Part 5 of this series on talking about sin using Revelation 21:8, which is partially repeated in 22:15 (those without). Following is the verse from different translations as well as the direct Greek translation. This list does not comprise all sin, it’s a short list, please take the time to study other lists as well that are found in both the Old and New testaments. NO sin: one or many, small or big, can come into the presence of God (heaven): it is Jesus’ blood that takes away our sin and allows us to come before God.
— 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)
— But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. — Revelation 21:8 (NIV)
— τοῖς δὲ δειλοῖς καὶ ἀπίστοις καὶ ἐβδελυγμένοις καὶ φονεῦσιν καὶ πόρνοις καὶ φαρμάκοις καὶ εἰδωλολάτραις καὶ πᾶσιν τοῖς ψευδέσιν τὸ μέρος αὐτῶν ἐν τῇ λίμνῃ τῇ καιομένῃ πυρὶ καὶ θείῳ, ὅ ἐστιν ὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερος. — Direct Greek
— tois de deilois kai apistois kai ebdelugmenois kai phoneusin kai pornois kai pharmakois kai eidololatrais kai pasin tois pseudesi to meros auton en te limne te kaiomene puri kai theio, ho estin ho thanatos ho deuteros. — Direct Greek with Roman-lettering
Continuing on, we are going to skip the sexually immoral for now and make it the last one that we talk about, so instead we will cover: sorcerers/those who practice magic arts. From the direct Greek text, the word is “φαρμάκοις”/”pharmakois” which is translated to: a druggist (non-medicinal mind/body altering drugs for this context), poisoner (again non-medicinal mind/body altering drugs for this context) or a sorcerer.
When I looked up this word, I was surprised to see that one of the definitions was druggist. In the context here it’s about drugs that are used for a “magical” purpose, including psychedelics and mind/body altering drugs; not “known” medicinal remedies. The bigger surprise is when you correlate that to how our current society has shifted and become more and more accepting of drug use. And, do not take “that” out of context, I’m not condoning “the war on drugs” and such, I’m simply pointing out how much people like drugs.
The definition of sorcery is: the use of power gained from the assistance or control of evil spirits especially for divining. Combine that with the other words and this is why the NIV did not give a direct translation, but used the wording “those who practice magic arts”. Is this prevalent in our day and age? You would think that it’s not, but it most absolutely is. Also, let’s not forget this is said to the entire human race, not just the developed “scientific” nations. When it comes to the supernatural, I really don’t like to talk about the devil and his stuff, I prefer to talk and think about God’s. I’ll never forget an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that I watched where a proverb was quoted: “He who studies evil, is studied by evil”. I don’t know if that was from an already existing proverb or if it was just written for the show, but it is spot on. When you get involved with spiritual stuff and it’s not of God you open yourself up to the devil and you invite (purposely or not) evil in. That includes what people might consider innocent games, fun activities or even a movie/TV show! You may not believe in the devil, but he believes in you and will gladly use you!
When you side with the devil, the enemy of your soul, that is high treason against God. While the bible does not say witchcraft is an unforgivable sin, it is so high up there that God used it as a measure. And while where on it, there are two other sins right up there too: rebellion (against God) and grumbling.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. — 1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV)
Personally, I classify any spiritual practices that are not of God as sorcery/witchcraft. A shocker is that there are people who call themselves Christians who practice it. People who claim to have spiritual gifts, visions, dreams, etc., but in fact they never came from God. It’s one thing to be off and/or miss something about God; acknowledge that you were off, repent and do better. However, when you keep being “off” and rejecting (not yielding to) The Holy Ghost in favor of your own visions, practices, prophesies, etc., He will leave and you will be turned over to the devil.
Do not get involved with non-bible spiritual stuff, and if you do not know or understand bible spiritual stuff, say that you don’t know or better yet just keep quiet.
If you are not saved/redeemed please do so today.
Come to God open, empty and without statements.
Ask him to be real to you and believe in Him.
Humble yourself before Him, confess who you are, and tell Him that you are sorry for your sins.
Ask Him to forgive you and to come into your life and start a personal relationship.
Believe this and be born again!
May God bless and keep all who read this.
May God bless and keep all brothers and sisters, new and old in the faith, in his name.
With his love and mine,
Chrom