“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8 ESV).
Our brief review of Revelation 21:8 continues with a reference to “those who practice magic arts“ (NIV). This would encompass those who engage in fortune telling, astrology, divination, tarot card readings, Ouija board use, necromancy, “psychic communications,” or similar occultic practices. It also offers an important lesson for today, for those who are searching for knowledge and enlightenment through such means would do well to abandon those pursuits and turn instead to God for guidance and direction.
We should also note that this reference to “sorcery” is derived from the word pharmakeus in the original language of this passage. Pharmakeus refers to the administration or use of drugs, and serves as the precursor of contemporary terms such as “pharmacy” or “pharmaceutical.” In the context of Revelation 21:8, this involves the ritualistic drug use, or an effort to chemically alter one’s state of consciousness. Thus, any religion, philosophy, or spiritual teaching that endorses those practices cannot be of God.
Next comes a reference to “idolaters, ” a term that has reappeared several times in our study of the book of Revelation. An idol may be defined as anything that supplants God’s place within our lives. Those who travel the path of idolatry now should know that it ultimately leads to the eternal destination outlined here in Revelation 21:8.
Finally, “all liars” will be denied access to this eternal realm. “Lying” involves a deliberate attempt to deceive by falsehood. While there may be many who are highly skilled at masking their falsifications, no lie (however sophisticated), can deceive God. Therefore, those who engage in such behaviors are sure to follow the originator of that practice to his eternal destiny.
The New Testament Scriptures address lying and its related behaviors in several passages that will conclude our survey of this verse…
“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds” (Colossians 3:9).
“Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25).
“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37).
“…They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10 CSB).