On the Outside

One of the most dangerous borders in the world to cross lies between the countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The 1,600-mile border, known as the Durand Line, was once an important trade route, but the area is now home to the Taliban and is marked by frequent ambushes and military actions.

In the New Jerusalem, either you are inside or outside. There is a clear line of demarcation, and today’s text unambiguously states who will be “outside.” This isn’t the first list of sinners mentioned in Revelation. Of those being cast into the lake of fire, it mentions “the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars” (21:8).

But why dogs? In the West, dogs are often considered affectionate and loyal pets, but in the East, they were often without masters and would roam the streets. Dogs were considered unclean animals and were a depiction of an ungodly person. Paul used the same term when he warned the church in Philippi of Judaizers who claimed to be Christians (Philippians 3:2). Jesus said, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs” (Matthew 7:6), those who would not appreciate spiritual things.

This passage does not suggest that the wicked will forever hang around outside the gates of the holy city. The fate of those outside the New Jerusalem has been described in Revelation 21:8.

These commandment breakers stand in contrast to the commandment keepers inside the city.

Sorcerers are those who use powers from evil spirits to lead people astray. They were condemned to death in Israel (Exodus 22:18). The sexually immoral (whoremongers, KJV) are often associated with harlots, whose prostitution can be for monetary gain or as cult prostitutes in idol worship (Deuteronomy 22:21). Murder is expressly forbidden by the sixth commandment (Exodus 20:13).

Idolatry is worshiping false gods and images. The first and second commandments condemn idolatry (Exodus 20:3–6), and lying is condemned by the ninth commandments (v. 16).

Revelation warns us about those on the “outside” so that we might turn from those sinful ways and come inside God’s eternal kingdom.

Jesus, I turn from evil and choose to obey Your law. Through Your grace, I will not be outside Your kingdom.

For Further Study: Deuteronomy 23:17; Proverbs 12:22; Luke 13:25

Key Bible Texts

For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. (Revelation 22:15 KJV)