James Smith

"All liars shall have their place in the fiery lake of burning sulfur! This is the second death!" Revelation 21:8

Lying is attempting to deceive; and every species of designed deception is lying. It is common to human nature — but it is abhorred by God. It is often practiced without fear, though thus plainly denounced in God's Word. It is even pleaded for as necessary in some cases — and yet, in every instance — the above threatening will be made good.

There is much lying associated with religion. In some religious services there is much falsehood — more is said than is true — or the heart contradicts the lips. This is awful — but it is very common. Yet, "All liars shall have their place in the fiery lake of burning sulfur!"

Deception is very much practiced in trade; the article is misrepresented as to price, quality, and sometimes quantity. The seller tries to deceive, assuring the buyer that it is cheaper and better than it is. The buyer attempts to deceive — by running down the goods: "It's no good, it's no good! says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase!" Proverbs 20:14. But, "All liars shall have their place in the fiery lake of burning sulfur!"

Deception is often practiced in families; the parents deceive the children: the servants deceive their mistress; the mistress requires the servant to try and deceive the visitor, by saying, "She's not at home!" Each part of the family tries to deceive the other; and yet,"All liars shall have their place in the fiery lake of burning sulfur!"

Deception is practiced in common friendship. When the company is disagreeable, it is often said, "I am so glad to see you!" When there is no wish for the visit to be repeated, it is asked, "When will you call again?"

In relating the common occurrences of life — they are exaggerated, or a part of the circumstances is designedly kept back!

The promise is readily given — but as frequently broken!

In a word, lying is common in order . . .
to injure,
to gain,
to cover up a fault, or
to gratify an evil passion.

But, "All liars shall have their place in the fiery lake of burning sulfur!"

But will all liars really perish? Yes — if they live and die impenitent. But will not the practice of the trade, or the custom of the country, or the fashion of the times — form an excuse? No! All liars shall perish in Hell. If they repent of this sin, confess it before God, and forsake it in their practice, through the blood of Jesus — they may obtain a pardon. But otherwise, "All liars shall have their place in the fiery lake of burning sulfur!"

There is a place of punishment on purpose for liars, called "their place." It is very severe — it is called the second death, because it is separation from God, after death separates from friends. It deprives of all cheering hope, all sweet company, all bright and animating prospects! There the mind is filled with tormenting reflection, and harassed by the recollection of past follies, sins, and opportunities! There the worm of an ever-accusing conscience never dies — and the fire is never quenched!

Reader, are you guilty of this sin? Do you lie for gain, or revenge, or from custom, or to cover your faults? Remember, "All liars shall have their place in the fiery lake of burning sulfur! This is the second death!"

None of God's people are habitual liars. No Christian can be a habitual liar. Every liar is forever excluded from Heaven. Every liar is daily and knowingly requesting a place in Hell.

Are you a professor? Leave off lying, or leave off professing the religion of truth!

Are you outside the church? Never think of entering it — until you have learned habitually to speak the truth.

Are you attempting to soften down the subject and excuse the sin? Remember, God is a jealous God, and He has told you as plain as possible in His holy Word, that "All liars shall have their place in the fiery lake of burning sulfur!" Disbelieve this — and you make God a liar!