The term “second death” is used four times in the New Testament and it’s peculiar to the book of Revelation. The term is used in 2:11; 20:6; 20:14 and 21:8. This chapter will be a study on the second death and how it relates to the unfaithful Christian who suffers loss at the Judgment Seat of Christ. It may be a surprise to many that unfaithful and backslidden Christians (unless they have repentance) will come under the power of the second death for 1000 years. In three out of the four places this term is used it is used in a pre-millennial context. In only one place can it be proven to be post-millennial?
In scripture the second death is defined in the following way:
Revelation 20:14-15 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.
The second death is defined as the “lake of fire” and “hell” itself even though it is a distinct place from the “lake of fire” is also part of the second death in a pre-millennial context. After the millennium all lost people will be dismissed to the lake of fire where they will receive different degrees of punishment for all eternity. This is the first purpose to the “lake of fire.” In light of this fact many things in life are really trivial and far too often people tend to make “stuff they have” more important than their relationship with God. Now let us look at some more scripture regarding this fascinating subject:
Daniel 7: 9-10 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. (10) A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
1Corinthians 3: 13-14 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. (14) If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
Revelation 15: 2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having harps of God.
In Webster’s unabridged Dictionary, one of the definitions for “sea” is a “large lake.” As we compare Daniel 7: 9-10 with Revelation 15:2 there is a “lake of fire” before God’s throne. In Revelation 20: 14 it defines the “lake of fire” as the “second death.” There is a two-fold purpose to the lake of fire. First the “lake of fire” is the final abode of the lost, which shall include everyone who did not believe in Jesus Christ as their ONLY savior. After the Millennium the lost will be cast into the “lake of fire” (Revelation 20: 15). During the Millennium they will be kept in the dark fiery prison of the underworld, called Hell in our English bible.
Second, the “lake of fire” is the place every Christian will have their works tried in order to prove whether they were good or bad. Every Christian will have a baptism of fire at the pre-millennial Judgment Seat of Christ. As you compare 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 with Matthew 3:11 this should become clearer:
Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, AND WITH FIRE:
It is called the Judgment Seat of Christ because it is the place where Jesus Christ himself will baptize us into fire. This will be a real baptism of fire. It is important to realize that every Christian must receive the things done in his/her “body” at the Judgment Seat of Christ. You cannot try a man’s work apart from the “BODY” they were done in:
2Corinthians 5: 10-11 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his BODY, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (11) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
On that day every Christian will be immersed into this “lake of fire” in order to prove the overall worth of the work done. As you compare 1 Cor. 3:13 (every man’s work shall be made manifest) with 2 Cor. 5:10 (may receive the things done in the BODY) it becomes very clear that you cannot try a man’s work separately from the body that did the work. Every Christian in his or her own “body” will pass through the lake of fire before God’s throne in order to prove what kind of work was done in the body. The “body” itself will declare whether the work was good or bad in the life of every Christian. In Daniel 3:26, 27 the fiery furnace had no power over Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, because they trusted in their God; so also the “lake of fire” before the throne of God will not have no power over a select number of Christians (Matthew 22:13) who through the power of the Holy Spirit bring forth the proper kind of fruit (Gold, Silver, and Precious stones: 1 Corinthians 3:12). These select numbers of Christians are the church of the firstborn:
Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
The church of the firstborn is called out of the general assembly at Judgment Seat of Christ and will have part in the first resurrection. In order to have part in the first resurrection one must be characterized by holiness:
Revelation 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.
Revelation 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.
