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Revelation 21:8
Verse
Context
A New Heaven and a New Earth
7The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.8But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But the fearful - Δειλοις· Those who, for fear of losing life or their property, either refused to receive the Christian religion, though convinced of its truth and importance; or, having received it, in times of persecution fell away, not being willing to risk their lives. And unbelieving - Those who resist against full evidence. And sinners, και ἁμαρτωλοις, is added here by about thirty excellent MSS., and is found in the Syrian, Arabic, some of the Slavonic, and in Andreas and Arethas. On this evidence Griesbach has admitted it into the text. The abominable - Εβδελυγμενοις· Those who are polluted with unnatural lust. And murderers - Φονευσι· Those who take away the life of man for any cause but the murder of another, and those who hate a brother in their heart. And whoremongers - Πορνοις· Adulterers, fornicators, whores, prostitutes, and rakes of every description. Sorcerers - Φαρμακοις· Persons who, by drugs, philtres, fumigations, etc., pretend to produce supernatural effects, chiefly by spiritual agency. Idolaters - Ειδωλολατραις· Those who offer any kind of worship or religious reverence to any thing but God. All image worshippers are idolaters in every sense of the word. And all liars - Και πασι τοις ψευδεσι· Every one who speaks contrary to the truth when he knows the truth, and even he who speaks the truth with the intention to deceive; i.e., to persuade a person that a thing is different from what it really is, by telling only a part of the truth, or suppressing some circumstance which would have led the hearer to a different end to the true conclusion. All these shall have their portion, το μερος, their share, what belongs to them, their right, in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. This is the second death, from which there is no recovery.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the fearful--Greek, "the cowardly," who do not quit themselves like men so as to "overcome" in the good fight; who have the spirit of slavish "fear," not love, towards God; and who through fear of man are not bold for God, or "draw back." Compare Rev 21:27; Rev 22:15. unbelieving--Greek, "faithless." abominable--who have drank of the harlot's "cup of abominations." sorcerers--one of the characteristics of Antichrist's time. all liars--Greek, "all the liars": or else "all who are liars"; compare Ti1 4:1-2, where similarly lying and dealings with spirits and demons, are joined together as features of "the latter times." second death-- Rev 20:14 : "everlasting destruction," Th2 1:9; Mar 9:44, Mar 9:46, Mar 9:48, "Where THEIR worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But the fearful,.... Not the timorous sheep and lambs of Christ, the dear children of God, who are sometimes of a fearful heart, on account of sin, temptation, and unbelief; but such who are of cowardly spirits, and are not valiant for the truth, but who, through fear of men, either make no profession of Christ and his Gospel, or having made it, drop it, lest they should be exposed to tribulation and persecution; these are they that are afraid of the beast, and live in servile bondage to him. And unbelieving; meaning not merely atheists, who do not believe there is a God, or deists only, that do not believe in Christ; but such who profess his name, and are called by it, and yet do not truly believe in him, nor embrace his Gospel and the truths of it, but believe a lie; these are condemned already, and on them the wrath of God abides, and they will be damned at last; though it may have a regard to such also who are infidels as to the second coming of Christ to judgment, and who are scoffers and mockers at it: and the abominable: every sinful man is so in the sight of God; but here it denotes such who are the worst of sinners, given up to sinning; who are abominable, and to every good work reprobate; who are addicted to the worst of crimes, as were the Sodomites and others; the Ethiopic version renders it, "who pollute themselves" with unnatural lusts. The Syriac and Arabic versions express it by two words, "sinners and polluted", filthy sinners; the character well agrees with Babylon, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth, and to all that adhere to her, and join with her in her abominable idolatries. And murderers; of the saints, and prophets, and martyrs of Jesus, with whose blood Babylon, or the whore of Rome, has made herself drunk, and in whom it will be found. And whoremongers; all unclean persons, that indulge themselves in impure lusts, in fornication, adultery, and all lewdness; as the clergy of the church of Rome, who being forbidden to marry, and being under a vow of celibacy, and making great pretensions to chastity and singular holiness, give up themselves to all lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. And sorcerers; conjurers, dealers with familiar spirits, necromancers, and such as use the magic art, as many of the popes did to get into the chair, and poisoners of kings and princes; whoredoms and witchcrafts go together sometimes, as they did in Jezebel, an emblem of the Romish antichrist. And idolaters; that worship devils, idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, representing God, and Christ, and the virgin Mary, and saints departed, Rev 9:20. And all liars; in common, and particularly such who speak lies in hypocrisy, as the followers of the man of sin, and who are given up to believe a lie, that they might be damned; all lies being of the devil, and abominable to God. All and each of these shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. The Jews (a) speak of several distinct places in hell, for several sorts of sinners, as particularly for sabbath breakers, adulterers, and liars; and say of the wicked, that when he is condemned he shall take "his part" in hell (b); See Gill on Rev 19:20. which is the second death; See Gill on Rev 2:11. (a) Raya Mehimna in Zohar in Lev. fol. 7. 2. (b) T. Bab. Chagiga, fol. 15. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:8 This vice list summarizes sins described throughout Revelation. These sins characterize people who have not experienced adoption by God; their fate is the fiery lake (see Rom 1:29-32; Gal 5:19-21; 2 Tim 3:2-5; cp. Exod 20:13-17; see also study note on Rev 20:10). • all liars: John apparently viewed deception as the root of sin; elsewhere he describes Satan as the “father of lies” (John 8:44; 1 Jn 2:4; see Rev 14:5; 21:27; 22:15; cp. Matt 12:34).
