Bible Study Seattle

Is there second death in heaven? This scripture suggests no:

“Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of the Messiah, and they will reign with Him for 1,000 years.” Revelation 20:6

But what about judgement?

“For we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or worthless.” 2 Corinthians 5:10

“For the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s household.” 1 Peter 4:17

Judgement involves the possibility of condemnation. How do we square these scriptures? One possibility is that the phrase ‘the second death has no power over them’ was inserted later than the apostles’ time. Another possibility is that the 1,000 years is referencing the 1,000 year Jubilee after the 1,000 year Sabbath.

We think Revelation 20:6 was altered. God went out of his way to warn the scribes:

“I testify to everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this prophetic book, God will take away his share of the tree of life and the holy city, written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19

Revelation was tampered with before the 300s so there is no manuscript proof. But at the resurrection we will learn who and what was changed.