There are two groups of Saints mentioned in this verse. First, you have those sitting on thrones. These would be all the overcoming Saints from previous centuries. Second, you have those who were beheaded for the witness of Jesus. These would be saints of God who lived during the tribulation. Both of these groups lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The words “lived” and “reigned” are placed together to indicate that everyone who “lives” with Christ during the millennium will also “reign” with Christ. Yet, both of these groups do not comprise all Christians because there will be many other Christians who deny Christ by living sinful and unproductive lives:
2Timothy 2: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will DENY US:
If the pronoun “we” is addressed to genuine Christians in reference to those who “suffer” with Christ than the pronoun “we” is also addressed to genuine Christians who end up denying Christ. There is no room in this verse for a group of false professors who were never really saved in the first place. The pronoun “we” is used to address both groups to show the readership that both groups are comprised of real Christians. There are real Christians who deny Christ so they will not be numbered among those who live and reign with Christ a thousand years because the lived life after the flesh:
Romans 8: 12-13 Therefore, brethren, (genuine Christians) we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. (13) For if ye (genuine Christians) live after the flesh, ye shall die: (during the millennium) but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (KJV)
Notice from this passage that there is a choice laid before every child of God. Either they can live life after the flesh or they through the Spirit can put to death the deeds of the body. Any Christian who lives life after the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God:
Gal 5:16-23 This I say then, WALK in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (18) But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (19) Now the works of the flesh (Wood, Hay, and Stubble: 1 Corinthians 3:12) are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (20) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, (21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which DO SUCH THINGS shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
In vs. 16 there is a command for Christians to walk after the Spirit. The word “walk” in vs. 16 is talking about the way we live our life or the kind of works we are doing so it is not talking about how we are saved in eternity (Ephesians 2:8-9). If we do not “walk in the Spirit” than we will fulfill the lust of the flesh, and this leads to the struggle that takes place in every child of God between the Spirit on the one hand and the flesh on the other hand. This immediately refutes the common idea that this passage is addressed to a mixed audience of both believers and unbelievers (or some group of false professors) because unbelievers have no struggle between the Spirit and the flesh, because they are dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). I should also point out in Galatians 5:25 there is a contrast between “living in the Spirit” (saved in eternity) and “walking in the Spirit” (producing the proper kind of works: gold, silver, and precious stones) so the warning about living after the flesh, and not inheriting the Kingdom of God is addressed to real saints of Jesus Christ. Although, it is not commonly taught in most churches, the “inheritance” is spoken of as a reward in the New Testament:
Colossians 3:23-25 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (24) Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the REWARD OF THE INHERETENCE: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (25) But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
In the Old Testament there was a general inheritance given to every son born into a family; although the firstborn son would receive a double portion of the inheritance. Yet, the firstborn son in the Old Testament could forfeit the double portion of his inheritance. An example of this can be seen in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 27:30-40; when Esau forfeited his birthright (double portion of the inheritance) to Jacob. In the New Testament Esau is used as a picture of a Christian who can forfeit his birthright (double portion of the inheritance) through carnal living (Hebrews 12:12-17). In Galatians 5:19-21 (listed earlier) there are a number of sins that can cause a real Christians to forfeit his birthright (his part in the first resurrection) and if this happens he will not inherit the kingdom of God. It is the responsibility of every saint of Jesus Christ to deal with his own selfish desires if he is going to Inherit eternal life at the first resurrection otherwise he will suffer loss for 1000 years:
Revelation 3:4-5 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. (5) He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not BLOT OUT HIS NAME out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
The warning in these verses was addressed to the church of Sardis. There were only a few names in Sardis who did not defile their garments. There are many saints of Jesus Christ today who are defiling their garments because they are committing many different sins which will exclude them from inheriting the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21). They will have their names blotted out of the premillennial book of life. The fact that their names were blotted out of the premillennial book of life proves their names were written in this book of life from the start. These Saints will forfeit their access to the New Jerusalem:
Revelation 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
These unfaithful saintsSaints of Jesus Christ will lose their soul for not keeping the commandments of Jesus Christ (Rev. 22:16). They will not have access to the New Jerusalem. It is possible for real Christians to go astray from the truth and suffer the death of the soul if they are not converted:
James 5:19-20 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; (20) Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Unfaithful Saints of Jesus Christ who fail to keep the commandments of our Lord will not have access to the New Jerusalem. They will be disinherited at the Judgment Seat of Christ because they practiced the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21). They will spend the millennium in the outer darkness (Matthew 25:30; 8:12). Another negative judgment at the Judgment Seat of Christ can be seen in Revelation 2:11:
Rev 2:10-11 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (11) 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.
The verses above should not be manipulated or twisted in order to avoid their intended force. “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” This statement should be taken at face value and so the converse of this statement is also true: Every believer of Jesus Christ who does not overcome shall be hurt of the second death. The warning is clearly addressed to real Christians otherwise the Holy Spirit would not bring up the “potential goal” of receiving the “crown of life.”
In the seven letters addressed to the seven churches in Revelation chapter two and three there are five rewards promised to those believers who are overcomers:
Overcomers will be given access to the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God (Rev. 2:7). 2) Overcomers will eat of the hidden manna and will be given a white stone and in the stone a new name (Rev. 2:17). 3) Overcomers will be given power over the nations and will be given the morning star (Rev. 3:26-28). 4) Overcomers will be given access to the New Jerusalem and be made pillars in the temple of God (Rev. 3:12; 22:14). 5) Overcomers will sit in the throne of Jesus Christ (Rev. 3:21).
