The first death is when someone comes to the end of their human life and they pass away. At a later point they are called up in one of the resurrections, either to enter life, or to enter eternal death, —which is the second death.
Notice this verse,
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection [having died the first death]: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
The person is blessed if they have part in the first resurrection, (having died in order to be resurrected).
- Why are they blessed?
Because the first resurrection is to eternal life and an eternal and glorious inheritance. - How did they come to be blessed?
They responded in faith to the gospel (or good news) that God provided them in their day to come into right-standing with Him and receive salvation from His righteous and holy wrath on all who reject Him in unbelief.
The second death has no power over these individuals as they have been resurrected to life and this disqualifies them from that second death. But why does the verse only say 1000-years? Well, this is the period of Christ’s rule on earth during the Millennial Kingdom, the inheritance of the Jews. When this 1000-year period comes to an end, we will reach the time called, "the dispensation of the fulness of times", where God bring all things together in one and into and eternal state of living in the presence of God,
Eph.1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Lastly, what is the second death exactly?
Rev.20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
The final judgement, involving rebellious and unbelieving humanity, will take place at the end of the 1000-year Millennial reign of Christ. It is at this time that all unbelieving humanity, those who did not respond to the gospel of God’s salvation in their earthly life, will then be resurrected to face judgement, which will result in the second death,
Rev.20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead [the resurrected unbelieving people], 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.
These people are found to be guilty as their own works, by which they are judged, are found wanting, therefore not acquitting them from their guilt and sin. (Only trusting in the gospel message has the power to save, Rom.1:16). As judgment passes upon them and they are found guilty, they are cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death, which is an eternal death.
In summary, there are two deaths, one in the natural flesh when you pass away, and one at the end of the dispensations allotted to humanity. What will prevent a person from experiencing that second eternal death is dependent on which of the two judgements you are resurrected to. There is a judgement to eternal life, and a judgement to eternal death. The only thing that will prevent you from that second death is the gospel that one believes on for salvation during this natural life we live now.
2 Cor.6:2 For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
See here for the gospel of salvation in this dispensation.
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