We’re continuing on with a talk 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. Again, 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 with the next one on the list: the “unbelieving”. From the direct Greek text, the word is “ἀπίστοις”/”apistois” which is translated to: unbelieving, faithless (without Christian faith), heathen.
Most Christians will not think of themselves falling into this group, however, and ironically, the majority of them do. The reason being is that believing isn’t just about “knowing” that there is a God and recognizing Jesus, it also encompasses believing in what He said and tells us to do.
The number of people who claim to believe in Jesus, but dismiss his commandments and teachings because, from their very own words, they “do not believe that” is staggering! From people who don’t believe they have to pay tithes, to people who don’t believe sexual immorality is a sin, the list of their casual and affront disagreements with scripture might as well re-write the entire bible. And make note, that morals and ethics do not equate to God. In fact, that is part of the deceit: thinking that your/societies’ morals and ethics are righteous or even more righteous than God (fault finding); that will cost many people their soul, including those who say they know the Lord.
I’ll repeat what we said in Post #42 – “Don’t get stuck like the foolish wise king grazing on the other side”: God does NOT change! What was sin to God 2000, 4000, or however many years ago is still sin to Him today. I cannot emphasize enough that you need to study and know what the word of God says for yourself. Not your own beliefs or what someone else says; know and do what the Word says for yourself!
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. — 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
When we reject the teachings and commandments of God and establish our own righteousness, understanding, biases, and opinions, which can be summed up as “our own beliefs”, and synonymous to “not[un] believing Him”, the result is a stench in the nostrils of God. Sin is disgusting, unsightly, grating, and stinks to God.
I make it a habit of putting out the trash before it stinks in my house, but every once in a while, something in the trash gives off a foul odor and it has to be put out early. Be careful with your unbelieving, He will not tolerate that foul odor in His house/presence either. More specifically your shunning and spurning the teachings and commandments that God gave, or you too may find yourself put out earlier than expected. This happens when you reject the convictions and reaching out of His Spirit. Our blatant rejection and failure to embrace the things of God are what pushes away The Holy Spirit. Since the Holy Ghost will be in heaven, the better way of saying that is, not pushes Him away, but you put your own self out.
Fold your hands together, not your arms.
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