Likewise in these seven letters to the seven churches two judgments are pronounced on believers who do not overcome. In Rev. 3:5 those believers who do not overcome are blotted out of the book of life and then in Rev. 2:11 those believers who do not overcome are hurt of the second death. I believe these warnings addressed to real believers are can correspond to two different judgments issued out at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Whipple in is excellent book: Shock and Surprise beyond the Rapture has the following information regarding these two judgments:
In studying the second and fifth letters of Revelation in chapters two and three, we discover two different judgments that Jesus will personally pronounce upon all non-overcomers at the judgment seat. These are they (1) being blotted out of the book of life (3:5), and (2) being hurt of the second death (2:11). It is our opinion that the first expression (blotted out of the book of life) may correspond to all who will lose their inheritance (both those who will go to ‘the outer darkness,’ and those who will go to ‘the blackness of darkness’). Whereas, the second (the second death) correspond only to “the
blackness of darkness” (the region of Gehenna).
Those who are blotted out of the book of life in Revelation 3:5 are not unbelievers; nor are they people who were never saved. In order to be blotted out of the book of life you must have been written in it from the start. They do not lose salvation because they are found written in the post-millennial book of life 1000 years later after coming out of death and hell. This is the second resurrection. This truth will be clearly demonstrated in chapter eight. Those Christians who are blotted out of the pre-millennial book life could correspond with to the unfaithful servant who is cast into “outer darkness” in Matthew 25:30. These unfaithful Christians will suffer the loss of their soul for 1000 years.
Then in Revelation 2:11 you have unfaithful Christians who are hurt of the second death. They will lose both their soul and body when they are slain by fire at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The second death will be like the first death in that there will be a separation of the soul from the body. These apostate believers (those who turn against the word of God) will lose both their soul and body in Gehenna (Hell) or 1000 years.
These apostate believers (those who turn against the word of God) will come under the penalty of the second death for 1000 years; yet they will be found written in the postmillennial book life. They will come out of either “death” or “Hell” at the end of 1000 years. At this time they will be raised to immortality and their tears will be wiped away (Revelation 20:15-21:4).Apparently there will be other unfaithful believers who lose only their soul (those who are polluted by the things of this world) which is a lesser degree of judgment. A study on the outer darkness and Hell will be given in chapter five and six.
John 6:39-40 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. (40) And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
In the New Testament the term “last day” is peculiar to the gospel of John. Outside of this passage it is used in 5 other places (6:44, 54; 7:37; 11:24 and 12:48). When you compare these passages you can learn that the “last day” is the day unbelievers will be judged:
John 12:48 He that REJECTETH me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the LAST DAY.
The last day is at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:12-15). A detailed study of this passage will be given in the last chapter. At this Judgment all unbelievers will be judged and dismissed to the Lake of Fire; yet, also at this Judgment the book of life is opened (Rev. 20:12) showing us that there will be others present who are found written in the book of life (Rev. 20:15). This is 1000 years after the first resurrection to immortality (Rev. 20:5). Everyone who has believed in the gospel (the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God) as their only source of salvation is guaranteed eternal life on the last day according to the promise of Christ in John 6:39; that he should lose nothing.
The fact that there are people found written in the postmillennial book of life after coming out of Hell proves they can be blotted out of the premillennial book of life; yet they will be raised to immortality on the last day (John 6:39-40) at the post-millennial Great White Throne as the Lord promised. This argument allows us to take both passages regarding the “book of life” at face value without manipulating and twisting them out of their respective context. The different books of life also correspond to the two different aspects of eternal life. There is a pre-millennial book of life pertaining to the millennium (Rev. 3:5) and there is a book of life pertaining to eternity (Rev. 20:15). Yet, in order for Christians to have part in the first resurrection they must earn it through effort and diligence:
Revelation 20: 6 Blessed and HOLY is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death (lake of fire) hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
There are no exceptions in Revelation 20: 6 as to those who shall have part in the first resurrection. Everyone who has part in first resurrection shall reign with Christ for a thousand years. There is simply no room in this verse for a group of Saints who do not reign with Christ, and still have a part in the first resurrection. Yet, we know from scripture (2 Timothy 2: 12, Romans 8: 13) that there will be real Christians who deny Christ by living life according to their own selfish desires. They shall not have part in the first resurrection:
Revelation 20:5-6 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. (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.
