God had given glorious promises to John and to the churches with whom he was to share this Revelation. That includes the promise of inheriting the delightful covenant relationship that comes with God's dwelling with his people. But just as the people of Israel did not automatically inherit the Promised Land, though they had escaped Pharaoh’s clutches, but needed to “conquer” the Canaanites, so John and his readers should not presume upon automatically receiving the inheritance promised to them. So Satan has been thrown from the earth (Revelation 20:10). The word “but” underscores that responsibility.
8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”