What is the lake of fire?

It is the second and final death. Most, if not all Christians believe that the lake of fire is a place where Satan and all the wicked spend eternity in a burning lake of fire. However if we study the scriptures very carefully we should see that the "lake of fire" is a figure of speech, representing total annihilation. This is not to say there will not be fire as part of the destruction, along with many other things [the great tribulation and wrath of God will be intolerable], but that in the end, all of this present universe will be gone forever - to await a new and perfect one. | The second death is complete and total destruction, with no awakening from it. Those who receive this second death never get to see or be a part of the new heavens and earth which God will create. They will never know the joys of Gods final promise to those who love him. Instead they will be cut off from this promise and forever will be no more. The lake of fire is simply a symbolic figure which represents total consumption - as fire consumes that which it burns and only leaves ashes. This is the final end of all life, and awareness for those who receive this fate. This is not something that should be taken lightly, as it is a final permanent end of existence for those who receive this fate. | Mal 4:1-3 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven [the great tribulation and wrath of God]; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up [completely destroy them], saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch [their will be nothing left of them but ashes]. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts. | 2 Pet 3:10-13 But the day of the Lord [the great tribulation and wrath of God] will come as a thief in the night [without warning - (sorry folks, there won't be any warning signs to look for)]; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. | All true Christians, no matter how good or bad they may be in their actions will not receive this fate of eternal damnation: For they have already been judged by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, for all who believe in him. Christians will be judged for rewards; for the things done in godliness, and not for condemnation - at the judgement seat of Christ. | Heb 9:27-28 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: | It is after the judgement that the wicked are destroyed, and not before the judgement - for they must die once first. | So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. | It is this "salvation" which keeps Christians from being judged at the "great white throne" judgement. | 2 Cor 5:10 For we [all Christians - (not unbelievers)] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his [Christ's] body, according to that he [the Christian himself] hath done, whether it be good or bad. | This above judgement concerns Christians only, and involves the giving or not giving of rewards for the things done in godliness. | Rev 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him [the great God] that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them [even the heaven and earth will vanish from his presence - as they will be no more (destroyed)]. And I saw the dead, small and great [all the dead - (except Christians, and those in the resurrection of the just)], stand [rise] before God [after they have been awakened]; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life [this book determines those who will be given eternal life]: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works [these other books simply judge their works, whether good or bad]. And the sea [those who died in waters] gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them [both the dead who were decomposed, and those who still had flesh - were awakened (this also includes those who are cremated)]: and they were judged every man according to their works [which God alone will determine]. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death [a final and permanent death - (the shows over folks)]. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire [whom God alone will determine]. | As the scripture notes, both death and hell, and those not written in the book of life, were cast into the lake of fire. Death and hell are not physical beings or living spirits, nor are they physical places. Death is a state of being not alive, and hell represents the grave where this living being is returned to the dust [elements] God made it from. In other words God will completely destroy death and all it represents [death is considered the final enemy to be destroyed]. Also Satan and the rest of the wicked angels will be completely destroyed. Remember that God created all things, and therefore is capable of destroying them as well - as evident in the flood of Noah's day. At this judgement, all those present will now be made aware of the truth, without any choice in the matter - as there will be no longer any place left for them to hide, from the glory and might of God's presence [remember that this present heaven and earth will be gone forever - (where could one hide, if nothing exists to hide in)]. | The below verse is not referring to Christians [they will have been with Christ - after the rapture of the church (which occurs before the time of the great tribulation)], but to the rest of the world which follows the ways of evil in the tribulation period [those who worship the beast, or receive his mark (666)]. It also refers as well to all the wicked ones from times of old, and including those who died in the flood up until the rapture of the church. | Rev 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. | By reading the above we should be able to see that the "lake of fire" represents that great moment when this present heaven and earth, including every thing on earth and in the heavens are vanished from creation. For God will make a new heaven and earth where there will be no more evil and death for evermore.