In Revelation 20: 5, “the rest of the dead who lived not again until the thousand years were finished” has reference to the unfaithful backslidden Saints (real Christians) who did not have part in the first resurrection. The phrase “lived not again until the thousand years were finished” indicate they will live again at the end of a thousand years. Although, this phrase could in a secondary sense refer to all Christians and non-Christians alike who do not have part in the first resurrection; it primarily in a specific sense refers to Christians who lose the kingdom because unbelievers will never live again in the sense they will be temporarily be raised, judged, and sent to the lake of fire after being in the prison of the underworld for 1000 years (Rev. 20: 13). The phrase “lived not again until the thousand years were finished” is referring to real Christians who lived after the flesh (Romans 8: 13). Those Christians who live life after the flesh will be temporarily be raised at Judgment Seat where they will be slain, and suffer various degrees of chastisement according to their degree of unfaithfulness. They will be raised to immortality on the last day at the second resurrection at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20: 15). The first resurrection is a reward earned through perseverance and diligence:
Philippians 3: 11-14 If by any means I MIGHT ATTAIN unto the resurrection of the dead. (12) Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (13) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
The resurrection of the dead is the “first resurrection” discussed earlier in Revelation 20: 4-6. The word attain according to Webster’s unabridged Dictionary:
(1) “to reach, achieve, or accomplish; gain; obtain; to obtain one’s goals. (2) to come to or arrive at, esp. after some labor or tedium.
The first resurrection should be the goal of every Christian but it is not a guarantee for every Christian. “I might attain” in grammar is a subjunctive mode. When something is expressed in the subjunctive mode there is some doubt as to its outcome. In vs. 14 of our text the apostle Paul also refers to the first resurrection as a prize. A prize is something that you labor for. A prize is something that is won in an athletic contest and is not given to you just because you are in the contest itself:
1Co 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: (27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be A CASTAWAY.
We are to run our race in such a way so that we may obtain the prize God has for us. The prize that is waiting for us is the opportunity to be raised to reward at the first resurrection and reign with Jesus Christ in His kingdom. Every Christian is in the race; yet there are many Christians who will not win the prize. Every Christian who does not win the prize shall be a CASTAWAY at the Judgment Seat of Christ. They shall not have part in the first resurrection:
Hebrews 11: 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
The better resurrection is the first resurrection. Do we understand what this is saying?: “others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they MIGHT (element of doubt as to its outcome) obtain a better resurrection?” It would be better for them to have part in the first resurrection, rather than wait for the second resurrection 1000 years later. If they did accept deliverance than they would not have part in the first resurrection; then they would be raised to immortality at the second resurrection (Revelation 20: 15, 1 Corinthians 15: 24). The first resurrection and pre-millennial glorification is conditioned upon suffering with Christ:
Romans 8: 17-18 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (18) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
This verse in no uncertain terms tells us that only those who suffer with Christ will be glorified at the first resurrection. Many Christians do not meet this condition because they end up yielding their life to their own selfish desires. We should live our life in such a way so we deny own selfish carnal desires and follow after the will of God (Matt. 7:21-23). There are many Christians who will not run the race set before them because they have been stumbled into believing the serious misconception that every Christian will be raised to glorification at the Judgment Seat of Christ:
Mat 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
One serious misconception that blood bought (1 Peter 1:18) children of God have believed is that every Christian will experience pre-millennial glorification at the rapture. This is a serious misconception because the bible does teach that at all. It was clearly stated in Rom 8:17 that suffering with Christ is a prerequisite to pre-millennial glorification. They have been deceived into thinking they have nothing left to fear and so they are disobedient to the command given in Peter’s first epistle:
1Peters 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
The average American Christian who believes in the Gospel has nothing left to fear because of the watered down version of the Judgment Seat that is taught in most churches. There are many churches that refuse to teach that every Christian must receive the things done in his body at the future Judgment Seat of Christ:
2Corinthians 5: 10-11 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his BODY, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (11) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
This negates any possibility that Christians are automatically raised in a glorified body because nobody has ever done any work in a glorified body. There are actually three kinds of bodies mention in scripture. First, you have the “body of death” (Rom. 7:24), than second you have the “natural body” (1 Cor.15:44) and finally you have the “spiritual body” (1 Cor.15:44). Currently we all dwell in a “body of death” that is subject to sin and decay. At the premillennial Judgment Seat of Christ every Christian is raised in a natural body (the kind of body Adam had before he sinned). Carefully note from scripture that we do not sow our body in this life:
1 Corinthians 15:35-37 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? (36) Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: (37) And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
The “bare grain” we sow is our soul. This is made clear in John 12:24-25:
Joh 12:24-25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat (bare grain) fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. (25) He that loveth his life (soul) shall lose it; and he that hateth his life (soul) in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
Carefully note the “bare grain” or the corn of wheat that must fall into ground and die is our soul. The word life in this text is the same Greek word used for soul in other passages of scripture. Our soul cannot be made alive in the millennium unless it dies in this life (1 Corinthians 15:36). If we allow our soul to die in this life, (by denying our own carnal desires) then we can have life in the world to come during the millennium and we will be raised to reward at the first resurrection.
