The Evangelical Universalist Forum

Is the lake of fire literal death or figurative death?

Evangelical Universalism
#1

I am curious what some of you believe. This is not an “I’m right” and “you’re wrong” thread. It is just a thread about how we view the 2nd death in Revelation.

I personally believe it is a literal death and that those interred in that death will not come forth until death is abolished per 1 Corinthians 15:26 and it is then that they, as a group, are subjected to Christ and then God will finally be All in all per 15:28.

But some people think that that death is figurative; that these people are still alive during that time. If that is your position, can you explain why you believe they are still alive while in the 2nd death?

#2

577 views & no replies…hmmm…

Well, grasshopper - obi/wan, it’s like this:

“Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future…”
– Yoda

Fear is the path to the dark side…fear leads to anger…anger leads to hate…hate leads to suffering. – Yoda

#3

Rev.21:5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

Is “all” already made completely new (21:5), immortal & incorruptible when nations still need healing from the leaves of trees (22:2; Ezek.47:12)? Has death and reigning been abolished (1 Cor.15:24-26) while reigning continues (22:3-5 & 21:23,24)?

Verse 8 refers back to what already transpired in Revelation 20:13-15. And gives additional info re what persons will be cast into the lake of fire, calling it the second death. If death is gone (21:4), then why does the author refer to death again in 21:8?

It is a mistake to assume chapters 20-22 of Revelation are written in chronological order.

If everyone’s destinies are finalized at 21:4-5, then why does God say in verse 6 “to him who is thirsting, will give of the fountain of the water of the life freely”? Because those in the lake of fire (21:8; 20:13-15) can still be saved? The gates into the holy city are never shut (21:25).

If 21:4 refers only to the saved at that time, verse 5 says in various translations God is “making ALL” new. And there is still death which hasn’t been abolished yet (1 Cor.15:22-28).

1 Cor 15:28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.