Then the Bible is false by such reckoning, for if the Second Death is not final - then there is no need for a Savior, because life exists whether we bow to Him or not.
I do not subscribe to the tradition, whereby it is impossible to die because all live forever. Does scripture really teach life continues for eternity regardless of whether you are wicked or righteous? Only the place you go differs? That does not comport with my understanding of scripture.
The wages of sin is DEATH according to the bible. We've all earned death. That is why we need a Savior. It does not state that the wages of sin are eternal life in hellfire for those who are wicked. Unless you chose to redefine what death is as some do, i.e.; eternal separation from God. Yet the bible tells us that there is no consciousness or knowledge when dead. Just cessation from existing.
In any case, it makes no logical sense for the saints to await a resurrection if there is no need for one. We live forever according to tradition - only the place and the well being of the individual changes; one to eternal bliss and one to eternal torment and suffering.
I cannot square that tradition with the scriptures.
Aren’t you bringing your biases into the mix as well? Why should the second death be final if the first death isn’t final?
But it appears we’ll have to agree to disagree.
Hell and the lake of fire are hard doctrines.