It takes work and discipline to lose your soul in this world and so losing our soul is not a condition on what we need to do in order to receive eternal life at the second resurrection. This is a gift of God given to us when we place our trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ. If the apostle believed that all Christians were going to be raised into glorified spiritual bodies at the Judgment Seat he would have had no need to ask the question on how the dead are raised up in 1 Cor. 15:35? Paul was dealing with a very carnal church and they had the foolish notion they would be raised into spiritual bodies without their soul to dying in this life.
1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
It should be noted that the word “sown” in in the passive voice. This would indicate that we are the recipients of the action and not in any way acting upon ourselves. At the Judgment Seat of Christ God will sow our natural bodies in a baptism of fire (1 Cor. 3:13) before we can be raised into spiritual glorified bodies. Our soul cannot be quickened (live again) unless we lose it in this life. Only if we lose our soul in this life are we than able to be raised into a glorified body (Spiritual body). We saw earlier that pre-millennial glorification is depended on us suffering with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17). Carefully notice what Matthew says about what we need to do in order to save the soul:
Mat 16:24-27 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (25) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (26) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (27) For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
The biblical definition (vs. 24) for losing your soul in this life is equivalent to denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Jesus Christ. In order to deny yourself you must give up your own selfish desires and follow the will of Jesus Christ and do what pleases him. In the parable of the Sower in Luke 8:14 there are Saints of Jesus Christ who are choked by care, riches, and pleasures of this life. In order to lose our soul in this world we must avoid being entangled with cares, riches and pleasures of this life:
2 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
Every Christian who gets entangled with the affairs and pleasures of this world will suffer loss of his soul for 1000 years in the outer darkness and apostates and those who fall away from Jesus Christ will lose their soul and body in Gehenna:
1Co 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
1Corinthians 3:17 If any man defile the temple (by living after the flesh) of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
The destruction spoken of here is in context of the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Every Christian who defiles his temple (his body) with worldly and sinful living will suffer the loss and ruin of his soul at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Those Saints who become apostates and completely fall away will suffer the destruction of their soul and body in Gehenna for the millennium. The word “destroy” according to Webster’s third International Dictionary under the third definition simply means to “kill or slay. Other meanings for this word according to Strong’s Dictionary would be “pine, waste, defile, come to ruin. At the Judgment Seat of Christ unfaithful and backslidden Christians will be slain by the lake of fire before the throne. Carefully notice Matthew 24:
Mat 24:45-51 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? (46) Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. (47) Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. (48) But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; (49) And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; (lived life after the flesh) (50) The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, (51) And shall cut him asunder (second death), and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The servant in this parable has the potential of receiving the highest reward possible if he is faithful taking care of the flock God has entrusted him with (vs. 45-47). Yet, the same servant also has the possibility of receiving great chastisement at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary has the following meaning for the two word “cut asunder”: Apart; separate from each other; into parts; in two; separately; into or in different pieces or places. The words “cut asunder” was translated from the Greek word “dichotomeo.” The Manual Lexicon of the Greek New Testament has the following meaning:
When all Christians appear before the pre-millennial Judgment Seat of Christ there will be a reunification of their body, soul, and spirit. This apostate servant apparently fell away from Christ, rebelled against the word and even started persecuting his fellow-servants. This apostate servant of the Lord and other servants of the Lord who fall away from Christ (vs. 48) are “cut asunder” at the Judgment Seat; indicating that death takes place and there is a division of the body and soul.This servant of the Lord and other servants of the Lord who fall away from Christ will be hurt of the second death at the Judgment Seat of Christ(Rev. 2:11).Their soul will be allotted the blackness of darkness in Gehenna (Hell). This chastisement will be for 1000 years and at the end he will be restored to eternal life.
