That phrase is found two other times in this book: in Revelation 21:8 and Revelation 20:14. Both passages make clear that the Second Death involves being cast into the Lake of Fire.
How did Jesus describe hell? It is like the garbage dump of Jerusalem, a place where the gnawing worm of regret and agony never dies and the fire never goes out (Mark 9:47-48). If we realized how terrible it is, we would do whatever it takes not to go there.
Sadly, we discover that we are all liable to hell because the books have recorded everything we have ever done or said, and every tempting thought we have embraced and enjoyed. All liars are there (Revelation 20:13; 21:8). All the great and good people of history will stand before that Great White Throne, guilty and humiliated, liable to the eternal fire (Revelation 20:11-12).
There is only one exception: The Book of Life (Revelation 20:15). Is your name written in the Book of Life? How can we know? Have we turned from our sins and cast ourselves on God's mercy in Jesus Christ? No matter how imperfect and inconsistent our repentance may be, if we have repented and put our trust in the Lord Jesus, then we can know for sure that our names are in the Book of Life.
The Second Death is so terrible that nothing in this life matters by comparison. That's why we are comforted in the face of virulent persecution and suffering (Revelation 2:10). Where does the idea come from that there will be a secret rapture to keep Christians from the terrible persecutions and sufferings that characterize the history of Christians? "ALL who will live godly in Christ Jesus WILL BE PERSECUTED (2 Timothy 3:12).
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After serving Grace Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Louisiana, Bob was honorably retired on Sunday, September 27, 2015, and given the title "Pastor Emeritus." This was forty years to the day after he became their pastor.
He now works for the Presbytery of the Gulf South as...
