The lake of fire is . . . (woman, churches, Revelation, Christ)
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DEATH may be literal or figurative. In the statement "let the
dead bury their dead" (Matt.8:22) it is first used figuratively
and then literally. The literal dead could not bury their dead.
Neither would our Lord countenance the burial of the figuratively
dead. It is important that we determine in each instance whether
literal or figurative death is in view.
LITERAL DEATH
In deciding this point as to the second death it will help us
to note that the phrase "this is the second death" is an explanation of what the lake of fire is. We have quite a few
such explanations in the book of the Revelation. They
are of two kinds; explanations of figures and explanations of
literal facts. The important point for us to note is that, in no
case, is the explanation figurative. The seven stars (Rev.1:
20) are figures; those they represent, the "angels" or messengers,
are literal. So with the lampstands and the ecclesias or
"churches" (Rev.1:20). The statement "the horns are ten kings"
stamps the beast with the horns as a figure and the ten kings as
literal (Rev.17:12). Likewise, the waters which John saw may not
be real water, but the peoples and multitudes and nations are just
what these words ordinarily imply (Rev.17:15). So with great
Babylon. When we read, "the woman which thou sawest is the
great city" let us rest content with God's explanation and refuse
to explain it further (Rev.17:18).
If the messengers and the ecclesias and the kings and the peoples
are literal, then the city must also be a literal city and not
some religious system or ecclesiastical power.
By this test, the Divine explanation of the lake of fire must
be literal death. (A.E. Knoch, Unsearchable Riches, vol.55, p.153)
Hmmmmm......so the resurrection of the dead from the Sea, Death and Hades, suffer a literal, body death, when they are already dead?
Sciotamicks,
It is 'the lake of fire' that is not a literal lake of fire, the explanation of what it is is that it is 'the second death' that does not mean that 'the second death' is the death of a physical flesh and blood body though.
When the sea and death and hades give up their dead -- they are not resurrected at that stage - they are still dead -- it says the dead are judged and in a previous verse it says that the dead do not live again until the thousands years are over. They do live again but not until after they are judged.
sciotamicks,
The dead are standing before the throne. Literal dead people do not stand. The phrase "the dead" is a figure of speech which is telling us of that group which represents all the dead who are now raised to life to stand before the throne.
They can't learn anything concerning their acts while being judged (set right) if they are literally dead while before the throne.
Likewise death and hades being cast into the second death is representative of all who were interred in death and hades.
So they died once. They are brought back to life, judged and enter death again, that death being their second death. It is a literal death.
Look what happens right after the lake of fire happens.
Rev. 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
21.1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
The lake of fire is beautiful thing. Everything that exalts itself against perfect love is consumed away into smoke. A new age dawns where the kingdom of perfect love reigns. No more tears no more pain.
Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
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Quote:
Originally Posted by meerkat2
Sciotamicks,
It is 'the lake of fire' that is not a literal lake of fire, the explanation of what it is is that it is 'the second death' that does not mean that 'the second death' is the death of a physical flesh and blood body though.
When the sea and death and hades give up their dead -- they are not resurrected at that stage - they are still dead -- it says the dead are judged and in a previous verse it says that the dead do not live again until the thousands years are over. They do live again but not until after they are judged.
Matthew 25:41-46 speaks of people STANDING before the throne of Christ before they are judged. This is also the judgement where he says 'I never knew you.etc' so it seems to indicate there will indeed be a resurrection.
Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
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Reputation: 11862
Quote:
Originally Posted by firstborn888
Look what happens right after the lake of fire happens.
Rev. 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
21.1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
The lake of fire is beautiful thing. Everything that exalts itself against perfect love is consumed away into smoke. A new age dawns where the kingdom of perfect love reigns. No more tears no more pain.
What about when Christ purportedly says 'outside are the dogs, murderers etc...' near the very end of Revelation?
What about when Christ purportedly says 'outside are the dogs, murderers etc...' near the very end of Revelation?
The prophesy reverts back in time to before His coming and before the LOF:
"12 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."
14Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
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