In this passage above the servant who is entrusted with a flock to care over has the potential of receiving the greatest reward if he is faithful or the greatest punishment if he is unfaithful to his calling. Our Lord clearly tells us that whoever much is given too much will be required from (Luke 12:48). It is also said of this unfaithful servant (vs. 51) that he began to “smite his fellow servants,” indicating he was persecuting other Christians. It is said in vs. 49 this servant began to eat and drink with the drunken indicating he maintained no line of separation between him and the world. He probable indulged himself in sins of the flesh as a result of result of eating and drinking with the drunken. Notice Gary Whipple’s observation concerning this passage:
It all begins when one says in his heart, “my Lord delays in His coming again.” These are teachers and preachers who no longer look for His second coming, as well as those who no longer believe that He is coming again in His literal body of flesh (2 John 1:7-9). This is the cause of the apostate church in these last days. For by doing away with a literal Second Coming and a literal king, the popular a-millennial teacher can then do away with a literal kingdom.
The next step in their fall is to smite their fellow servants. That is, they begin to attack repeatedly other pastors and teachers who teach and believe the word of the kingdom. They ridicule and scorn God’s Word. Then, as they continue to apostatize themselves, they fall to the lowest level where they begin to eat and drink with the drunken. This last state is a state of worldliness, i.e. identified with the world in every manner of lifestyle, including idolatry.
God now tells us in verses 50 and 51 what is to become of these rebels. First, He is going to surprise them at His coming (the rapture). Secondly, He is going to cut them asunder (Gr. “dichotomeo” meaning to bisect), i.e. literally slay them by separating or bisecting their soul from the body. Thirdly, He is going to appoint (Gr. “tithemi,” meaning to place properly in a passive or horizontal posture) their portion (Gr. ‘meros,’ meaning an allotment or share) with the hypocrites.
This scripture (Greek text) tells us very plainly, that these apostates will be slain then, their bodies will be placed in a horizontal position in Gehenna. Finally, it appears from this scripture and others (Psalm 88), that their souls will be allotted a division of darkness with the remainder of the hypocrites (those who were acting under an assumed character). This allotment will be for a thousand years. (Shock and Surprise Beyond the Rapture: Gary Whipple; Pgs. 176-177).
I think the main point of the passage is that God has entrusted us with something to take care of. Pastors have the potential of bringing many people closer to Jesus Christ or on the other hand leading many people away from Jesus Christ. This would explain why they could receive the greatest reward or the greatest punishment at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If you are married than God has entrusted you with a family and children to take nourish and take care of. This would also include spiritual nourishment as it is no profit to take care of your family’s physical needs without taking care of their spiritual needs. Notice a parallel passage in the gospel of Luke:
Luke 12:42-46 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? (43) Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. (44) Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. (45) But and if THAT SERVANT (the same servant as in vs. 43) say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; (46) The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, (second death) and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
Notice from vs. 46 that this servant who remains faithful will be made ruler over all Jesus Christ has. For a complete structure of the different levels of rewards in the millennial kingdom I recommend you read Gary Whipple’s book, Shock and Surprise beyond the Rapture. In this book he gives a complete structural analysis of both the rewards and different punishment’s in the kingdom.
