"Don't Die Twice"
Introduction
Last week we talked about sin, and we know that the wages of sin is death. Now these aren’t the most pleasant topics, but DEATH is something that we all must face and the Bible isn’t shy to talk about such things.
How many deaths are there?
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.
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.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and emurderers, and fwhoremongers, and gsorcerers, and idolaters, and hall liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.
What is Death? Creation in reverse.
7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
First Death/Physical is like a sleep
Jesus has power over the first death
The Two Resurrections
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Jesus died the Second Death
Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, kprepared for the devil and mhis angels:
17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “HE HIMSELF TOOK OUR INFIRMITIES AND CARRIED AWAY OUR DISEASES.”
Throughout His life on earth He had walked in the light of God’s presence. When in conflict with men who were inspired by the very spirit of Satan, He could say, “He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” John 8:29. But now He seemed to be shut out from the light of God’s sustaining presence. Now He was numbered with the transgressors. The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear. Upon Him who knew no sin must be laid the iniquity of us all. So dreadful does sin appear to Him, so great is the weight of guilt which He must bear, that He is tempted to fear it will shut Him out forever from His Father’s love. Feeling how terrible is the wrath of God against transgression, He exclaims, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.”
He felt that by sin He was being separated from His Father. The gulf was so broad, so black, so deep, that His spirit shuddered before it. This agony He must not exert His divine power to escape. As man He must suffer the consequences of man’s sin. As man He must endure the wrath of God against transgression.
As the substitute and surety for sinful man, Christ was suffering under divine justice. He saw what justice meant. Hitherto He had been as an intercessor for others; now He longed to have an intercessor for Himself.
The conflict was terrible. Its measure was the guilt of His nation, of His accusers and betrayer, the guilt of a world lying in wickedness. The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God’s wrath against sin was crushing out His life.
9 But we see Jesus, vwho was made a little lower than the angels vfor the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
God created us for FOREVER, to live.
25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
Close
He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
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.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit yall things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.