In the last chapter of the Apocalypse, the apostle John speaks about the final and glorious realities prepared by the Lord. He describes the wonders of God, the fulfillment of His promises, and the greatness that awaits those who have washed their spiritual garments in the blood of the Lamb. According to Scripture, all those who are pure in heart will serve the Lord Almighty in the kingdom of heaven. This purity does not come from human merit, but from repentance, faith, and obedience to God’s Word. John’s words remind us that eternity is real, and that our present life has eternal consequences.
The book of Revelation is not merely a book of symbols and mysteries; it is a book of hope for the faithful and a warning for the unrepentant. In its final chapter, John points our attention to the eternal state, where righteousness dwells and God’s justice is fully revealed. Those who have remained faithful, who have endured trials, and who have clung to the truth of the Gospel will enter into the joy of the Lord. They will no longer struggle with sin, suffering, or temptation, but will dwell forever in the presence of God.
However, John also makes it clear that not everyone will be able to enjoy these heavenly wonders. The Scriptures teach that the great judgment of the Lord will come upon sinners who persist in rebellion against God. This judgment is not arbitrary or unjust; it is the righteous response of a holy God to unrepentant sin. The same God who offers mercy and grace also upholds justice and truth.
For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Revelation 22:15
This verse presents a sobering contrast between those who enter the heavenly city and those who remain outside. The term “without” signifies exclusion from the New Jerusalem, from the presence of God, and from eternal life. John lists categories of people whose lives are characterized by unrepentant sin. These descriptions do not refer to isolated acts, but to persistent lifestyles that reject God’s authority and truth.
The word “dogs,” in biblical language, often symbolizes moral impurity and spiritual uncleanness. Sorcerers represent those who seek power apart from God, relying on occult practices instead of submitting to the Lord. Whoremongers refer to those who indulge in sexual immorality without repentance. Murderers symbolize not only those who take life physically, but also those whose hearts are filled with hatred and violence. Idolaters are those who replace the true God with false gods, whether physical idols or anything that takes God’s rightful place in the heart.
Finally, John mentions “whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” This phrase is especially significant, because it emphasizes not just occasional deception, but a love for falsehood. These are people who embrace lies, distort truth, and reject God’s revelation. They prefer darkness over light because their deeds are evil. Truth is central to God’s nature, and those who consistently reject it align themselves against Him.
Because all those who commit such abominations, as described by this great man of God, refuse to repent and turn to the Lord, they will face judgment and punishment. Scripture makes it clear that persistent rebellion has consequences. For them, there will be no inheritance in the kingdom of heaven. They will have no part in the great heavenly city, not because God delights in condemnation, but because they rejected the salvation He freely offered.
This judgment comes upon the dogs, the fornicators, the idolaters, the murderers, and all those who love evil and practice everything that is against the laws of the Lord. God’s laws are not arbitrary restrictions; they reflect His holy character. To rebel against them is to rebel against God Himself. When people persist in sin and reject repentance, they choose separation from God.
It is important to understand that this passage is not meant to produce fear alone, but awakening. God desires that sinners repent and be saved. Throughout Scripture, the call to repentance is extended repeatedly. Yet, Revelation reminds us that a day will come when the time for repentance ends, and judgment begins. The door that is now open by grace will one day be closed by justice.
The doors of the heavenly city will be closed to all who persist in wickedness. The wicked of the earth will witness the powerful hand of God fall upon them. Their lies, their pride, and their abominations will consume them. Sin, which they once embraced as freedom, will become their destruction. This is the tragic end of those who reject God’s truth.
This reality should lead believers to sober reflection. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God. At the same time, it should stir compassion in our hearts for those who are still walking in darkness. While judgment is real, so is grace. Today is still the day of salvation. Christ still calls sinners to repentance, offering forgiveness, cleansing, and new life.
Those who are pure in heart are not those who have never sinned, but those who have confessed their sins, turned away from them, and trusted in Christ for salvation. Through Him, their garments are washed, and they are made clean before God. These are the ones who will inherit the kingdom of heaven and serve the Lord forever.
Let this passage encourage the faithful to persevere and warn the careless to repent. Eternity is not a distant concept, but a certain reality. Each person will stand before God, and only those found in Christ will enter the heavenly city. May we choose today to walk in the light, to love the truth, and to live in obedience to the Lord, so that we may partake in the eternal glory prepared for those who love Him.