Speaking your native language

But 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 21:8

As I was growing up, I never thought about this verse very much.

It has only been lately that I even realized it was there.

Then I began to wrestle with the question of why these groups were singled out.

More importantly, why liars?

I mean, who among us has never lied?

Over the past year, I have been dealing with this issue.

I began to think again about this verse,

and I was reminded of a dialogue that Jesus had with the religious leaders of his day.

They were discussing ancestry and Jesus makes this statement.

“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires.

He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.

When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

I had an “aha” moment and a piece of the puzzle fit in place.

I think perhaps the reason liars are mentioned is that satan is the originator of all lies.

When we lie, we are speaking satan’s language.

Those who choose to lie will have no part of heaven.

Suddenly the not-so-serious and common sin of lying is way more serious and lethal.

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