Bible Truth FAQs

THE PENALTY FOR LYING

Lying has become such common practice that society expects it. The credibility of public servants is practically non-existent. Even certain religions claim the right (?) to lie for the sake of expediency. Many are being convicted of perjury in the courts of our land after having sworn that they would tell the truth.

Lying does not have to be outright statements. It can be just as easily accomplished through deceit. Even Abraham, the father of the faithful, was guilty of lying by deception when he asked Sarah to withhold from Pharaoh's servants the fact that she was his (Abraham's) wife because he feared for his own life (Gen. 12:13). Likewise, Ananias and Sapphira lied through deception when they contributed a pert of the selling price of a possession and implied they were giving all of it (Acts 5:1-11).

Abraham and Sarah were expelled from Egypt when the truth became known. Ananias and Sapphira died instantly, though separately, when confronted and exposed for lying. What will be our penalty for lying? We need not fear instant death as befell Ananias and Sapphira. Rather, we need to fear eternal death. Rev. 21:8 states, ". . all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death."

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