Q8. What happens to the dead who never accepted Jesus as their Savior, or who did not remain faithful to Him?

Picture: Q8. What happens to the dead who never accepted Jesus as their Savior, or who did not remain faithful to Him?JTLD 100.1

The Bible describes two separate general resurrections. At His Second Coming, those who have died with faith in Jesus will be raised in the first resurrection (Revelation 20:6). One thousand years after Jesus’ appearing (see My Journey to Life, Step 6—The Second Coming), there will be a resurrection of condemnation for the unjust. This is the second general resurrection which takes place at the end of the millennium (John 5:29). Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life will be raised at this time and “cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15) to experience the second death.JTLD 100.2

The good news is that no one needs to experience the resurrection of condemnation. God tells us how to escape: “Repent! Turn away from all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die?... For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!” (Ezekiel 18:30-32, NIV) Jesus promises that “he who overcomes shall not be hurt at all by the second death” (Revelation 2:11).JTLD 100.3