S) "14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
Revelation 20:14-15 (NASB)
O) Similar to the end of the beast and the false prophet, and then the end of their army that followed them, these verses are at once a promise and a warning. The promise, is that one day death and Hades will be ended, thrown into the lake of fire. The struggle of human existence as we know it, will be over. No longer will we wonder about the after life. No longer will we deal with mortality. The mystery will be over. That is a promise. The warning, is that those whose names are not found in the book of life, they will also be thrown into the lake of fire. Just as I mentioned yesterday, regarding Revelation 19:20-21, the passage above (combined w/vv.5-6), may support the idea of utter annihilation for those doomed to the lake of fire. A little earlier in this chapter (v.10), the devil is certainly said to be tormented for eternity, and it seems likely that the beast and false prophet also share that fate. However, this mention of the second death, and the comparison to those who will not suffer the second death being the followers of Christ, this does leave it open to the possibility that if their names are not found in the book of life, they are destroyed in the lake of fire. After all, this chapter is very clear that the devil (and probably the beast and false prophet) will suffer eternally. It does not include that description for those people who are cast in. Likewise, the people are said to suffer the second death, but the devil, false prophet, and beast, are not said to suffer a second death when they are thrown into it.
A) Like my conclusion yesterday, I still don't want people to be thrown into the lake of fire, regardless of what happens to them when they hit the flames. I don't want them to suffer, I don't want them to be annihilated. This is because I would much rather see them live eternally with Jesus! If people come to submission under the lordship of Christ, because they are afraid of suffering in hell, or being annihilated, then I suppose that is still a victory and reason to celebrate. However, if a person continues in their walk with Jesus only because they are afraid of hell, then I don't think that is really sustainable. Fear, as a motivation, doesn't last very long (in the big picture). It is much more important to submit to King Jesus because we love Him, and we understand His love for us. Love is a perfect motivator. The verses above are cause for me to celebrate, in that I know with certainty that there is an end to come. I know that there will be a time when the struggle of humanity will be past us. There will be a time when I no longer wonder about eternity. That is a comfort to me, because it lets me let go. I don't have to debate it. Similarly, I don't have to know exactly what happens in hell, because I'm certainly not going there. I can be certain of that because of the love I share with Jesus. He loves me, and I love Him. That love will not change, even if I am not always good at acting out my love. I want my life to glorify God, not only because I fear and revere Him as my Creator, but because of the love in my life. Love is a much more appealing attribute in me, as a Christian, than any fear I might express.
P) Father, thank You for these promises, Lord God. Thank You for revealing the end of the story. Thank You for promises, that death and Hades will be ended. Thank You for the promises that the devil will be permanently judged and ended. Thank You for promising that I will live forever in eternity with You. Help me to heed this warning, even though my own salvation is secure in my relationship with Jesus. Help me to heed the warning, that it would affect how I share the gospel, and why I share the gospel. Not only that I want no one to go to hell, whether it's eternal torment or annihilation, but let this contrast be motivation to share the gospel that others would receive an eternity of love, and an eternity of relationship with You. Open my eyes and ears, that I would be more and more obedient to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let me boldly share the gospel, and Your love in my life. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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