“But for the cowardly, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and sexually immoral persons, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).
For those who have abandoned themselves to a sinful lifestyle, it is destruction. This is not about being puritanical, for each of us is guilty of every one of these things — the one who denies it, most of all. Those who will not receive the hope that is in salvation and try to find solace in whatever pleasure they think they may derive from hating others, sex, drugs, and living willingly in the anxieties of this age, they are the ones who remain in their sin.
Lord, I do not even know how much I sin. That cannot be the marker. What I see in this litany is one who is hostile to You and all that You have proclaimed. We all lie. That is the truth, but faithfulness begins with confession and then repentance, which is turning away from what is wrong. Then it is a matter of living for You and others and not for the self. I can see these things and sometimes I even willing do what You ask.
Lord Jesus, this list frightens me. The one that really gets me is the part about liars. We all lie to ourselves saying, “I’m not that bad.” All are worthy of death, but obviously, not everyone goes to the second death. Help me to take this warning seriously and follow in the way You have set before me. Guide me into all righteousness so that I may humbly walk with You, my Savior and God. Amen.