Revelation 21:8
A New Heaven and a New Earth
7The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.8But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Hell No Exits
By Leonard Ravenhill17K1:25:21HellLUK 16:19HEB 12:2REV 20:10REV 20:14REV 21:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and highlights three aspects of it: Majesty, mystery, and misery. He encourages the audience to seek inspiration from the book of Revelation instead of relying solely on Romans 8:28. The preacher shares a story about a blacksmith to illustrate the process of being refined by God's fire. He also references the story of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16 to emphasize the importance of seeking mercy from God in both this life and the afterlife.
The Crime of Unbelief
By David Wilkerson3.6K31:21EZK 8:6MRK 9:24ROM 14:23HEB 3:12REV 21:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses a vision that the prophet Ezekiel had, where he witnessed a horrible crime being committed behind closed doors in God's house. The preacher emphasizes that even though people may clean up their lives and appear to be pure, there may still be a deep-rooted sin of fear and unbelief within them. The preacher highlights that doubting God's power and lacking trust in Him is considered a serious crime in the eyes of God. The preacher concludes that unbelief is the sin of the heart that grieves God the most, and that it is more important to address this sin than any other sin committed on earth.
The Touch of God - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english)
By David Wilkerson2.8K1:15:33SlovakianPSA 51:17ISA 6:5JER 20:9EZK 9:4LUK 5:8ACT 9:3REV 21:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a man of prayer and brokenness. He shares his own journey of spiritual laziness and how he had to make a decision to dedicate himself to prayer and seeking God. He also highlights the danger of churches neglecting the message of the cross and focusing on making people feel good rather than addressing sin and conviction. The preacher encourages listeners to prioritize prayer and to be willing to be used by God, reminding them that God can do great things through those who believe and surrender to Him.
Hell - Side 1 (Compilation)
By Compilations2.2K15:05CompilationGEN 6:18MAT 7:13JHN 5:19REV 21:8In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal testimony of a near-death experience and his encounter with hell. He describes his troubled past, including time spent in prison and a dysfunctional family life. He recounts being in a hospital room and suddenly finding himself in a place of fire and torment, which he identifies as hell. He vividly describes the agony and pain he witnessed in the faces of those in the flames, and how they called out to him to warn him of the hopelessness and lack of escape in that place.
Forgiveness - Part 2
By Keith Daniel2.0K08:38ISA 53:10LUK 18:13ROM 3:231JN 1:9REV 21:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for God's mercy and forgiveness by humbly acknowledging our sins and coming to Him in repentance. It contrasts the attitude of a self-righteous religious person with that of a humble sinner seeking God's grace, highlighting the necessity of understanding our own sinfulness and desperate need for salvation through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
Gods Order in Christ - Part 8
By T. Austin-Sparks1.9K40:27Order In ChristGEN 3:1PSA 23:4MAT 6:33JHN 10:271PE 5:8REV 21:2REV 21:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Christian and Hopeful from John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress." Christian and Hopeful were initially rejoicing and having fellowship with each other, talking about the Lord and His ways. However, their journey took a turn when they reached Douting Castle, the residence of giant despair. They were captured and thrown into a dungeon because they had strayed from the main road and were trespassing. The speaker emphasizes the importance of faith and the dangers of giving in to doubt and unbelief, as Satan constantly tries to undermine our trust in God.
