February 21: HOPE FOR ESCAPE!
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Revelation 21:8
The church at Corinth was riddled with an unsavory variety of unrighteous behaviors. Paul wrote quite a few explicit instructions for them in the confident hope that they would follow through with a lasting commitment to the Lord. After mentioning several of their most serious problems (very similar to the above list), he reminded them of the saving power of Christ: And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11).
To be cowardly does not refer to a case of timidity or shyness, but rather a lack of genuine commitment to the Savior due to obsessive concern over the opinions of others, in contrast to the character of those who patiently keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus (Revelation 14:12).
The word of God identifies the unbelieving to themselves, by simply exposing the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). If there is any part of His word that you reject, you would do well to seek the help of the Holy Spirit and study out the subject in question. It is wise to learn what it means to accept by faith His instructions for life, demonstrating trust and obedience (see Proverbs 3:5; 23:23; John 13:7)
Practices that the LORD views as abominable came from those who did not know better – but then became accepted among the professed people of God. This is the exact opposite of God’s intended role for His people: to be a light to the pagans! He told Isaiah: They have chosen their own ways, And their soul delights in their abominations (Isaiah 66:3 – see also v.17).
It is important to understand what a sorcerer is. While it has a direct connection to drugs and the use of poisons, it also refers to spiritual practices that go against the word of God. Both the physical and spiritual side of sorcery involve bogus and counterfeit “cures” for problems, the ultimate sorcery being a false gospel. Satan’s perversion of the gospel message, a.k.a. the water of life, turned it into a deadly poison (see Revelation 8:11).
The Lord’s Ten Commandments make simple and clear distinctions between that which leads to life and that which leads to death. Though we are surrounded by those who are far sunk in the sins listed above, He has not left you and me without hope to escape condemnation in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Ask the Lord daily for the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to do a work in you which you cannot do for yourself. Jesus said:
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:13