But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
Pastor Chet called the other day and suggested that the vices listed here are like those listed in 1 Cor 6:9-11, Gal 5:19-21, and Eph 5:5-7. All three of those refer to believers who will not inherit the kingdom, that is, who will not be chosen to rule with Christ in the life to come.
Chet suggested that the right to enter the New Jerusalem—, the antecedent to the word outside—, might be a privilege reserved for the overcomers.
That view is possible, if outside refers to outside the New Jerusalem. But if it means outside the kingdom, then clearly that view is not possible.
After giving this more study, I came up with three reasons why those outside refers to unbelievers, those outside the entire kingdom.
First, we have a parallel text in Revelation 21 that proves that those outsiders are unbelievers. Revelation 21:8 reads much like Rev 22:15. I have underlined the words in common: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” In Rev 22:15 they are “outside.” In Rev 21:8 they “have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” That is true of unbelievers only. Compare Rev 20:14-15: “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Second, verse 15 indicates that these people remain slaves of sin. But believers in this age are no longer slaves of sin in our position (Rom 6:17-18) and believers in the age to come will not be slaves of sin in their position or experience (1 John 3:2). It would be inaccurate to call a glorified saint a murderer, liar, sorcerer, idolater, or immoral person.
Walvoord comments, “Though some saints have been guilty of these same practices, they have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and are acceptable to God” (“Revelation” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, p. 989).
Third, the verse immediately before Rev 22:15 specifically addresses entering the New Jerusalem, and it suggests that all believers will enter, but that only faithful believers will be allowed to enter by the twelve pearly gates. Revelation 22:14 reads:, “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” The context is clearly dealing with eternal rewards (“My reward is with Me…to give to every one according to his work,” Rev 22:12).
In the OT, the gates were places of honor. The elders of a city sat there and judged people. Entering the New Jerusalem by its twelve glorious gates will be an honor reserved for overcomers. Others will be able to enter via other means (e.g., other less glorious gates, subway, or monorail). Vacendak writes,
The believer whose life has been characterized by obedience to God’s commandments will enjoy the tree of life (see comments on 2:7; 22:2), and the privilege of being able to enter the New Jerusalem through its twelve main gates (cf. 21:12–13). This does not mean that unfaithful believers will be excluded from entering the city; they simply will not have the honor and privilege of entering the city through the main gates (surely there will be other, possibly smaller, gates through which the others will enter) (“Revelation” in The Grace New Testament Commentary, p. 1333).
Revelation 22:15 indicates that those who die in their sins (John 8:24)—, that is, those who remain slaves of sin beyond the grave—, will be outside the kingdom in a place called the lake of fire. They will not be there because of their sins. They will be there because they are not found in the Book of Life (Rev 20:15).
Thanks, Pastor Chet, for the thought-provoking suggestion.
Keep grace in focus and you’ll be able to enter the New Jerusalem by its glorious pearly gates.