Intimacy With God
By Dennis Kinlaw1.7K33:42Intimacy With GodEXO 31:18MAT 12:28LUK 19:1JHN 4:16HEB 8:10HEB 9:1REV 21:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of living a sanctified life according to God's commandments. He highlights nine areas of sanctity that believers should strive for. These include avoiding taking the Lord's name in vain, honoring the sanctity of time, maintaining a sanctified home, valuing the sanctity of life, upholding the sanctity of sex, having a proper relationship with possessions, and being truthful even when it's not convenient. The preacher emphasizes the need to trust in God's provision and take risks in obedience to Him. He also shares a story of a man who quit selling tobacco despite facing financial difficulties, and how God blessed him for his obedience. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be content and avoid coveting, as expressed in Philippians.
Identifying Some Signs of the Last Days
By William Crews1.6K1:07:28MAT 23:132TI 4:32PE 2:1REV 18:23REV 21:8This sermon delves into the dangers of false prophets and teachers, emphasizing their deceptive tactics, the rise of false doctrines, and the impact on individuals and society. It warns against being led astray by false teachings and highlights the need to discern the truth from deception, especially in the last days.
Following a God Authored Trail - Part 2
By Danny Bond1.5K44:10Purpose Of GodMAT 6:33ACT 2:47ACT 10:23ACT 13:2ROM 8:171CO 6:10REV 21:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Cornelius and Peter from the Bible. Cornelius, a devout man, prayed to God and an angel appeared to him, instructing him to send for Peter. Peter, known in heaven as a man ready with the gospel, was called to go to Cornelius, who was a Gentile. The speaker emphasizes the importance of character and how it is measured by one's reaction to life's inequities. He also highlights the value of reputation and character in the sight of God. The sermon encourages listeners to reflect on their own character and how they are known in heaven.
Joshua Miktarian Funeral - Part 3
By Jason Robinson1.3K05:02PSA 9:17JHN 3:16ACT 4:12ROM 10:9EPH 2:8HEB 11:1JAS 2:172PE 3:9REV 21:8This sermon emphasizes the consequences of sin and the necessity for punishment due to God's holiness. It delves into the concept of hell as a place of eternal separation from God for those who reject Him. However, it also presents the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for sin on the cross, offering a way to bridge the gap between humanity and God through faith and repentance.
(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:01:13PRO 10:4PRO 12:22PRO 13:14PRO 14:15PRO 17:28ROM 8:28REV 21:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God's commandments and the rewards that come with it. He highlights the power of wise teachings, comparing them to a fountain of life that helps us avoid the snares of debt. The preacher encourages believers to control their tongues and speak words that are like a spring of fresh water, bringing life to others. He also emphasizes the need for diligence and hard work, both in our spiritual lives and in making disciples. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be trustworthy messengers of peace and to embrace discipline and criticism for growth.
Rock Seminar
By John Musser1.3K1:01:00Rock MusicEZK 28:13REV 9:20REV 21:8REV 21:20In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of music, particularly rock music, as a tool of indoctrination. He argues that Satan has devised a beat that is appealing to young people and causes adrenaline to flow. The preacher warns that Satan uses rock music to spread his message of sensuality, wickedness, and the occult. He also mentions scientific studies that suggest rock music has a hypnotic effect on listeners, making them more susceptible to suggestions. The preacher calls on Christians to wake up to the dangers of rock music and stand firm in their faith in Jesus Christ.
What Can the Righteous Do?
By Vance Havner1.1K24:00Christian LifeISA 66:24MAT 5:20MAT 7:21LUK 13:3JHN 3:161CO 6:10REV 21:8In this sermon, the preacher highlights the current state of the world, describing it as a hopeless mess in various areas such as government, law observance, morality, and family life. He emphasizes the dependence of mankind on simple things like the sun, air, and water, despite the advancements in technology. The preacher expresses his concern about the shift in focus from God to worldly pursuits and the disregard for moral values. He also criticizes the idea of progress without acknowledging the consequences of sin. Throughout the sermon, the preacher refers to the Bible and its commandments as a guide for righteous living.
