The Second Death

The Second Death

Rev. John W. Gerald

I. HEED THE WARNINGS

Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. It is best to take heed to His warnings. The message to the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 warns and guides us in the safe spiritual way. We should accept it as for us in this day.

II. ALLOW NOTHING TO OFFEND

Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

Sin springs out of the heart and mind, but the instruments of sin may be our members, hands, eyes, ears and tongue. To cut off a hand or foot because it is the instrument of a sin would serve as a true reminder of the seriousness of our sins. It would truly be better to enter into life maimed, than to be cast into hell fire with all of our members intact. We should take serious warning!

III. FIRE PREPARED FOR SATAN’S FOLLOWERS

Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

We must not try to deceive ourselves into thinking that we are going to heaven when we have not been born again of the Spirit from above. No hypocrite, or person falling into any of Satan’s deceits, will get to heaven on a false hope. We may believe a lie with all of our heart, but it will not save us.

IV. THE FIRST TO BE CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE

Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

The principal forces of Satan assembled at the time of the end, though they have ruled the world, will crumble before his face at the last, and be cast bodily into the lake of fire. They will not be given any respite in hell. They will have no time waiting for the final judgment. It will be executed upon them immediately! The Beast is commonly believed to be the Anti-Christ. The false prophet is his second in command, his right hand man! He is the one who deceives the whole world and persuades them to worship the Beast. Together they will overcome every nation and power on the earth. The LORD from heaven will be the only one who can bring them down. He will do it completely!

V. THOSE WORTHY TO ESCAPE

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

In the first resurrection all of Christ’s servants will rise up from the earth, whether dead or alive, to meet the LORD in the air! He will descend upon the earth at the time of judgment upon the wicked nations, rulers, kings and princes at the last. At this time He will set His feet upon Mount Zion and deliver His people Israel from all their enemies!

VI. EVERLASTING TORMENT FOR SATAN

Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Now the devil himself will be cast into the lake of fire, where the Beast and the false prophet have been for one thousand years already. The devil had a respite for one thousand years in the bottomless pit! But the time of waiting is over at last!

VII. DEATH AND HELL ARE NOT FINAL

Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This 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.

So many people have believed that Hell was forever and eternal, but this has been a place for condemned souls to await their final judgment. Death and hell, the grave and the sea will give up their dead to the final judgment. These two verses tell us who will be cast into the lake of fire; all who are not found written in the book of life. I hope that your name will be found in the book of life with mine!