Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

This is a scripture some people take out of context. Some point to this scripture and say “If you’re committing these sins, you’re going to hell.” They especially like to pull out the sexual immoral part to condemn fornicators and homosexuals. They’re basing a ticket to heaven on behavior.

If we take this scripture literally, there are only 8 sins listed that are not going to heaven. What about abusers, kidnappers, thieves, etc.? Are they safe? Of course not. So, we can’t just point out a few sins to be hell bound.

Are those 8 sins not worthy to receive God’s forgiveness, grace, and mercy? If a person committed murder, are they destined to hell regardless if they asked God for forgiveness? Of course not.

This is a category of people who are under the umbrella of unbelievers. If a person hasn’t believed and received payment (through the sacrifice of Jesus) for murder, idolatry, or any other sins, they will die in their sins (John 8:24). A murderer who hasn’t believed in the finished works of Jesus will die a murderer. A liar will die a liar.

When we believe and accept Jesus as the payment for our sins, God WILL NOT hold our sins against us. 2 Corinthians 5:19 says, For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.

Sin won’t send us to hell. Unbelief in the payment for sin (Jesus) sends unbelievers to hell.