Revelation 22:15

Revelation 22:15

Verse 15 serves as a stark counterpoint to the blessing of verse 14, delineating who is outside the city: “without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” In Revelation, “dogs” is a provocative term used by Jews to describe Gentiles or the impure; here it signals those excluded from the city due to persistent unrepentant sin and rejection of God’s truth. The list is not exhaustive but representative of idolatry and moral violation that stands in opposition to the reign of God. The language reflects a terminal separation between those who live under Christ’s lordship and those who cling to self-directed paths. The verse frames the final destiny of humanity in terms of ethical alignment with God’s will and truth.

Key themes include judgment, holiness, and the seriousness of human response to divine revelation. The passage communicates that God’s mercy invites, but human choices have eternal consequences. It also demonstrates the purity of the new creation, where sin cannot be tolerated. The list underscores the breadth of rebellion—moral, spiritual, and relational—against the Creator. It is a sobering reminder that salvation involves more than naming Jesus; it requires ongoing alignment with His character.

This verse invites self-examination. Are there patterns in your life—habitual lying, compromised moral choices, or complicity with oppressive systems—that need to be repented of? The text challenges complacency: a faith that does not reform character is incomplete. Practical steps: confess and turn from persistent sins, seek accountability, and pursue wholeness in truth-telling, fidelity, and love. It also invites compassion toward others who struggle with sin, emphasizing grace while upholding holiness. The call remains to inhabit the city by living consistent with Christ’s way.

Cross-References: Psalm 1:4–6; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11; Galatians 5:19–21; Ephesians 5:3–6; 1 John 3:10