In vs. 46 this servant of the Lord is “cut in sunder.” When he appears before the pre-millennial Judgment Seat he will burn in a fiery second death where there will be a division of his body and soul (cut in sunder). We need to take the word at face value rather than manipulate “cut in sunder” into stinging rebuke as some have tried to do in order to evade the teaching of a second death for unfaithful Pastors when they appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Notice that vs. 45 is talking about the same servant as vs. 43; this indicates that this servant was at one time faithful (a real Christian) and he became unfaithful. This is proof that the Lord is dealing with a saved person in this parable and so this is an indisputable warning about a real Christians being hurt of the second death at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
If we remain faithful during tribulation, persecution and temptation than our faith is strengthened and we are building on the foundation gold (1 Cor. 3:13). We will be raised into a “natural body” at the Judgment Seat of Christ; then we will be tried with fire and if our faith remains firm until the end than we will translated into a glorified boy at the Judgment Seat of Christ. We will receive the salvation of our soul:
1 Peter 1:6-9 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: (7) That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
The word “manifold” in vs. 6 refers to temptations (trials) that are diversified or varied in character. This could also include persecution and affliction. God allows these temptations into our life in order to prune us and prove the quality of our faith. The word “might” in vs. 7 is in the subjunctive mood indicating that our faith may not be found unto praise honor and glory if it is not cultivated and grows as it should. Ultimately our faith will be tried with fire at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Carefully notice from vs. 7 that our “faith” is likened unto gold. When we remain faithful during these appointed temptations than we are faith is strengthened and we are building on our foundation gold (1 Cor. 3:13). Carefully note from verse 9 that we do not receive the salvation of our souls until the end of our faith. The end of our faith is at the pre-millennial Judgment Seat where we will stand before our Savior face to face and will have our work tried in the lake of fire before God’s Judgment Throne. Thus the salvation of our soul is connected with rewards at the Judgment Seat. This is clearly shown in Matthew 16:24-27. Only Christians who have been proven to be to faithful to Jesus Christ will be translated into a glorified body at this pre-millennial Judgment Seat:
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
We may have been appointed to persecution and affliction under God’s sovereignty Such trials in the Christian life are the Lord’s way of refining our character and building or faith. We should accept these as God’s way of chastening us and not complain about the process. Like Job we could even suffer as a result of satanic interferences in our life:
Job 1:12-21 And the LORD said unto Satan: ‘Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thy hand.’ So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. (13) And it fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house, (14) that there came a messenger unto Job, and said: ‘The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them; (15) and the Sabeans made a raid, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.’ (16) While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said: ‘A fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.’ (17) While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said: ‘The Chaldeans set themselves in three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have taken them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.’ (18) While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said: ‘Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house; (19) And, behold, there came a great wind from across the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.’ (20) Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped; (21) And he said; naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither; the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
This passage is a model for our own edification. God allows Satan to inflict us with financial difficulties and other losses in order to prove the quality of our faith. There are some Christians who like Job who are able to exercise faith in the toughest of circumstances. When they appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ they will be like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego because the fire will have no power over them and their faith will be found unto praise, honor, and glory at the Pre-millennial Judgment Seat:
1Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, MIGHT (element of uncertainty) be found unto praise and honour and GLORY at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
There are Christians who are like Job, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego in that they are faithful too Jesus Christ during persecution, affliction and temptations of life. Their faith is not made shipwreck like other Christians who fall away during these difficulties (Mark 4:16-17). They are building on their foundation gold:
1 Corinthians 3:12-13 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
Other Christians who were not able to “overcome” these various difficulties and afflictions and will end up falling away (without remediation or repentance); after they fall away they end up living life according to their own fleshly desires. They are in danger of coming under the power of the “second death” during the millennium. They will not be raised to glorification at the first resurrection.
Revelation 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.
There are a number of bible students who believe in rewards that teach that all Christians are raised in the first resurrection. They interpret the word “part” as a “lot” or Inheritance” in the first resurrection; according to them this indicates that unfaithful Saints will be included in the first resurrection and not have an inheritance in the first resurrection. This really is a big stretch to say the least because in other scriptures it clearly shows us there will be Christians who suffer second death. In Matthew 24:45-51 there will be unfaithful servants who are cut asunder and appointed their portion with the hypocrites. In Revelation 3:5 there are those who are blotted out of the book of life and in Rev. 2:11 there are those who suffer the second death.
The idea that everyone Christian is in the first resurrection is a contradiction to many other scriptures and in contradiction to what takes place at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:12-15). In this Judgment there are those who come out of either death or hell and then are found written in the post-millennial book of life. Once again, carefully notice Revelation 2:11-12:
Rev 2:10-11 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (11) 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.
