Some, overlooking the fact that God is just as well as loving, have arranged a theory for the ultimate eternal salvation of all men; and, anxious to hold their theory, they are in danger of neglecting the Scriptural doctrine of a second or everlasting death, for which there is no sacrifice and no promised redemption. These tell us that the “second death” is a symbol, and is used in speaking of symbols; hence, it cannot be understood as applying to mankind, but to systems.

It is a matter of regret, that a desire to uphold a theory should lead any one to take this ground, for it is not true. Nowhere is second death applied to symbols or systems. We demand a Scripture for such an assertion.

The nearest conception of this we can find is that it is stated that (the symbol), the lake of fire, represents or typlifies (the reality) the second death, and that the Beast and the false prophet (false church systems) were cast into the lake of fire (Rev 19:20), but this is only used in a symbolic sense to represent their ultimate destruction, they were not actually cast into second death itself, an impossibility as is explain below. Second death is neither a symbol nor a system; it is a reality.

As a proof of its use relative to systems, we are referred to Rev 20:14,15; and 21:8. We recognize the fact that this book is full of symbols and word-pictures, but its pictures are full of meaning; and it abounds also in literal statements. This is no excuse, however, for ignoring its teachings as meaningless. If systems are mentioned as dying a second death, it would prove that such systems had once existed, died, revived, and then died again. Many false systems now exist, which must die with this evil age. But will such evil systems come to life again, and flourish during the Millennial reign of Christ, and need at some future time to die a second death?

Nay, verily. But all should notice that the expression “second death” or any equivalent expression is never used in the Bible with reference to systems.

There is not the semblance of a system connected with the account of the second death in the above references. One reads: “And death and hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, even the lake of fire. And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.”

Here the words “lake of fire,” are used symbolically, as elsewhere, to represent destruction; but no systems are mentioned as being destroyed here. The scene is laid in the Millennial Age, when, under the reign of Jesus and his Bride, Satan is bound, and the White Throne (reign of righteousness) is established in the earth. Then the dead, small and great, being brought forth from death and hades, are judged or tried by the opened books – the Scriptures. Then a record will be made of all worthy of ever-lasting life as God’s human sons – called a book, or record of life, or of those worthy of life.

[A book or record of life is made during this Gospel Age also – but a different one entirely. The one now being made is of those accounted worthy of the new nature – to be changed from human to divine beings. Hence, we see that there are two books of life – one for the overcomers of this age – new divine creatures, and “another” book of life for those who are counted worthy in the next age.]

As the work of raising mankind out of the Adamic death and the tomb progresses – they (death, and hades – the grave) are said to be destroyed or “plagued,” or cast into a lake of fire – cast into destruction. When the last one has been delivered from the power of Adamic death and the tomb, then the lake of fire [the judgment] will have destroyed death. But while the judgment of God (symbolized by fire) will thus destroy the Adamic death, it will also be the agency for destroying all men unworthy of life. And thus, it is that it is to them the second death, as we read – This is the second death, even the lake of fire. And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev 20:14, 15).

In the succeeding chapter we have a pen-picture of the Millennial Age, in which the church and her Head – Jesus – are in glory, and the throne or kingdom of God is established among men. Through this glorified church, God dwells with men, and the Millennial Age of blessing progresses. During that age the former things (sorrow, pain, and death as results of Adamic sin) pass away, and death (Adamic death) shall be no more. (Rev 21:4). This is accomplished by him that sits in the throne – the Christ, head and body; hence it cannot in any sense belong to this age, when we pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth.” It must belong to the coming age, when the words of the Master will be fulfilled: “Fear not, little flock, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Speaking of those of that Millennial Age who overcome, or are found worthy of life, we read that they shall be God’s sons – earthly sons, as Adam before he sinned was an earthly son. (Luke 3:38; and 1 Cor 15:47,48). Then, speaking of the class found unworthy of life in the close of the Millennium, after having enjoyed all its privileges and favors, we read – “The fearful, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars – their part shall be in the lake that burned with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.” The judgments of God which shall devour these, are here, as elsewhere, represented by the two most destructive agencies known. (Fire is everywhere a figure of destruction, and burning brimstone is the deadliest agency known. It destroys every form of life.) This is the second death, because as we were just informed in Rev 21:4 the general death – Adamic – was no more – it had been completely destroyed by taking out of it the entire race.

Who can object to this decree of Justice, that all who will not come into harmony with the God of love and his loving plans when full knowledge and ability are possessed, should be cut off from life – die for their own sins – the second death. God will have a clean, sinless universe, all harmonious, all perfect; and to accomplish this he must either coerce men, or destroy those who would require coercion. He tells us that the latter is his plan, and it becomes us to assent to it.

Does someone say that God’s mercy endures forever, and he will raise men from the second death, and give them further opportunity?

We answer that if sin is willfully and persistently pursued regardless of knowledge, regardless of ability to do right, regardless of punishments, it would be useless to repeat the same operation. Besides this, we have shown that a ransom price and redeemer would be necessary for each sinner, and God reveals no such plan in his Word.

Is it best to attempt to be wise above what is written?

Does not every Scripture bearing on the subject teach that Christ and his Bride will reign a thousand years, and that in that thousand years all evil and every enemy of righteousness shall be destroyed – even death [Adamic] the great enemy?

Then the entire earth and its nations – all whose names are in the second book of life (the others being destroyed by the second death) will be delivered up to God, even the Father. 1 Cor 15:28; and Rev 20:4. Though Lazarus and various others who were brought to life, died again, theirs was not a second death, because they were never fully brought from under the dominion of the first, or Adamic death. They were merely aroused for a time from the unconsciousness of death, to a small measure of life, soon to relapse again to sleep until the morning when Adamic death shall be swallowed up in victory.” R381