The question of who will enter heaven is a profound and complex topic within Christian theology, and it touches upon the nature of salvation, faith, and the characteristics that define a believer. The Bible, revered as the inspired Word of God, provides insights into the criteria for entering heaven, and among these, it addresses the spiritual state of individuals, including those who are fearful.
The primary scripture that directly addresses the issue of fearful people not entering heaven is found in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 21:8 states, "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death" (NIV). In this verse, the term "cowardly" is often understood to refer to those who lack faith or who turn away from God due to fear, particularly fear of persecution or suffering for their faith.
To understand this passage, it's essential to consider the broader context of Revelation. The Apostle John, traditionally believed to be the author of Revelation, wrote this apocalyptic text during a time of severe persecution of Christians. The early church faced immense pressure to conform to the Roman Empire's practices and beliefs, often under threat of death. In this context, the "cowardly" may refer to those who renounce their faith to avoid persecution. This interpretation aligns with Jesus' teachings in the Gospels, where He often speaks about the cost of discipleship and the need for courage and perseverance in the face of trials. For instance, in Matthew 10:32-33, Jesus says, "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven" (NIV).
The fear mentioned in Revelation 21:8 is not the everyday fear that all humans experience, such as fear of danger or the unknown. Instead, it is a spiritual fear that leads one to deny Christ or abandon their faith. This fear is contrasted with the courage and faithfulness that characterize those who overcome trials through reliance on God. In Revelation 2:10, Jesus encourages the church in Smyrna: "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown" (NIV).
The Bible consistently emphasizes that faith and trust in God are central to the Christian life. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (NIV). Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and reliance on God, even in the face of fear and uncertainty. The "fearful" who are excluded from heaven are those who allow fear to dominate their lives to the extent that it leads to a rejection of God and His promises.
In Christian literature, fear is often discussed in terms of its spiritual implications. C.S. Lewis, in "The Screwtape Letters," explores how fear can be a tool of the devil to lead Christians away from God. Lewis illustrates how fear can paralyze believers and prevent them from acting in faith. This aligns with the biblical teaching that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). The call to Christians is to overcome fear through faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
The concept of fear as a barrier to heaven also ties into the broader biblical narrative of trust and obedience. Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to trust Him, even when circumstances seem dire. The Israelites, during their exodus from Egypt, often faced situations that tested their faith. When they succumbed to fear, they faltered in their journey to the Promised Land. Similarly, Christians are on a spiritual journey toward the ultimate Promised Land—heaven. Fear, when it leads to a lack of trust in God, can hinder this journey.
However, it is crucial to approach this topic with sensitivity and an understanding of grace. The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). While fear can be a sign of spiritual struggle, it does not automatically exclude someone from heaven. The Christian life is a process of sanctification, where believers grow in faith and learn to trust God more deeply. Even the most faithful Christians experience moments of fear and doubt. The key is to seek God in those moments and allow His perfect love to cast out fear (1 John 4:18).
In pastoral care, it is important to encourage believers who struggle with fear to seek God's presence and strength. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers are vital practices that help overcome fear. The community of faith plays a crucial role in supporting one another, reminding each other of God's promises, and encouraging perseverance.
In conclusion, while the Bible mentions that the "cowardly" will not enter heaven, this is understood in the context of fear that leads to a rejection of faith in God. It is a call for believers to trust in God's promises, even in the face of persecution and trials. The Christian journey is one of growing in faith and overcoming fear through the power of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross and scorned its shame for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). In doing so, we find the courage to persevere and the assurance of our place in God's eternal kingdom.