Therefore every Christian who is NOT FAITHFUL unto death will not receive a crown of life. The opposite of life is death; therefore every Christian who is not faithful unto death through affliction, persecution, and temptation (Matt. 13:20-21) without repentance remediation or remediation will be hurt of the second death at the Judgment Seat of Christ. They will have “saved their soul” in this life and will lose it in the world to come. They will have lived life after the flesh and as a result will die during the 1000 year millennium:
Romans 8:12-13 Therefore, brethren, (real Christians) we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. (13) For if ye (real Christians) live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
The verb tense “ye shall die” is a future tense referring to a death that will take place in the future. We know this cannot refer to death in this life because everyone will die in this life, (first death) including Christians who live very holy lives. It is referring to death during the 1000 year millennium. There are two aspects of the second death: some will lose their soul in the outer darkness and others will lose both soul and body in Gehenna (Hell). In Jude 13 it is referred to as the blackness of darkness. The verb tense “ye shall live” is also a future verb tense referring to a life given in the future. The “life” spoken of here will be given at the first resurrection. Therefore the first resurrection is only given to those who through the Spirit put to death the deeds of the body:
Col 3:5-10 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (6) For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: (7) In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. (8) But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. (9) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; (10) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
We are commanded in Colossians 3:10 to put on the new man. Otherwise we cannot mortify the deeds of our body on our own. We cannot do this on our own. We must always stay connected to the vine. We must abide in Christ and allow Him to produce spiritual fruit in us. He must increase and we must decrease (John 3:30). There are many Christians who do not mortify the deeds of the body by the Spirit so they end up living after the flesh. They will come under the power of the second death for 1000 years at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The teaching of the second death at the Judgment Seat has not been properly understood by many in Christian’s churches. That being said the clearest passage in the New Testament clearly teaches that unfaithful Christians who suffer loss at the Judgment Seat will come under the power of suffer the second death:
1Corinthians 3: 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
1Corinthians 3: 15-17 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (16) Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (17) If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Every Christian who lived according to the flesh will have his work burned at the Judgment Seat of Christ and he will come under the power of the second death. The context in vs. 17 clearly reveals this when it says “if any man defile (through fleshly living) the temple (his body) of God, him shall God destroy.” The word “destroy” does not necessarily mean annihilate as can be verified in many English Dictionaries. For example, from Webster’s unabridged Dictionary under the 3rd entry it gives “kill or slay” as a meaning of destroy. Every unfaithful Christian (who lived according to the flesh) will pass through the “lake of Fire” before the Judgment Seat, and as they pass through the “lake of Fire” many will lose their “soul and spend the millenium in the outer darkness and some will lose both soul and body in Hell; their soul being allotted the blackness of darkness for 1000 years.
Any Christian who does not mortify his members (Colossians 3:5) will end up living after the flesh so he shall die at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The bible tells us “If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss.” (1 Corinthians 3:15). Since a man’s work cannot burn apart from the body that did the evil work; the “body” itself of every carnal Christian will reveal that the works were evil, when it “burns” in a fiery second death at the Judgment Seat. He will lose his soul and body and will be hurt of the second death (Rev. 2:11). This is explained two verses later:
1Corinthians 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
This is in the same context as vs. 15 and should be understood as an amplification of what happens to the person who suffers loss at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Every Christian who has lived after the flesh will suffer temporary destruction at the Judgment Seat of Christ. As he passes through the “lake of fire” that is before God’s throne he will lose his soul and body. Although this was covered before notice what happens to the unfaithful servant in Matthew chapter twenty four:
Mat 24:48-51 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; (49) And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; (50) The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, (51) And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The unfaithful servant is cut asunder and so there is a separation of his soul and body. He comes under the power of the second death because he was not an overcomer (Rev. 2:11). He then is appointed his portion with the hypocrite in either the outer darkness (Matthew 25:30) or in Gehenna (Hell-Matthew 5:29-30) for 1000 years. After 1000 years he will be raised to glorification at the post-millennial Great White Throne Judgment where he will be found written in the book of life:
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
In different places of his study Bible C.I. Scofield indicated that unfaithful Christians works will be judged but the unfaithful Christian will not be judged. Because of the popularity of his bible this teaching has been erroneously taught and many churches and should be corrected. In his book the Dualism of Eternal life, S.S. Craig gives an adequate response to this false notion:
The third proof text used by the Doctor is Matt. 10:12 and it has no bearing on the subject whatever. Eph. 6:8 has reference to the Christian’s good deeds, but says nothing of the evil; and the other three passages affirm the very opposite of the Doctor’s contention. How very emphatic is Col.3:25: “But He that doeth wrong (assuming that he has not made it right) shall receive for the wrong which he hath done, and there is no respect of persons.” Surely that is plain enough. Those who hold the theory in question say it is the believer’s works and not his person that is to be judged. Is it conceivable that an evil work, apart from the person who does it, can be judged, the sentence executed and justice satisfied thereby? How would the theory work in civil jurisprudence? Suppose society should say, “We will let the murderer go free, but we will judge and punish the deed.” (The Dualism of Eternal life: S.S. Craig; Pgs. 51-52, Electronic Version in PDF format).
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