Why is fear equated with murder?

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Revelation 21:8 states, ‘The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers ... shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire.’

Why is fear equated with murder? Is fear a sin? The answer lies in the meaning of the Greek word, ‘fearful,’ a New Testament word found in only three other verses of the New Testament. Of course, we all have a natural apprehension when danger approaches. But Matthew 8:26 and Mark 4:40 tell us that the disciples’ fear came from unbelief. It was then, that the Lord leveled his rebuke against them. After His admonishment, he said to them, ‘How is it that ye have no faith?’ He said in Luke, ‘Why are ye fearful, O you of little faith?’

True faith will drive fear away, but only in proportion to its strength. When we apply this teaching to Revelation 21:8. To be fearful bears on those who fear losing their life or material possessions, in this, they reject Jesus Christ though convinced of his truth, even during a period of persecution. When we apply this truth to Revelation 21:8, we can better understand its meaning. So, in the eyes of God, this unbelief or fearfulness is the same as murder, idolatry, liars, etc.”

What are your thoughts on the subject.

[Difflugia]

Why is fear equated with murder? Is fear a sin?

That particular word doesn't just mean "afraid," but more generally means wretched and cowardly. This seems to fit the Revelator's repeated venom for those that have denied Jesus' name, are "neither hot nor cold," and the like. One of the Revelator's main themes is standing firm in the face of persecution, even if it results in death. Anyone that doesn't have the fortitude to withstand persecution has no place in the new Jerusalem.

[1213]

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What are your thoughts on the subject.

"Fear is the path to the dark side...fear leads to anger...anger leads to hate...hate leads to suffering." -Yoda

I think cowardice means several things, for example that person doesn't trust to God. And cowardice leads to bad actions and can be even reason for murders. All of that indicates person is not righteous. And as it is said in the Bible, eternal life is only for righteous.

These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
Matt. 25:46
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

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“The Lord has set life and death before us.’

Think about that! Corruption is now painfully evident in our political, judicial, and essential private sectors, the news media, and Hollywood’s entertainment industry, and sorry to say, certain Christian denominations have given way to this ever-growing moral decline.

Those addicted to power, money, drugs, and sex measure themselves not by the fruitful things but by personal pleasure, wealth, authority, control, and any powers they can accumulate. The drug lords have entered the picture as well, especially in politics. They will finance any political candidate who stands with them and vehemently oppose anyone who wars against them.

What’s missing in all that? The knowledge and fear of God. New poisonous and destructive doctrines having their roots embedded in centuries of hierarchical religious and political institutions has spread throughout the hundreds of smaller denominations and in both the political and judicial branches of government.”

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What are your thoughts on the subject.

"Fear is the path to the dark side...fear leads to anger...anger leads to hate...hate leads to suffering." -Yoda

I think cowardice means several things, for example that person doesn't trust to God. And cowardice leads to bad actions and can be even reason for murders. All of that indicates person is not righteous. And as it is said in the Bible, eternal life is only for righteous.

These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
Matt. 25:46
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

1213, Question: You used the word coward or cowardice with the idea of trusting Jehovah. There are those in certain organizations who refuse to pick up or even own a weapon to defend themselves, their family, friends, or their country. They have decided to leave it to others to defend them and possibly die for their freedom. They claim to "Trust Jehovah" in all things. Yet I get the impression, that they think Jehovah is saving them, or in their corner by sending others to die for them.

The Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses, Gypsies, the Polish people, the retarded, etc. were all targeted by the Nazis. I'm unsure if the majority of their young and middle-aged men were too cowardly to defend themselves and their families, or unaware of the danger they were going to be exposed to. As of today, the Polish people and the Jews have learned their lesson. They have strong militaries and are willing to take up arms against all future aggressors. They stand ready to defend their families and homeland, but others like the Jehovah's Witnesses will not. So, would you call anyone unwilling to defend themself a coward? If not, why not?

[1213]

1213, Question: You used the word coward or cowardice with the idea of trusting Jehovah. There are those in certain organizations who refuse to pick up or even own a weapon to defend themselves, their family, friends, or their country. They have decided to leave it to others to defend them and possibly die for their freedom. They claim to "Trust Jehovah" in all things. Yet I get the impression, that they think Jehovah is saving them, or in their corner by sending others to die for them.

The Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses, Gypsies, the Polish people, the retarded, etc. were all targeted by the Nazis. I'm unsure if the majority of their young and middle-aged men were too cowardly to defend themselves and their families, or unaware of the danger they were going to be exposed to. As of today, the Polish people and the Jews have learned their lesson. They have strong militaries and are willing to take up arms against all future aggressors. They stand ready to defend their families and homeland, but others like the Jehovah's Witnesses will not. So, would you call anyone unwilling to defend themself a coward? If not, why not?

I think it is possible that some of them are, or have been cowards. But, those who use weapons can also be cowards, they fear for their life and try to save it with their guns. By what i see, the strength of Christianity didn't come from guns, but from that they had the courage not to use them. And it requires lots of courage to live by the words Jesus told.

