‘Christian’, are you

a Coward?

Revelation 21:8 “"But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone , which is the second death."” - NASB 1995 #1169 – deilos (δειλός) Definition: cowardly, timid, fearful “ Deilos ” (#1169) is always used in the negative form in the New Testament. “Deilos” at its core denotes the fear of loss, being easily frightened. It denotes those who lost their moral courage to follow Christ amidst adversity, denying Him rather. “Deilos” (#1169) is not the “phobos” (#5401) which signifies panic, terror, feeling of inadequacy, or deep reverence for God. “Deilos” (#1169) is also not the “praus” (#4239), which signifies meekness ( Matthew 5:5 ). Professor , do you turn a blind eye to cognitive biases at the hands of Biblical ‘exegetes’ from the ranks of your academic institution? Do you quietly believe in the salvation of all mankind, yet are too hesitant to make it public for fear of being dismissed by your organization? Professor, do you have a degree in ancient Greek and still accept the ever so classic added “might” or “may” modal auxiliaries after the “so that” ( hina-ἵνα ) in almost ALL Bibles? Professor , if you believe God to be a God of purpose, getting the results He wants and you still allow the doubt- seeding added auxiliaries in the subjunctive mood, you are incongruent. Are you like the professor who assured me of also having the belief in salvation for all, but at the same time strongly urged me to stay away from grammar since I do not have the credentials needed? Professor, does the ‘cowardly’ shoe fit? John 12:42 “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;” - New International Version ‘Christian’ , are you one of the so many who are scared away from a Christian website that proclaims everlasting life for all? If one is secure in one’s belief, then no other belief system will be a threat at all. When someone communicates with you, enthusiastically rejoicing in a Christ who saved all humanity, do you rather say nothing and refrain from giving any comments to avoid the risk of getting engaged in a discussion of discomfort? This is a classical scenario, experienced by both Hans- Joachim and me on so many occasions. It has become the norm. Two people reading the Bible, two people proclaiming Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross, but one person does not share in the enthusiasm of the other’s. What is a primary reason for that? The one not taking part in the enthusiasm has the black cloud of ‘eternal damnation’ hanging over him or her. Enthusiasm comes from the Greek word “entheos”, which means “God within”. Enthusiasm at its core is the expression of joy, of security, of having God within. To proclaim a God that will annihilate billions upon billions of people He created and at the same time proclaiming Him to be a God of love, is downright absurd. So this brings us to the other primary reason for silence… insecurity and a lack of love. 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” - New International Version Professor, ‘Christian’, there is still time to switch over from cowardice to victory. May God give you the courage to make the switch.

‘Christian’, are you a Coward?