What is the second death?

Answer

The concept of the second death is repeatedly discussed in the book of Revelation and is synonymous with the lake of fire. It represents a spiritual separation from God, who is the source of life. It is termed the “second” death because it occurs after physical death.

Revelation 21:8 provides a detailed explanation of the second death: “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars – their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

Three other instances in Revelation also refer to the second death. The first is in Revelation 2:11: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be harmed by the second death.” In this verse, Jesus assures that believers (“overcomers”;see 1 John 5:4) will be spared from the lake of fire. The second death is reserved for those who have rejected Christ and is not something that followers of Christ should dread.

Revelation 20:6 discusses the second death in the context of a future era known as the Millennium: “Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” This verse highlights three key points. Firstly, those who die for their faith in Jesus during the Tribulation will be resurrected to participate in the Millennium and dwell with Him. Secondly, these martyrs will be spared from the lake of fire, or second death. Thirdly, they will rule alongside Christ.

The second death is also referenced in Revelation 20:14-15: “Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was.

He will be thrown into the lake of fire.” At the end of time, even death and the grave (Hades) will be thrown into the lake of fire. Additionally, every individual not listed in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire. This outcome will be ultimate; the destination is permanent.

In essence, the second death refers to the lake of fire where those who are alienated from God by their sin will reside for eternity. This judgment was documented in Scripture as a caution to non-believers to seek the salvation that Jesus Christ offers. The impending judgment should also motivate believers to proclaim their faith. There is a significant contrast between the final destination of those who have faith in Christ and those who do not.