“But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie“
But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
In contrast to those who receive rewards from Christ are those who remain on the “outside.” Those without Christ are like “dogs.” Dogs in the first century were not domestic animals as they are in our day. They were scavengers who ate garbage. Many were wild. Generally, they were hated creatures. The people of this verse are bestial who live like dogs. They know little more than what they taste, feel, hear, see, and smell. They cannot see eternal things.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
Faith gives sight to eternal things. It reaches out to the future and brings it into the present.
Notice the nasty crowd here. They are described as those who practice sorcery (9:21; 18:23; 21:8) and the sexually immoral, murderers, idolaters, and those who love and practice a lie. These practices typify the lost. Those that do not accept the shed blood of Christ for them do not have that right.
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Principle:
Not everyone is going to Heaven.
Application:
Those without Christ are dog-like people. The dog of the first century was no pet. He was a scavenger who invaded garbage dumps. God depicts the non-Christian as someone who lives on garbage. They are an unsavory crowd because they do not have God in their lives.
The wonder of the gospel is that it can turn people who live on garbage into people who possess eternal life. Will you accept the fact that Jesus paid for your sins on the cross and that you can do nothing about your salvation except believe that Jesus gives us eternal life for free? You do that by faith (Romans 4:5; 5:1).
Don, these are two separate events.
Hi, Yes I agree they are two different events. I was just wondering about the concept of believers in side the walls an unbelievers (dogs) on the outside unable to cross over.
Thank you again for your on going an tiresome responses to our questions.
In christian love,
Don Beck
I am searching for the reason why these wicked men, creatures whatever are allowed to hang around outside the gate of the city. I have understood that this type of men, creatures should be in the lake of fire or burned up by now?
No one seems to have the answer, I’m thinking that this verse could possibly be misplaced? If not then what is the answer?
Verse 3 says “and there shall be no more curse” well according to verse 15 the curse is indeed active out side the gate.
And this is after the holy Jerusalem has descended from God.
There should no be any thing or being any where in sight if I am understanding correctly. Is there an answer?
Nor, when Jesus said “Behold, I come quickly,” He was speaking from the viewpoint of impending end-time events. The hour of judgment would be impending in this case.
I am searching for the reason why these wicked men, creatures whatever are allowed to hang around outside the gate of the city. I have understood that this type of men, creatures should be in the lake of fire or burned up by now?
No one seems to have the answer, I’m thinking that this verse could possibly be misplaced? If not then what is the answer?
Verse 3 says “and there shall be no more curse” well according to verse 15 the curse is indeed active out side the gate.
And this is after the holy Jerusalem has descended from God.
There should no be any thing or being any where in sight if I am understanding correctly. Is there an answer?
Ieona, we must remember that the book of Revelation was apocalyptic literature, which contains many symbolic ideas. Revelation 22:15 addresses people on earth during the writing of the book of Revelation. This passage again shows the contrast between the believer and the unbeliever. From what has preceded, outside would appear to refer to the lake of fire. They cannot enter because they are outside the city in the lake of fire. The idea is not that those outside live in the suburbs of the city. The word “outside” is a symbol for those excluded from the community of true believers.
In one commentary I heard, this reference to “dog” implies homosexuals? Is this true?
Patty, as seen in my commentary, I believe dogs in this context refers to people who act like beasts (bestial), which would include all forms of sexual perversity.
Thanks for these comments. Verse 15 has been a “Thorn in the flesh” so to speak. Your comment makes sense. TC
I tend to think that the most natural explanation for those “outside” in Rev. 22:15 is that they are carnal believers who fail to come into their inheritance; and are left to reside outside the city. Note that both entering the city and having access to the tree of life are rewards for those believers who obey and overcome (Rev. 22:14, Rev. 3:12). Residence within the city walls is not “automatic” for all believers, since part or all of one’s inheritance can be lost or wasted; and since one’s inheritance is a reward (compare Col. 2:18 with 3:24) for endurance and faithfulness in one’s walk. The parable of the prodigal son is a good illustration of the loss of one’s inheritance. The rich young ruler is another example, being a believer who wanted an inheritance in eternal life equivalent to his earthly wealth, which was likely inherited. To have “treasure in heaven” Jesus told him to give his money to the poor, and to pick up his cross to follow Him. In other words, one’s eternal inheritance is tied to the quality of his discipleship. Also note that the “narrow gate” in Matthew 7:14 is a gate to a city (see the Greek word), not a gate to the sheepfold. And the “narrow path” is a life lived according to the will of God (7:20, 7:24, 7:26), a lifestyle that is difficult and filled with trials. The destruction that awaits the believer who follows the “wide path” is the loss of his inheritance…destruction to his eternal abode. Finally, In the Old Testament, note that the Promised Land was the nation of Israel’s inheritance (Heb. 11:8-10, 11:26)…and many who came out of Egypt “by the blood of the lamb” did not enter into their inheritance due to disobedience and rebellion, even though God had chosen them, saved them, protected them, given them His law, fed them, and miraculously led them. There is a lot more to say about this, but it can wait.
Tom, your position is to confuse the Judgment Seat of Christ with the Great White Judgment.