But he does. The nations are the classic unbelievers. We're told in
Revelation 15:4 that all the nations will come and worship (in line with the Abrahamic covenant, the Koreshic oath, Isaiah's final prophecies and many other such affirmations throughout scripture). Later all unbelievers are cast into the LoF (
Revelation 20:15,
Revelation 21:8), during which time God proclaims 'Behold I am making all things anew!' (
Revelation 21:5) and reminded that Yeshua (God's salvation) is the alpha and omega (
Revelation 21:6) ie salvation has the last word. After that, miraculously, the nations and kings of the earth re-appear in
Revelation 21:24-26 to enter through the ever-open Pearly Gates in worship. At last they are given the healing from the leaves of the tree of life - Jesus Christ - in
Revelation 22:2.
It does not say all nations were thrown into the LOF and came out repentant.
When Christ returns all knees will bow because they will in fact know that he is the Son of God. But it doesn't mean some will stay that way. We know that Satan in his little season once again will draw many towards him after him being non existent for a 1000 years. But that shouldn't be suprising to some because even in Moses time, they forsook God and railed against him even after witnessing the miracles he performed firsthand.
Christ states that blessed are those that take part in the first resurrection because they will reign with Christ a 1000 years and because the second death has no power over them. Their souls are set for the eternity. They will be within the city, they've made it and are reigning with Christ. And you know why they are specifically blessed-because they don't have to go through this,
Revelation 20:5 "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. These people still have mortal souls and are spiritually dead.
Revelation 20:7 "And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison."
Revelation 20:8 "And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
After a 1000 years Satan is still able to draw that many people. You wouldn't think that after 1000 years without him that would be possible But again we have to look only back to Moses's time and see that some people can't help being deceived or rail against God and of course Satan plays a good game.
But afterwards these same "dead" that did not make it in the first ressurection are judged. And instead of being saved by grace, they are judged by works. Grace is no longer allowed because they've seen the Son, etc. Faith can't even come into the equation. Because faith is the hope for things unseen.
Revelation 20:12"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."
Later on, it doesn't say
all nations shall walk in the light of it, it specifically states,
Revelation 21:24 "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."
Meaning some are not saved. Salvation is open for all, if they choose. Again, some will not repent. And apparently some will not overcome.
Also we have to be careful with which translation we are reading.
Does that mean God is not fair? No, it means he's fair by completely thorough. He wants to see once and for all who is going to follow him or follow Satan. That's ultimately what it's all about in the end.
The second death is the death of the listed sins, the 'old man', and finally of death itself, the last enemy to be destroyed. This was guaranteed/ sealed in holy blood by down-payment made at Calvary. The enemies are spiritual, that what is destroyed in the LoF - the unbelief, the idolatry, the carnality and all that rot.
That's not biblical.
Those aren't Christ's words. He calls it the second death and I believe him. It also coincides with his teaching in Matthew 10:28 although people choose not to believe that as well. Only believing "he could destroy but he wont."
Rev 20:15 And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
I don't see what your point is, this is a statement period. 14 states it's the second death and in 15, it states anyone not in the book of life is thrown in.
Afterwards we see this,
Revelation 21:1 "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and
the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."
But then, continue reading:
Rev 21:8 But the cowards, faithless, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars—their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
I'm not saying this proves ECT. I'm only saying that Rev 21:1 does not prove annihilation.
But once again context comes into play and the fact that Christ is making known what "will" happen. You say continue reading but I saw go up a verse,
Revelation 21:7 "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Revelation 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
That's it in a nutshell, Christ can't be any more clear on the subject. He's just stating what is going to happen. He's simply reiterating. None of this has happened yet. We have to remember Christ is revealing what "will" happen.
Do you believe in the possibility of post-mortem progression? (I mean coming to repent and believe in the sacrifice of Christ.)
I believe there's a gulf and I believe as soon as Christ died he went unto the people on that side of the gulf and preached to them.
Peter 3:19 "By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison,"
I Peter 3:20 "Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering for God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."
But again, I believe it's all about repentance which we know means "a change of heart/mind" If some don't and continue to hate our Father, why would we want to spend an eternity with them?
ETA And I think there are no chances after judgement day and after being thrown into the LOF since Christ states this is the "second" death. Since we know the first death is the death of the physical body common sense alone along with his teaching in Matthew 10 :28 tells us this is the death of the soul.
If I actually saw scriptures that state the LOF was a redemptive measure, I would believe. I really would. But Christ specifically states what is going to happen. We only have to again read verses 7 and 8 of Rev 21 to know.