THE SECOND DEATH

1. Bible Study

a) The Bible tells the story of how God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — loves us and wants us to love Him, despite our brokenness and tendency to go our own way (Isaiah 53:6). This relationship is the “main thing” about the Bible and it’s the “main thing” to keep focused on. 

b) God's Word is fully sufficient to prepare us for everything the Bible commands us to do. The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to transform us into Christ-likeness. 

c) We study to understand God's character and attributes. Study the Bible anytime, anywhere. Each topic is ideal for personal learning but may also be adapted for a group as well.

2. The Second Death 

a) There are two deaths, physical and spiritual.

i) Revelation 2:10-11

10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until 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. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’

b) We should not fear physical death but spiritual death. Perfect love casts out fear.

i) Matthew 10:28

28 “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

ii) 1 John 4:18

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 

c) Someone who has part in the first resurrection will not be harmed by the second death.

i) Revelation 20:6

6 Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

d) The second death is being cast into the lake of fire.

i) Revelation 20:14–15

14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

ii) Revelation 21:8

8 “But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

e) Everyone whose name is not written in the Book of Life is cast into the lake of fire. Christians' names are written in the Book of Life. If a Christian returns to a life of sin, his name is blotted out of the Book of Life.

i) Philippians 4:3

3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

ii) Revelation 3:3-5

3 So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. 4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

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