The term second death is only mentioned three times in the Bible, all in the book of Revelation. It appears to be the final and eternal destiny of the wicked. Though some think that final destruction is annihilation, the Scripture says that their state will be eternal and conscious (Rev. 10:10). The second death is being judged and cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14).

Let’s take a look at the three occurrences.

1. Revelation 2:11, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.”
2. Revelation 20:6, “Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.”
3. Revelation 20:14, “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.”

There are different people who are cast into the lake of fire, per Rev. 20:14.  They are the false prophet along with those who worshipped his image (Rev. 19:20). In addition, the devil, the beast (Rev. 20:10), all who are not found in the book of life (Rev. 20:15), murderers, the immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and liars (Rev. 21:8) are all cast into the Lake.

What is interesting is how death and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire which burns with fire and brimstone (Rev. 21:8).  It appears that death, physical death, will cease and Hades will be no more.  I think the phrase “thrown in” is metaphoric for the final judgment where all that is against God’s initial goal of perfection and holiness, is removed.

What is the first death?

It would appear that the first death is physical death. However, there is no phrase “first death” that occurs in the Bible. But, would appear to be the result of the fall of Adam and Eve. God told Adam that if he were to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he would die (Gen. 2:17).  He ate and he died. Therefore, all people died in Adam (Rom. 5:19; 1 Cor. 15:22).

• Genesis 2:17, “but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”
• Romans 5:19, “For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:22, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”