To Tell The Truth
“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 (New Living Translation, NLT)
This is a strong verse. God doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to sin. He hates sin and sin cannot survive in the presence of God. Most believers agree that murderers and witches and others should be consigned to the lake of fire. Most of us view those practices as evil and worthy of such a penalty. But what about liars? Surely that cannot be right, can it? Yes, it is correct. God is strongly opposed to lying and deception. Let’s consider the reason why.
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! Deuteronomy 30:19 (New Living Translation, NLT)
Every person has to choose between good and evil, between God and the devil. God is truth and the devil is the exact opposite.
God isn’t a mere human. He can’t lie. He isn’t a human being. He doesn’t change his mind. He speaks, and then he acts. He makes a promise, and then he keeps it. Numbers 23:19 (New International Readers Version, NIRV)
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 (English Standard Version, ESV)
If we choose to be deceitful and tell a lie, we are walking in step with the devil and not with God. God cannot tell a lie because He is truth (John 14:6). If we consistently choose to lie and give people false impressions about things, we are not acting like God. I do want to balance this by saying that if we tell a lie and repent before God, we ar forgiven and will not be cast into the lake of fire. That verse refers to those who repeatedly deceive, or live a lifestyle of being dishonest. But we must always be on our guard to stay truthful because one lie can lead to others.
Our words are important because our words have power. They are a creative force. When we allow our words to be used by the enemy, we are creating things in this world contrary to the will of God. It is vitally important that we are honest, truthful, and upright with our words. Telling the truth may not always be easy, but it is always the way to go.
