Born Once, Die Twice. Born Twice, Die Once.

From the heart of Dr. R. L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. The title of this message is both biblically accurate and intriguing. Let me explain. Born once, die twice refers to individuals who have only experienced natural birth. They live a physical life and will die physically, but they will also experience the second death, which is a spiritual death, often described as eternal separation from God. Born twice, die once, refers to individuals who have experienced both natural birth and a spiritual rebirth, often referred to as “being born again” or “being born of the Spirit.” They will still die physically, but their soul will experience eternal life with God, avoiding the second death. Born twice speaks of being born physically, and born again spiritually. Jesus told a man named Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Born again is the second birth. Without the second birth, you will die twice. It’s called the second death. What a tragedy! Born once, die twice, (physically, and spiritually in eternal death). The second death is mentioned on multiple occasions in the book of Revelation and is synonymous with the lake of fire. It is a “death” in that it is a separation from God, the Giver of life. It is called the “second” one because it follows physical death. John explains the second death in the most detail: “The cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). Having only one birth means your name is omitted from the book of life. Only those who’ve been given spiritual and eternal life are found in the book of life. Speaking of the second death, John also says, “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:14-15).  Every person not included in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire (second death). The fate of the ungodly is sealed; their names are not in the book of life; their punishment is sure. This condition will be final; the destination is permanent. In summary, the second death is a reference to the lake of fire where those who are separated from God by their sin will dwell for eternity. This judgment is recorded in Scripture as a warning to unbelievers to seek the salvation that Jesus provides. The coming judgment should also challenge believers to share their faith. There is a vast difference between the final destination of those who know Christ and those who do not. Be encouraged!