What is the second death?
“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” (Rev. 2:11).
We may not know what the first resurrection is, but we know what the second death is.
“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 (Rev. 20:6).
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Rev. 20:14).
The book of Revelation states very clearly what the second death is.
“But 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” (Rev. 21:8).
After Genesis (Gen 2:17; Gen. 3:3), probably the first mention of sin resulting in spiritual death is in the Proverbs.
“For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead” (Pro. 2:18).
Nothing can deliver us from physical death, but we can be delivered from the second death and a second spiritual death (Pro. 10:2).
“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death” (Pro. 10:2).
In the New Testament, those who fall away from Christ die a second spiritual death (Rev. 2:11; Rev. 20:6; Rev. 20:14 Rev. 21:8).
Solomon very clearly describes being alive to God.
“In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death” (Pro. 12:28).
We know that Man’s words cannot physically kill someone but they can cause spiritual death.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Pro. 18:21).
What are some examples? (Pro. 16:25; Eze 18:4; Ezek 18:5-9; Ezek 18:10-13; Ezek 18:20-23; Eze. 18:31-32; John 5:24-26; John 6:47-51; John 8:52; John 8:51-52; John 8:53; Luke 20:36-38; John 11:25-26; Rom. 5:12-14; Rom. 5:15-21; Rom. 6:3-13; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 7:5-13; 1 Cor. 15:20-23; 2 Cor. 5:14; Heb. 5:7; James 5:20; 1 John 3:14; 1 John 5:16; 1 John 5:17; Rev. 2:11; Rev. 3:1-2).
-Beth Johnson