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Did Christ die the “Second Death”?

Did Christ die the “Second Death”?

Recently I read in a Christian magazine the stated belief that Christ died the second death. Have you ever heard this theory before? Have you even heard of the second death? Can you articulate what the second death actually is?

How is the second death different from the first death? What Biblical evidence do we have to define the second death? And is there any Biblical evidence that Christ died the “second death?”

The Bible uses the actual term “second death” only in the book of Revelation in 2:11, 20:6, 20:14 and 21:8. The first two times the term is used the Bible tells us that the second death has no power over the righteous, the victorious in Christ, those who arise in the first resurrection. It is in the last two uses that the Bible gives us some definition of what the second death actually is:

Rev 20:14 “The lake of fire is the second death.”

Rev 21:8 “their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

According to Revelation the second death occurs in the lake of fire or that dying in the lake of fire is the second death. Did Christ die in the lake of fire? When Jesus died do we have any inspired evidence that Jesus died with fire reigning down upon Him? Or does the inspired record reveal just the opposite that darkness covered Him and He pled, “my God, my God why have you forsaken me” (Matt 27:45, 46)?

Some Bible commentators add further clarification between the first and second death noting that the first death is the death from which a resurrection occurs but the second death is the death from which there is no resurrection. There is sound Biblical evidence for this conclusion (1Cor 15:12-21, 42-49, 1Thes 4:16, Rev 2:11, 20:5,6,14, 21:8). If we accept this additional demarcation then we must ask, Did Christ die a death from which there was no resurrection or did Christ rise again? “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1Cor 15:13).  On two counts the Biblical evidence suggests Christ did not die the second death. Is there more evidence?

While the Bible doesn’t use “second death” language in any other place, Jesus actually described the two deaths (first and second) in Matthew 10:28 when He said:

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Christ makes a distinction between two types of death. The first in which only the body is destroyed and the second in which the body and soul is destroyed. Amazingly, the word translated “soul” is the Greek word “psyche” which means “mind, identity, individuality.”  So, when Jesus died on the cross, did He have His mind, identity, individuality destroyed or did He rise again as the “same Jesus” (Acts 1:11) who died?

If we use the Bible as our guide we have three demarcating features of the second death:

  • lake of fire.
  • death without resurrection.
  • death which destroys both body and soul (psyche, individuality, mind).

When Jesus died were any of these identifiers met? No! The Bible seems to be making a strong case that Jesus did not “die” the second death. If He didn’t die the second death then what was the significance of His death?

Jesus death was the means of actually destroying death!

Christ confronted the second death and conquered it, not “paid” it.

2 Timothy1:9,10 states, Christ “destroyed death and brought life and immortality to life.” Christ destroyed the elements of Satan’s government that bring death “by his death he destroyed him who holds the power of death that is the devil” Hebrews 2:14. The law of God is the law of love (Deuteronomy 6:5, Psalms 19:7, Matthew 22:37, Romans 13:10, 1 Cor 13, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8), which is the law that all life is created to operate upon. Sin is lawlessness (1John 3:4), which is trying to live outside the law of love. In other words, sin is violating the very principle that life is created to operate upon. Death results where selfishness rules and death is destroyed where love reigns supreme!

Christ died when love overcame selfishness, when He gave His life freely, when He chose to lay down His life voluntarily. In Christ the law of love, the law of life, was fully lived out when Christ refused to use His power to save self, but rather gave His life freely in love. In Christ, giving destroyed taking, love destroyed selfishness, life destroyed death! Thus Christ’s death destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light! Christ’s experience on the cross stands in sharp contrast to that of those who die in the lake of fire where they are overcome by selfishness. The differences between Christ’s death and that of those who die the second death are stark:

Christ died trusting the Father. – Luke 23:46
The wicked die distrusting the Father. – Revelation 6:16

Christ died longing to see the Father. – Mark 15:34
The wicked die hiding from the Father. – Revelation 6:16

Christ died when the Father’s presence was hidden. – Mark 15:34
The wicked die when the Father is fully revealed. – 2 Thes 2:8

Christ died less than 72 hours. – Luke 24:1-8
The wicked die eternally. – Malachi 4:1-3, Romans 6:23, James 1:15, 2Pet 3:10-12

Christ died when love overcame selfishness. – John 3:16, 10:17,18, 1John 3:16
The wicked die overcome by selfishness. – Revelation 21:8

If the Scriptures so plainly teaches that Christ did not die the second death, then why do so many insist that He did? Because many have misdiagnosed the problem of sin. Rather than realizing sin destroys the sinner, that we are in a terminal state of sinfulness, that without Christ’s victory we would die, many have innocently, but wrongly, concluded that our problem is actually God Himself. Many believe God must kill, that God is the source of death. They believe that God punishes sin and sinners by inflicting eternal death (the second death) on the wicked when He throws them in the lake of fire. Therefore it is believed that in order to avoid God killing us that God needs to be appeased or our penalty of sin needs to be paid. The natural conclusion of this misdiagnosis is to believe that Christ must have died the second death lest our penalty remain unpaid. But the Bible teaches that sin brings forth death (Romans 6:23, James 1:15), not God. The Bible is plain: God is the source of life (Genesis 1, Psalms 19:7, John 3:16, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:31-34).

The desire to believe the idea that Jesus died the second death is so strong with some that not only is all the above evidence ignored, but fancy twists of logic are often employed to “justify” this idea. The argument is put forth that because Christ could not see through the tomb and because He emotionally and psychologically thought He was going to eternally die, then such mental anguish is the same as actually dying the second death. Just take a moment and think that through.

Suppose a death row inmate goes into the death chamber and is given a lethal injection. He feels the poison enter his veins and then loses consciousness, but in actuality an anesthesiologist put him to sleep.  Three days later he wakes him up.  Now, would we really say, “Well, he really died because he thought he was going to die and had no hope he would live again in three days?”

Such an argument has God playing “tricks” and “deceiving” His intelligent creatures into the idea that Christ somehow “died” eternally the “second death” because “He thought” He would never rise again. I challenge you to exam the evidence for yourself, weigh the issues, come to your own conclusion!

Christ didn’t need to die the second death in order to pay His Father the proper penalty because this was never the problem that needed fixing. Christ died as the way and means of destroying death by overcoming the infection of sin/selfishness with perfect self-sacrificing love!

Jesus Christ “destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light.” 2 Timothy 1:9,10.

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Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

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Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

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Joleen H. GA, USA

 

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Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

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Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

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E.W.

 

Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

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I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

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Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

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Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

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I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia