REVELATION 21
(Continued)
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolators, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone : which is the second death. [KJV]
Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolators, and all liars -- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. [NLT]
This one verse of scripture found in Revelation 21, reveals a sharp contrast to the promises spoken of in Revelation 21:6-7 to the spiritually thirsty and the overcomers. The verse has been quoted in both the King James Version (KJV) and the New Living Translation (NLT), to aid understanding of what is being said.
This list of actions or actvities that would seemingly make one eligible for the lake of fire (hell, sheol, the abyss), have caused questions. A major question perhaps is "how can a coward be compared to a murderer; or any comparison between the listed?" Does sin have a measuring stick? Are there "little sins" vs "big sins"? Many, including those "in the Church", think that there are "little sins" and "big sins". But to God, sin is sin.
The Word of God says that...."all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God". "As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one......." (Romans 3:9 KJV) The Apostle John had a word for all who claimed to be sinless, and the only true solution for sin. (see 1 John 1:5-10)
John was addressing a group of inividuals in 1 John 1, that were known as Gnostics. They had entered some church circles, teaching that spirit is all good and matter (Including the body) was evil. Thus, escape from the body, through special knowledge, was considered the way to salvation by Gnostics. They denied that their evil actions were sin. (see 1 John 1:10) John uses the terminology of "we" and "us" to speak of himself, the other Apostles; and "so that you..." to differentiate those involved in Gnosticism. (see 1 John 1:1-5)
The Apostle John identified the only true solution for sin as......."the blood of Jesus Christ.....that purifies us from all sin." And....."If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (see I John 1:7b-9)
Going back to a major question.......How can a cowardly, fearful person be considered as sinful as a murderer in God's sight? Thus worthy to end up in the lake of burning sulfer or the lake of fire. Some have even pondered over and compared this verse of scripture to scriptures that state "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." (see Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10)
So is there a difference between "being fearful" and "fearing the LORD"? Yes, the difference is as great as darkness and light. Fear of the LORD, means to reverence God, to show him respect and honor. Fear of the LORD is born out of love for the LORD, and trust in the LORD. It is an essential component of faith, which is required to please God. (see Hebrews 11:1,6) To "fear not" is an actual command from God, that can be found frequently throughout the Old and New Testaments. Abraham was commended for fearing God. (see Genesis 22:12)
Jacob was comforted and reassured by God when he greatly feared meeting up with his brother Esau. (Genesis 32:1-12) God created a spirit of reconciliation when Jacob finally was met by Esau. (see Genesis 33:1-4) The modern day descendants of Jacob and Esau seem to have forgotten this incredible reconciliation that occurred between their fore fathers. The spirit of reconciliation had also occurred between Isaac and Ishmael earlier, as they came together again to bury their father Abraham. (see Genesis 25:7-11)
Moses, Joshua, and other leaders throughout the Old Testament were commanded to be strong and courageous, and to not be fearful. Jesus told his disciples to "fear not" on multiple occassions throughout the New Testament. To be fearful is to demonstrate lack of trust in God. In the sight of God it is sin. The wages of sin is death (the second death)........but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. (see Revelation 20:11-15; 21:8) (see Romans 6:23)