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
Verse 8 contrasts “the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars” with a spectral list of sins that culminate in a grim fate: part in the lake of fire, the second death. The list is not arbitrary; it demonstrates the scale of sin in human history and its devastating consequences. The phrase “second death” emphasizes the final, irreversible nature of judgment. Revelation uses sharp contrasts to demonstrate obedience and rebellion, highlighting the seriousness with which God treats sin, while also underscoring the necessity of repentance and faith in Christ for escape from this fate.
Theological themes include the gravity of sin, human accountability, and divine justice. The verse warns against spiritual complacency and moral compromise, showing that fear, disbelief, and various sins are incompatible with life in the new creation. It also reinforces the gospel’s call for repentance and trust in Jesus as the only path to escape the second death.
This verse invites self-examination and repentance: what fears govern you? Are you living truthfully, avoiding deceit, and pursuing holiness? For communities, it prompts accountability and the creation of cultures of integrity. It also shapes pastoral care by addressing people’s hidden sins with grace and truth, offering the gospel’s freedom. The warning serves as a guardrail: while God’s grace is abundant, true life is found in alignment with God’s ways.
Cross-References: Matthew 25:41; John 3:16–18; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11; Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:27