“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” [Revelation 21.8]
Most who read this scripture exclude themselves from this list. Most think they are going to heaven when they die.
“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” [Revelation 21.8]
Let's discuss grace for a moment. Grace is provided so that our response of faith might yield salvation.
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. [Ephesians 2.8-9]
Without grace, not a soul stands a chance of being saved. There is only one "obedience" that is a requirement to receive grace and that is faith. No good deed can earn salvation, but no person void of good deeds can walk in salvation. The passage to salvation is indeed grace but the evidence of salvation is good deeds. Grace that provides undeserved salvation to those who obediently respond in faith, is the same grace that empowers those who obediently live in Christ. Obedience to trust Christ is just the beginning. Obedience to follow Christ is the fulfillment.
Therefore, it is incumbent upon 'believers' to engage in good deeds (as Jesus demonstrated) while at the same time avoiding the lies of Satan that ALWAYS tell us we are 'good enough' as part of his unrelenting strategy to dilute our faith and obedience.
Let me expound here one item (from above) at a time...
“But cowards—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. And yet, far too many people who think they are Christians fear death and persecution (not to mention a plethora of other things). Christians should FEAR NOTHING!
“But unbelievers—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. And yet, far too many people who think they are Christians are content to 'leave that faith stuff' to others consoling themselves that their faith to be saved is enough. Christians should MOVE MOUNTAINS!
“But the corrupt—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. And yet, far too many people who think they are Christians do business by less-than-scrupulous practices. Christians should showcase INTEGRITY!
“But murderers—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. And yet, far too many people who think they are Christians ignore Jesus' words that to hate someone is the same as murder. Christians should LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY.
“But the immoral—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. And yet, far too many people who think they are Christians allow unholy, unbecoming things in their lives. Christians should BE HOLY!
“But those who practice witchcraft—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. And yet, far too many people who think they are Christians are superstitious and participate in known Satanic revelry (Halloween, for example). Christians should DENOUNCE SATAN!
“But idol worshipers—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. And yet, far too many people who think they are Christians trust in innumerable idols easily identified by their claims to provide that which God said He would provide: health, provision and peace. Christians should TRUST GOD ALONE!
“But all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. And yet, far too many people who think they are Christians are satisfied to withhold the truth. Christians should STAND FOR TRUTH!
“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” [Revelation 21.8]
All the evil deeds listed here provide contrast to what a true believer - a true Christian - should look like. Jesus is the incarnation of what a true believer looks like!
Forget New Years resolutions! Let us commit to be IN CHRIST and have CHRIST IN US for all our lives!
Father, help us to get serious in our obedience to You. Help us to see that while our gifted salvation was totally unmerited on our part, our lives IN CHRIST are indeed our responsibility - but even then, by faith in Christ. Help us to see that ONLY faith pleases You - first, the faith to be saved, and then the faith to follow Jesus' example in every way. So be it!
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