Then Jesus said to him, Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword shall perish by a sword.
Matt. 26:52
He who found his life shall lose it, and he who lost his life for my sake shall find it.
Matt. 10:39
You have heard that it was said: "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth;" Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21 but I say to you, Do not resist the evil; but whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him also. And to him desiring to sue you, and to take your tunic, allow him also to have the coat. And whoever shall compel you to go one mile, go two with him. He asking you to give, and he wishing to borrow from you, do not turn away. You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor" and hate your enemy; Lev. 19:18 but I say to you, Love your enemies; bless those cursing you, do well to those hating you; and pray for those abusing and persecuting you, so that you may become sons of your Father in Heaven. Because He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and unjust. For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you only greet your brothers, what exceptional thing do you do? Do not the tax-collectors do so? Therefore, you be perfect even as your Father in Heaven is perfect.
Matt. 5:38-48

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1213, Question: You used the word coward or cowardice with the idea of trusting Jehovah. There are those in certain organizations who refuse to pick up or even own a weapon to defend themselves, their family, friends, or their country. They have decided to leave it to others to defend them and possibly die for their freedom. They claim to "Trust Jehovah" in all things. Yet I get the impression, that they think Jehovah is saving them, or in their corner by sending others to die for them.

The Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses, Gypsies, the Polish people, the retarded, etc. were all targeted by the Nazis. I'm unsure if the majority of their young and middle-aged men were too cowardly to defend themselves and their families, or unaware of the danger they were going to be exposed to. As of today, the Polish people and the Jews have learned their lesson. They have strong militaries and are willing to take up arms against all future aggressors. They stand ready to defend their families and homeland, but others like the Jehovah's Witnesses will not. So, would you call anyone unwilling to defend themself a coward? If not, why not?

I think it is possible that some of them are, or have been cowards. But, those who use weapons can also be cowards, they fear for their life and try to save it with their guns. By what i see, the strength of Christianity didn't come from guns, but from that they had the courage not to use them. And it requires lots of courage to live by the words Jesus told.

Then Jesus said to him, Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword shall perish by a sword.
Matt. 26:52
He who found his life shall lose it, and he who lost his life for my sake shall find it.
Matt. 10:39
You have heard that it was said: "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth;" Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21 but I say to you, Do not resist the evil; but whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him also. And to him desiring to sue you, and to take your tunic, allow him also to have the coat. And whoever shall compel you to go one mile, go two with him. He asking you to give, and he wishing to borrow from you, do not turn away. You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor" and hate your enemy; Lev. 19:18 but I say to you, Love your enemies; bless those cursing you, do well to those hating you; and pray for those abusing and persecuting you, so that you may become sons of your Father in Heaven. Because He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and unjust. For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you only greet your brothers, what exceptional thing do you do? Do not the tax-collectors do so? Therefore, you be perfect even as your Father in Heaven is perfect.
Matt. 5:38-48

That was almost a good post, but you omitted the context in each of the above. In Matthew 26:52, Jesus had to go to the cross to fulfill the Father's will, so he told Peter to put his sword away. You always talk about Jehovah's will being done. The prophecy in Isaiah was the Father's will and had to be fulfilled by his Son.

Isaiah 53:7, "He (Jesus) was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep, before his shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth." "

Matthew 10:39 concerns denying Christ to save your life. For example, Roman troops find people worshipping the Lord. They ask, "Are you worshipping the Lord?" Levi (the coward) says, "No, I only came here to ask directions to get to the nearest town. I don't worship the Jehovah." The Romans let him go and kill the others, that's what the verse concerns. Poor Levi, he found his life but lost it.

Exodus 21:24, Is speaking of taking revenge against someone who committed an act of violence against an individual or family member. Crimes committed in these ancient times were dealt with by Judges, not by individuals taking revenge.

This is what the Witnesses do, they take verses out of context and make doctrines out of them. What were France, England, and America to do when the Germans and Japanese attacked them, killing tens of thousands? Let them continue to kill? No! The Lord gave these men the will to protect their homes and homeland. Jehovah sent Mosses, Joshua, Saul, David, Gideon, and a host of others to war against their enemies. And if God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, what changed?

As for the Jews in Jesus Day, they rejected Jesus Christ in part, because they feared the Romans and paid honor to Rome's Caesar. The people also feared the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Israel's High Priest, so they turned on Jesus to save their own skins.

Anyway, we all have a free will to do as we please. If a person decides not to serve in the military, I have no problem with that, but don't put it on the LORD, it's not his will, it's the individual making the decision.

[MattTheCricketBat]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #1]

The Bible makes a lot of lists, but that doesn't mean there's an equivalence to them.

[placebofactor]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #1]

The Bible makes a lot of lists, but that doesn't mean there's an equivalence to them.

The following does have an equivalence to them. Revelation 21:8 states, ‘The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers ... shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire.’

[1213]

...If a person decides not to serve in the military, I have no problem with that, but don't put it on the LORD, it's not his will, it's the individual making the decision.

I agree that individuals makes the decisions always. But, I think Matt. 5:38-48 suggests the peaceful solution. And it would also be good to understand this:

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man may sow, that he also will reap.
Gal. 6:7

It seems to me that war has always been pointless. In the end people get tyranny anyway.