Does The "Second Death" Imply Reincarnation?

A few years ago, someone asked me, "Does the phrase, 'second death' in the Revelation letter imply in any way the doctrine of reincarnation?" The answer, of course, is "No." The "second death" has to do with the eternal state of irrevocable punishment. The following is my more detailed answer:

When Jesus spoke to the church at Smyrna (Revelation 2:10) and warned of future trials they would surely face, he encouraged them to be "faithful unto death," that is, possess the martyr spirit that was essential to their being victorious with the Lord (cf. Revelation 6:9-11; Revelation 7:13-15). Jesus assures them that the ones who "overcome" will not be hurt by the "second death" (Revelation 2:11). Note that the word "hurt" necessarily says something bout the meaning of the phrase, "second death." The use of this phrase, does not allow the idea that there will be another chance, just in case we don't "get it right the first time." It is identifiable with what "hurts" men, and is relative to some kind of punishment — not what is beneficial to man.

 This phrase appears again in Revelation 20:6,14. In this text, it is identifiable with the eternal state of the enemies of Christ — death, the enemy of man (1 Corinthians 15:26) and Hades, the unseen abiding place of the dead. These are cast into the lake of fire as are the beast (the corrupt, persecuting political power) and the false prophet (Revelation 20:10). Then noting Revelation 21:8, we read, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murders, 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."

Those who believe in reincarnation, do not want to use this verse, because it clearly speaks of "the second death" as a place of irrevocable punishment — the lake that burns with fire and brimstone (Revelation 20:10).

A simple but complete answer to the concept of the transmigration of souls is found in Hebrews 9:27, where the writer plainly states, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Note the word "once" in this sentence. The Greek word is "hapex," and it has the significance of "once and only once." Also note how the word "once" is used in the context of Hebrews 9:24-26. 

In other words, man dies physically only once. The "second death" does not deal with man's physical death, but with the eternal punishment of the wicked. There is not the slightest hint of any recycling or reincarnation of souls in any of the above passages of Scripture. The "second death" is an eternally assigned punishment given at the final judgment, at which time, there can be no hope for coming back to this earthly life to make amends for sins committed while here on earth (cf. Luke 16:19-31).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

• Related Article on Reincarnation here.