April 23

Charles Spurgeon · Faith's Checkbook

Revelation 2:11

NO FEAR OF DEATH

   "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"
   Rev. 2:11

   The first death we must endure unless the Lord should suddenly come to
   His temple. For this let us abide in readiness, awaiting it without
   fear, since Jesus has transformed death from a dreary cavern into a
   passage leading to glory.

   The thing to be feared is not the first, but the second death; not the
   parting of the soul from the body, but the final separation of the
   entire man from God. This is death indeed. This death kills all peace,
   joy, happiness, hope. When God is gone all is gone. Such a death is far
   worse than ceasing to be: it is existence without the life which makes
   existence worth the having.

   Now, if by God's grace we fight on to the end, and conquer in the
   glorious war, no second death can lay its chill finger upon us. We
   shall have no fear of death and hell, for we shall receive a crown of
   life which fadeth not away. How this nerves us for the fight! Eternal
   life is worth a life's battle. To escape the hurt of the second death
   is a thing worth struggling for throughout a lifetime.

   Lord, give us faith, so that we may overcome, and then grant us grace
   to remain unharmed though sin and Satan dog our heels!