The Death of Death

Theologian Helmut Thielicke said that death, although common, is unnatural. “This is what the Bible teaches us with uncompromising firmness: the death of man points to an ultimate disorder; it should not be, the dark boundary posts should not stand between us and the eternal life of God.”

In today’s passage we read about the impending death of death itself. Once Satan is consigned to the lake of burning sulfur, a second resurrection takes place, and with it a judgment. These are the remaining dead who were not included in the first resurrection, which only included believers.

The text uses curious language to describe the basis upon which judgment will be made when it speaks of different books. First, “The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books” (v. 12). Scripture warns that this is a condemning record. It proves how far we have fallen short of the righteousness of God (see Rom. 3:23). The other book is called “the book of life” or “the Lamb’s book of life” (Rev. 21:27). This is God’s record of acquittal. All those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life belong to the Lamb. Their sins have been covered by His blood.

In other words, we will either be judged according to the standard of what we have done and be declared guilty, or our judgment will be based on what Christ has done for us and we will be acquitted. Only those who are willing to let Christ stand in their place will escape the condemnation of the final judgment.

After this final judgment, death’s reign will be ended. Death was introduced into the human race when Satan tempted Eve, and Adam disobeyed. With Satan’s consignment to the Lake of Fire, death’s reign of terror is ended.

Pray with Us

Today, we focus our prayers on Moody’s Health Service staff: Ann Meyer and Kevin Thomas. We are grateful for their medical expertise, wisdom, and compassion when helping Moody’s students and employees.

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.