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NASB | Revelation 21:8 "But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and 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." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Revelation 21:8 "But as for the cowards and unbelieving and abominable [who are devoid of character and personal integrity and practice or tolerate immorality], and murderers, and sorcerers [with intoxicating drugs], and idolaters and occultists [who practice and teach false religions], and all the liars [who knowingly deceive and twist truth], their part will be in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." |
Bible Question: Then if we, as a Christian, are liars or have murdered someone are we excluded from heaven? |
Bible Answer: I just finished reading Revelation today (and also my first complete read-through of the bible since university days! I'm so energized!) I have found the apolalyptic books (Zecheriah, Daniel, Revelation) some of the hardest to understand, though certainly exciting. I feel swept into the arc of God's story, even if I don't get the details. The verse in question lists people thrown into the fire. The verse immediately before it declares the "victor's heritage" --- indeed, the whole book has repeated blessings for "those who overcome." Those who overcome, it seems, are blameless -- while the sinners are condemned? BUT it is clear from the letter to the churches (Rev Ch 2-3) that the churches are not blameless: some are deceived, some are legalistic, some are prideful etc. These flawed churches are still encouraged to strive for the reward. They are given the vision of overcomers: life radical lives for God and be rewarded! The description of the white (pure) robes gives a clearer sense of what it means to be among the overcomers: "they have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb." (7:14) This is reiterated as a goal for us, the readers, at the end of the book: "Happy are those who wash their robes clean! They shall be free to eat from the tree of life....."(22:14) - this bit is followed by a list of those left outside, very like topic of this thread. The contrast seems to NOT be: "be holy or be excluded" --- but RATHER, "be washed or be excluded." I present these thoughts in all humilty, as I found the book confusing. JRM |