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| Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: |
I wrote to a study group to inquire:
Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2013 3:42 AMSubject: first death, second death
Dear Brethren,
I may sound silly. Still, I need to ask...
Re 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.
Re 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
What is the first death - death in Adam, or death at the end of life?
Now the second death - when does/did it happen to a man? judgment at death, or judgment on resurrection day?
Thanks.
sing
A dear brother responded thus:
Date: November 18, 2013 9:11:44 PM GMT+08:00Brother Sing,
Inserted below is a short study I did some time back. This is a good opportunity for me to have the input of able brethren so I can correct and update any aspect of this that is inconsistent with the teaching of Scripture.
May God Bless, WP.
[Short study pasted below...]
I replied:
Date: November 18, 2013 11:19:53 PM GMT+08:00
Thank you, Brother W.
Below is your short study, interspersed with my comments within it in orange.
See some orange comments within your short study.
sing
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XVI. TWO DEATHS AND TWO RESURRECTIONS (REVELATION 20:1-22:15)
In Revelation 20 John gives more details regarding what will occur when Jesus returns again from heaven. Revelation 19:11
An angel is come down from heaven to bind Satan. This "angel" is symbolic or representative of Jesus Christ who has bound Satan and spoiled his goods. Revelation 20:1-2 and Mark 3:27.
The result of Satan being bound is that he can deceive the nations no more. Revelation 20:3 This is spoken of as being for one thousand years, which is a symbolic or figurative period of time. What this one thousand year period represents is much disputed, and will be briefly discussed below. However, what is not subject to dispute is that this section of Revelation teaches the eternal security of those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life; and the eternal punishment of those whose names are not written in the Lamb's book of life. While God’s children are judged eternally by the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed to them, those whose names are not written in the Lambs book of life are judged by their works. Revelation 20:6, 20:12 and 20:15
Those that are Christ's live and reign with Christ during the "one thousand years" discussed in these verses. Revelation 20:5 This one thousand years is between the first resurrection and the second death. Therefore, to understand what this one thousand year reign with Christ encompasses requires an understanding and proper interpretation of the "first resurrection" and the "second death" discussed in Revelation 20:5 and 20:14.
It has been observed that man that is born once dies twice; but man that is born twice dies but once. Review the following discussion and determine whether you agree with this principle!
a. First Death. If there is a "second" death, there obviously must be a "first" death. The first death of man is the fall and resulting death in trespasses and sins. This is described in Romans 5:12 where it is stated that as a result of sin entering by one man "death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." The first death is a death in trespasses and sins. This first death passed upon all men through Adam and all men have part in this first death (1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.)
## So, in your statement of "man is born once die twice" - he died before he was born, and died again at the final judgment?
What about that statement in Hebrews: "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Heb 9:27
Please tell, which death is spoken of here? Is this death reckoned or factored into in your "man is born once die twice?
b. Second Death. The second death of man is the death of those that are dead in trespasses and sins when they receive "their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21:8 It is not a reference to natural death, but rather to God’s judgment and eternal condemnation. This is evident because God's children do die a natural death, but it has no power over them because they have been born again. See Acts 26:10 and Romans 5:17
Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire which is described as the "second death." Revelation 20:14 This second death is the portion of everyone that is not found written in the book of life. Revelation 20:15 In summary, the second death is the eternal condemnation of the wicked.
## Something just caught my attention:
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Yes, the emptied death and hell were cast into the lake of fire... since death and hell had first delivered up the dead which were in them. This is most certainly not the same as saying all those in death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. The very next verse will forbid such idea. Only those whose name were not written in the book of life were cast into the lake of fire.This presupposes that among those delivered up by death and hell are those whose names were written in the book of life.
c. First Resurrection. This spiritual resurrection is the new birth as described by Jesus when he said "the hour is coming and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live." John 5:25 This same spiritual birth or resurrection was also described by John's statement that God's children "have passed from ________ unto ________." 1 John 3:14
Those that have part in the first resurrection are those that have been quickened by God's spirit, i.e. "you hath he __________who were dead in trespasses and sins." Ephesians 2:1
This first resurrection delivers God's children from the first death and the penalty of sin.
That the saints are raised with Christ at the new birth, the first resurrection, is also confirmed by the following scriptures:
Ephesians 2:6 And hath __________ us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath _________ him from the dead.
Colossians 3:1 If ye then be ____________ with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Those who have part in the first resurrection, God’s children, reign with Christ in this life. All that are partakers of the first resurrection are made priests with God. The scriptures teach that we are made priests and kings and reign with God during this life. 1 Peter 2:5, Revelation 1:6 and Revelation 20:6
The scriptures also teach that those are blessed who have a part in the first resurrection, for the second death shall have no power over them. Revelation 20:6 This obviously is God's children that are called, chosen and saved by his grace. They are saved from the eternal condemnation of the second death.