Easter conf.shannon Hills 01
By Welcome Detweiler96139:33ACT 20:242CO 5:81PE 1:4REV 21:1REV 21:8REV 22:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a heavenly city and how God conveys its description to us. He explains that God uses the known and the unknown to help us understand the infinite nature of the city. The speaker highlights the negatives of this world and emphasizes that those undesirable aspects will not be present in the heavenly city. He also mentions that there will be no sorrow in that city. The sermon encourages the audience to remember that this world is not their home and to look forward to the eternal city described in the Bible.
From Christ to Eternity
By John Musser95344:04EternityMAT 24:211CO 15:3JAS 4:14REV 3:20REV 21:6REV 21:8REV 22:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as one's savior. He warns that if one misses out on God's calling and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, they may never have another opportunity to receive Jesus Christ. The preacher describes the judgment of God, where every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. He also mentions the casting of hell and death into the lake of fire, and the ushering in of a new heaven and earth where believers will rule and reign with Christ.
Lying Lips
By Erlo Stegen74155:57PSA 101:7PRO 6:16PRO 12:22PRO 19:9ZEC 8:16JHN 8:44EPH 4:25COL 3:9REV 21:8This sermon focuses on the seriousness of lying according to Proverbs 12:22, highlighting how lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. The speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully and living in honesty to bring joy to God. The consequences of lying are compared to other sins like murder and sexual immorality, warning that those who practice and love lies will face judgment. The sermon concludes with a call to cast off lies, speak the truth, and pray for God's work to remove deceit from our lives.
Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire
By Shane Idleman73639:53PSA 32:3PSA 139:23PRO 12:22ISA 59:2AMO 5:14MAT 18:15JHN 8:32ACT 4:32REV 21:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of honesty and repentance, highlighting the consequences of habitual lying and the need for genuine confession and transformation. It addresses the impact of lying on relationships, spiritual vitality, and eternal consequences, urging individuals to seek God's forgiveness and cleansing in areas of deceit.
The Real Promised Land
By Robert B. Thompson6261:18:00MAT 6:33GAL 6:7REV 2:9REV 21:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the negative impact of the American culture on our nation. He highlights the self-centeredness and lack of trust in God that is prevalent in society. The preacher suggests that the media, such as television and news, are feeding people with empty information that does not bring life. He encourages the audience to turn to Christ and partake in the body and blood of Christ for true life and fulfillment. The preacher also mentions the challenges and resistance that believers may face in pursuing a life rooted in Christ.
Don't Soften the Reality of Hell
By Charles Leiter58705:25PRO 28:14MAT 5:28MAT 7:21MAT 25:46LUK 13:3ROM 6:23HEB 3:132PE 3:9REV 21:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and the seriousness of sin and its consequences, highlighting the need for a change of heart to avoid perishing. It addresses the tendency to justify sin and downplay its severity, warning against hardening our hearts to the truth of God's Word. The speaker urges listeners to align their beliefs with the Bible's standards of right and wrong, emphasizing the reality of eternal punishment and the need to heed Jesus' warnings about hell.
3 Things Jesus Said About Hell
By Shane Idleman2942:48HellThe Urgency of the GospelMAT 5:22MAT 10:28MAT 25:41MRK 9:43LUK 16:23JHN 3:18JHN 14:6ROM 3:232TH 1:9REV 21:8Shane Idleman addresses the difficult topic of hell in his sermon '3 Things Jesus Said About Hell,' emphasizing that Jesus spoke more about hell than any other biblical figure. He highlights three key points: the existence of hell, the fear of hell, and the fact that going to hell is a choice. Idleman stresses the importance of understanding the gravity of sin and the necessity of accepting Christ's sacrifice to avoid condemnation. He encourages believers to have compassion for the lost and to actively pray for those who do not know Christ, reminding them that the gospel is urgent and always a priority.
A House Without Light!
By Thomas Brooks0HellDivine JudgmentISA 66:24MAT 25:30MRK 9:44LUK 16:23JHN 8:12COL 1:132PE 2:17JUD 1:6JUD 1:13REV 21:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the terrifying reality of hell as a 'house without light,' where the unprofitable servant is cast into utter darkness, devoid of any comfort or hope. He contrasts the burning fire of hell, which inflicts pain without the relief of light, with earthly fire that provides both heat and illumination. Brooks highlights the eternal chains of darkness that bind the damned, illustrating the extreme miseries and torments they endure. The absence of light in hell serves as a profound reminder of the divine wrath and the eternal separation from God. He concludes with the hope found in Colossians 1:13, where believers are rescued from darkness and brought into the light of Christ's kingdom.
