Revelation 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.

Revelation 21:8 (KJV)

Context

This verse appears in the final chapters of the Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, which contains apocalyptic visions and prophecies given to the Apostle John. In this chapter, John describes the new heaven and the new earth and the New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God with His people. Revelation 21:8 follows a description of the blessings and glories of the New Jerusalem, contrasting the inheritance of those who overcome with the fate of those who are outside the city.

Meaning

Revelation 21:8 lists several categories of people who will have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. This signifies eternal punishment and separation from God. Let’s take a closer look at each category:

The Fearful

This refers to those who are cowardly and lack faith in God. They may shrink back from standing firm in their faith and compromise their beliefs due to fear or persecution.

The Unbelieving

These are individuals who reject or refuse to accept the gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ. They persist in unbelief and refuse to place their trust in God.

The Abominable

This refers to those who commit detestable or morally repulsive actions, often associated with gross sins or wickedness. Their behaviour is contrary to God’s commandments and principles.

Murderers

This category includes individuals who intentionally take the life of another person. Murder is considered a grave sin and a violation of the commandment “Thou shalt not kill.”

Whoremongers

This term encompasses those who engage in sexual immorality, specifically referring to those who practice or promote prostitution or engage in promiscuous behaviour.

Sorcerers

Sorcery involves the use of occult or supernatural powers for evil purposes. It includes practices such as witchcraft, divination, or any form of magic that seeks to gain power or control apart from God.

Idolaters

Idolatry involves the worship or devotion to anything other than the one true God. It includes the worship of false gods, statues, or any created thing, rather than giving proper worship to God alone.

All Liars

This includes individuals who habitually practice deceit, falsehood, or intentional deception. Lying is contrary to God’s nature of truthfulness and violates His commandment to speak truthfully.

Biblical connections

The verse concludes by stating that those who fall into these categories will have their part in the lake of fire, which is described as the second death. This signifies eternal separation from God and the consequences of their actions. This stands in direct contrast to the blessing promised in the preceding verses to those who overcome, who will inherit all things as children of God.

Application

Overall, Revelation 21:8 serves as a warning about the eternal consequences of engaging in sinful behaviour and rejecting God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. It emphasises the importance of faith, righteousness, and obedience to God’s commandments in order to avoid eternal punishment. It calls readers to examine their lives, persevere in faith, and turn from sin.

Reflection

This verse reminds us that God is both loving and just. The same chapter that promises the wiping away of every tear also warns of the second death. It urges us to take seriously the call to faithful perseverance and holy living, and to trust in the salvation that God provides through Jesus Christ.