## I begin to think that it is an obvious error to equate the first resurrection as regeneration! Such equation just don't measure up.
If you taken John 5:25 to mean regeneration, you necessarily imply that prior to that statement of Christ there was NO regeneration! 25 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live." The life-giving voice of the eternal Logos has been operative since the beginning of human history. I have heard of some people say that there was no regeneration in the OT until Christ send for His spirit.
I believe Jesus was speaking of literal resurrection... in John 5:25,28, and that literal FIRST resurrection is fulfilled here.
Mt 27: 51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, [MANY, not all. "The rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection."]
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
This is a record of the literal resurrection spoken of by Christ in John 5:25,28. [Please note, both verses speak of singular call, many resurrected.]
Some of the dead among God's children were resurrected... the FIRST RESURRECTION. The rest of the dead (obviously belonging to the same group, i.e. God's children) were not raised UNTIL the "1000 years" were over... a fact stated plainly in Rev 20 -
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
"They that lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years" - were those from the first resurrection stated in Mt 27:51-53. They were the first resurrection... the REAL first resurrection.
d. Second Resurrection. The second resurrection is the resurrection of the body. This second resurrection is described by Jesus when he said that "the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; and they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." John 5:28-29
## The time frame 'the hour is coming" cannot possibly be used for something thousands of years in the future. I just don't buy it. You can quote 2Pet 3;8, I still won't buy it! The time frame is the same for John 5:25 and 5:28. Can't put "1000 years between the two!
John 5:28 reads like this: Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice." Mt 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
That Mt 27:52 is the fulfillment of John 5:28 is the plain sense I can see. Objection that not ALL that are in the graves were resurrected is a minor one.
It appears from these verses that the one thousand year period figuratively represents the period in the life of God's children beginning with the time they are born of God's spirit and ending when they will be carried to their heavenly home to ever be with the Lord. Those that are alive and the souls of those that were beheaded and of those who did not worship the beast and did not bare his mark shall live and reign with Christ during this thousand years. Revelation 20:4 Notice that there is nothing in this verse that says that each of God’s children will live and reign for one thousand years, but rather that “they,” collectively, will live and reign with him. Throughout this representative period of time there are some of the Lord’s children that live and reign with him.
Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
The passage speaks of ONE SPECIFIC group of people among the dead mentions in verse 5. It cannot possibly refer to the regenerated in general. The description simply does not match.
Thus the first resurrection CANNOT possibly refer to the regeneration of God's people in the new covenant! It refers to that real resurrection of some dead saints with the resurrection of Christ... recorded in Mt 27:52.
All of mankind will be raised at the time of Christ's return and the resurrection of the body. All men died in the first death since the scriptures teach that death has passed upon all men. Romans 5:12
Mat 27:52 "And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
a. There are some that died in the first death which lived again. The fact that they "lived" is described as the first resurrection. Revelation 20:5 This is the new birth. Those that lived again and have part in the first resurrection, on them the second death has no power. Revelation 20:6
## NOPE! They were elect... dead in Adam... but regenerated in Christ... died... BUT actually resurrected with Christ, the first fruits.
Just my opinion... thinking as I dream... so free of charge!
Just be a sharp sounding board for me, and I will be very grateful to you.
sing
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p/s I will leave the rest... enough said.
Feel free to write to me at singpenang@gmail.com ... if you have any warnings for me. I would really appreciate your kindness. Any rebuttal or light are welcome too.
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[short study continues... below]
b. Then there are those described as the "rest of the dead" who lived not again until the thousand years were finished. Revelation 20:5 Their physical body will be resurrected from the grave. These dead are judged according to their works. They are not written in the book of life and are cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12-13
The second death has power over those whose names are not written in the book of life but has no power over those whose names are there written. Those whose names are written in the book of life are the same ones who have part in the first resurrection. Revelation 20:14-15 The second death has no power over them; they are eternally secure in Jesus!
Those that are in Christ Jesus are judged out of the book of life. Revelation 20:12 For these that belong to Christ, John saw a new heaven and a new earth. This was prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. This belongs to His church made up of all of God's people of all ages. Revelation 21:2-3
John describes the wonderful blessings of God's children even in that day of judgment. Revelation 21:4
The bride, the Lamb's wife, is figurative of the church. Revelation 21:10 All that will enter into heaven with the Lamb are "they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." Revelation 21:27
[End of WP short study.]
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