The Heir of Heaven Walking in Darkness, and the Heir of Hell Walking in Light
By J.C. Philpot0DEU 32:34PRO 30:12ISA 50:10JER 15:19MAT 7:13ROM 7:92PE 1:19REV 21:8J.C. Philpot preaches about the contrast between the heir of heaven who fears the Lord, obeys His voice, and walks in darkness, and the heirs of hell who kindle a false fire, surround themselves with sparks, and will lie down in sorrow. He emphasizes the importance of true faith and trust in God's mercy, highlighting the dangers of false religion and self-righteousness. Philpot warns against the deceitful workings of the heart and the delusions of the devil, urging listeners to seek genuine repentance, humility, and a deep relationship with God.
The Certainty of Death
By Samuel Davies0ISA 3:10EZK 33:8MAT 20:161CO 6:92CO 11:2GAL 4:20GAL 5:19COL 3:5REV 21:8Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon on the certainty of death, emphasizing that all individuals, whether righteous or wicked, will face physical death. He highlights the distinction between the death of the wicked, filled with terror and eternal separation from God, and the death of the righteous, which leads to eternal life and joy in the presence of God. Davies urges the congregation to reflect on their own mortality, to seek salvation through repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and a transformed life. He warns against self-deception and presumption, stressing the urgency of preparing for eternity.
Jesus Versus the Occult
By John Piper0LEV 19:26LEV 20:6DEU 18:9ACT 3:22ACT 19:18GAL 5:201JN 5:4REV 21:8John Piper preaches about the dangers of involvement in the occult, emphasizing that God forbids His people from engaging in any practices related to the spirit world or supernatural forces not oriented on Jesus as revealed in the Bible. Piper delves into Deuteronomy 18:9-12, highlighting how these activities are detestable to God, lead to judgment, and are a form of rebellion against God's sovereignty. He explains that seeking knowledge or power through the occult belittles God and exalts man, akin to the ancient Satanic deception in Genesis 3:5. Piper concludes by stressing that the positive Christian alternative to the occult is faith in Jesus Christ, who embodies all of God's revelation and sufficiency, encouraging believers to trust in Him alone.
Eschatology: End Times
By Greg Herrick0ECC 12:7ROM 8:111CO 15:222CO 5:10EPH 2:1EPH 4:171TH 4:13HEB 4:15HEB 9:27REV 21:8Greg Herrick preaches about the theological concept of eschatology, which refers to the study of final things in the Bible. He delves into personal eschatology, discussing physical death, the intermediate state, and spiritual death. Herrick also explores the concept of the second death for those who reject God. He covers the existential problem of death and the Christian hope of resurrection and life with God. Additionally, he addresses corporate eschatology, focusing on the return of Christ, the certainty of His return, the nature of His return, and the final judgment of all people.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But the fearful - Δειλοις· Those who, for fear of losing life or their property, either refused to receive the Christian religion, though convinced of its truth and importance; or, having received it, in times of persecution fell away, not being willing to risk their lives. And unbelieving - Those who resist against full evidence. And sinners, και ἁμαρτωλοις, is added here by about thirty excellent MSS., and is found in the Syrian, Arabic, some of the Slavonic, and in Andreas and Arethas. On this evidence Griesbach has admitted it into the text. The abominable - Εβδελυγμενοις· Those who are polluted with unnatural lust. And murderers - Φονευσι· Those who take away the life of man for any cause but the murder of another, and those who hate a brother in their heart. And whoremongers - Πορνοις· Adulterers, fornicators, whores, prostitutes, and rakes of every description. Sorcerers - Φαρμακοις· Persons who, by drugs, philtres, fumigations, etc., pretend to produce supernatural effects, chiefly by spiritual agency. Idolaters - Ειδωλολατραις· Those who offer any kind of worship or religious reverence to any thing but God. All image worshippers are idolaters in every sense of the word. And all liars - Και πασι τοις ψευδεσι· Every one who speaks contrary to the truth when he knows the truth, and even he who speaks the truth with the intention to deceive; i.e., to persuade a person that a thing is different from what it really is, by telling only a part of the truth, or suppressing some circumstance which would have led the hearer to a different end to the true conclusion. All these shall have their portion, το μερος, their share, what belongs to them, their right, in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. This is the second death, from which there is no recovery.