Fear will keep you out of heaven. At least that’s what some people claim. Relying on verses like Revelation 21:8 (KJV), they insist that “the fearful” won’t make it into glory. So if you want to go to heaven when you die, you can’t afford to have a nervous bone in your body.
But is that what the Bible teaches? Does God require fearlessness as a prerequisite to enjoying His presence? If so, does this include all fears? To prove your worthiness, would you be willing to jump out of an airplane? How about jumping out of an airplane to go surfing with sharks?
The best way to deal with a Bible verse or even a single word within a verse is to explore its context. Here’s the passage in the New International Version:
“He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be My children. 8But 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 21:6-8
Let’s take this a step at a time.
God announces the end or completion of this present world. The book of Revelation unfolds the twin processes of executing final judgments and unleashing a brand new heavens and earth.
That’s why the Lord next declares Himself to be the Beginning and the End. He’s the Creator of the universe and He’s also the One to bring it to its denouement. What He starts in Genesis He wraps up in Revelation. God’s in charge of everything!
He then tells the apostle John that the comforts of heaven are available to all who recognize their need. Those parched by this world may drink their fill of life-giving water.
Although these people suffered and appeared defeated, God considers them victorious. He rewards them with inclusion within His family.
But the Father keeps out certain individuals: cowards, unbelievers, the vile, murderers, sexually immoral, those into drugs and the occult, idolaters, and liars. They descend to the lake of fire which illustrates unending pain, dissatisfaction, guilt, shame, rebellion, and rage.
Heavenly rewards come at a price: loyalty. The Lord calls His people to trust in Jesus no matter what. Despite distractions, pressures, and persecutions, Christians must maintain their identification with Christ.
Believers will face terrible trials as society mocks their allegiance to Jesus. Tempters will invite them to get with the program and honor the Beast, a man who will promote Himself as a Christ figure, indeed, as God Himself.
The strain will be immense. Many will reconsider their commitment to Jesus; they’ll conclude that it isn’t worth rejection and affliction. They’ll abandon the Lord. That’s cowardice–the kind of fear which will keep people out of heaven.
Turning away from Jesus doesn’t remain private. Deserting Him releases the soul to mimic the world. Mad pursuits of drugs, bodies, and lies obsess those who counted the cost and determined that the way of the Lord proved disappointing.
Whether or not we’re in civilization’s last days, we who believe in Jesus must assess our dedication to Him. Faith in God’s Son saves us and defines us as His own.
Deal with any issue, like lying or fear, from the perspective of your relationship to Jesus. It’s not the individual sin per se that inhibits your path to heaven. Rather, it’s the relinquishment of your trust in the value of His finished work that convicts and condemns.
There’s no “Keep Out” sign on the gates of heaven. All who realize that life without God has dried them out are welcome to find refreshment in Christ. Give Him your fears, addictions, and crimes. Drop at the foot of the cross your worries, mistakes, and transgressions. He’s paid the price for every one of them.
If you choose to follow Jesus, know that the world will test your resolve. Stay loyal to Him; He will sustain you and He’s worth it!
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