelation 20:10.
Inanimate objects can’t be “tormented day and night forever”. So, this language of verse 10 is symbolic regarding those systems.
In the “new heaven and earth”, death and graves will be no more (Revelation 21:4). And those inanimate terms are also “cast into the lake of fire”. This is the second death (Revelation 20:14).
In a symbolic sense, it signifies disappearance forever.
In short: Death as the end of life known to humanity, can come to animate beings – celestial and human.
Eternal conscious punishment of earthly systems, which are inanimate objects as per Revelation 20:10, can’t exist in a literal sense.
How does the “Second death” relate to final judgment and the new creation?
Core question: Where does the second death fit in the end‑times timeline?
The “Second death” takes place after 1000 years of judgment (Revelation 20:6-8).
- And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15.
It signifies the very end of this world. The next picture presented to John is the “new heaven and new earth”. Revelation 21, entire chapter.
In short: The “Second death” is the outcome of the 1000 years judgment allotted. It is for those who have no part in the “First resurrection”.
The next events are the glorious restoration of heaven and earth recorded by apostle John.
Conclusion
The “Second death” is a supernatural act of God. It is experienced through the “Lake of fire”. This is the end of the existence of fallen celestial and unrighteous human beings.
They are those included in the “resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29) from their natural (sleep) death. They and the sin they cherished are eternal exclusion from God’s renewed sinless kingdom.
So, the wages of sin is death, which is the potion of the wicked. On the other hand, the gift of God is eternal life for the righteous.
Thus the “Second death” is placed in contrast with everlasting life. This is how God appeals to His people:
I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil. Therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. Deuteronomy 30:15, 19.
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References:
- GC88 544; ST, Oct 1895 – Ellen G. White Writings
- https://redeeminggod.com/second-death-revelation/
- https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/topical.show/RTD/cgg/ID/4819/Second-Death.htm
Where to go from here
- How To Study The Bible? – Apply these principles for clear spiritual discernment.
- Read Revelation in KJV Bible – Full chapter study following this article references.
- Know God Category – Explore God’s pursuing effort of bringing back His people from literal and spiritual bondage.
- God’s Love Content Hub – All Christ-centered teaching in one place.
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