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the fearful--Greek, "the cowardly," who do not quit themselves like men so as to "overcome" in the good fight; who have the spirit of slavish "fear," not love, towards God; and who through fear of man are not bold for God, or "draw back." Compare Rev 21:27; Rev 22:15. unbelieving--Greek, "faithless." abominable--who have drank of the harlot's "cup of abominations." sorcerers--one of the characteristics of Antichrist's time. all liars--Greek, "all the liars": or else "all who are liars"; compare Ti1 4:1-2, where similarly lying and dealings with spirits and demons, are joined together as features of "the latter times." second death-- Rev 20:14 : "everlasting destruction," Th2 1:9; Mar 9:44, Mar 9:46, Mar 9:48, "Where THEIR worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But the fearful,.... Not the timorous sheep and lambs of Christ, the dear children of God, who are sometimes of a fearful heart, on account of sin, temptation, and unbelief; but such who are of cowardly spirits, and are not valiant for the truth, but who, through fear of men, either make no profession of Christ and his Gospel, or having made it, drop it, lest they should be exposed to tribulation and persecution; these are they that are afraid of the beast, and live in servile bondage to him. And unbelieving; meaning not merely atheists, who do not believe there is a God, or deists only, that do not believe in Christ; but such who profess his name, and are called by it, and yet do not truly believe in him, nor embrace his Gospel and the truths of it, but believe a lie; these are condemned already, and on them the wrath of God abides, and they will be damned at last; though it may have a regard to such also who are infidels as to the second coming of Christ to judgment, and who are scoffers and mockers at it: and the abominable: every sinful man is so in the sight of God; but here it denotes such who are the worst of sinners, given up to sinning; who are abominable, and to every good work reprobate; who are addicted to the worst of crimes, as were the Sodomites and others; the Ethiopic version renders it, "who pollute themselves" with unnatural lusts. The Syriac and Arabic versions express it by two words, "sinners and polluted", filthy sinners; the character well agrees with Babylon, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth, and to all that adhere to her, and join with her in her abominable idolatries. And murderers; of the saints, and prophets, and martyrs of Jesus, with whose blood Babylon, or the whore of Rome, has made herself drunk, and in whom it will be found. And whoremongers; all unclean persons, that indulge themselves in impure lusts, in fornication, adultery, and all lewdness; as the clergy of the church of Rome, who being forbidden to marry, and being under a vow of celibacy, and making great pretensions to chastity and singular holiness, give up themselves to all lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. And sorcerers; conjurers, dealers with familiar spirits, necromancers, and such as use the magic art, as many of the popes did to get into the chair, and poisoners of kings and princes; whoredoms and witchcrafts go together sometimes, as they did in Jezebel, an emblem of the Romish antichrist. And idolaters; that worship devils, idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, representing God, and Christ, and the virgin Mary, and saints departed, Rev 9:20. And all liars; in common, and particularly such who speak lies in hypocrisy, as the followers of the man of sin, and who are given up to believe a lie, that they might be damned; all lies being of the devil, and abominable to God. All and each of these shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. The Jews (a) speak of several distinct places in hell, for several sorts of sinners, as particularly for sabbath breakers, adulterers, and liars; and say of the wicked, that when he is condemned he shall take "his part" in hell (b); See Gill on Rev 19:20. which is the second death; See Gill on Rev 2:11. (a) Raya Mehimna in Zohar in Lev. fol. 7. 2. (b) T. Bab. Chagiga, fol. 15. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:8 This vice list summarizes sins described throughout Revelation. These sins characterize people who have not experienced adoption by God; their fate is the fiery lake (see Rom 1:29-32; Gal 5:19-21; 2 Tim 3:2-5; cp. Exod 20:13-17; see also study note on Rev 20:10). • all liars: John apparently viewed deception as the root of sin; elsewhere he describes Satan as the “father of lies” (John 8:44; 1 Jn 2:4; see Rev 14:5; 21:27; 22:15; cp. Matt 12:34).