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We are Given Life Without End, December 26
He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Revelation 2:11
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“The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through
Jesus Christ our Lord.” While life is the inheritance of the righteous, death
is the portion of the wicked. Moses declared to Israel, “I have set before
thee this day life and good, and death and evil.” The death referred to in
these scriptures is not that pronounced upon Adam, for all mankind suffer
the penalty of his transgression. It is the “second death” that is placed in
contrast with everlasting life.
In consequence of Adam’s sin, death passed upon the whole human
race. All alike go down into the grave. And through the provisions of the
plan of salvation, all are to be brought forth from their graves. “There
shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust,” “for as in
Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” But a distinction
is made between the two classes that are brought forth. “All that are in
the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done
good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the
resurrection of damnation.” They who have been “accounted worthy” of
the resurrection of life, are “blessed and holy.” “On such the second death
hath no power.” But those who have not, through repentance and faith,
secured pardon, must receive the penalty of transgression
Said the angel, “Satan is the root, his children are the branches. They
are now consumed root and branch. They have died an everlasting death.
They are never to have a resurrection, and God will have a clean universe.”
... And all the redeemed host, old and young, great and small, cast their
glittering crowns at the feet of their Redeemer, and prostrated themselves
in adoration before Him, and worshiped Him that liveth forever and ever.
The beautiful new earth, with all its glory, was the eternal inheritance of
the saints
[368]
52
The Great Controversy, 544
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53
Early Writings, 295
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381