Second Death

The term “second death” is used only in the New Testament book of Revelation. It refers to God's final and eternal judgment on sin. The expression was first used by Jewish teachers and writers.

According to Revelation, the second death will be experienced by those whose names are not written in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15). It is described as the “lake of fire” (verse 14) and as “the lake that burns with fire and sulfur” (21:8). Revelation says that this judgment will come upon “the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars.”

Those who remain faithful to God and are victorious through Christ do not need to fear the second death (2:11).

See also Death; Eschatology; Fall of Man; Last Judgment.