Day 270: Inside or outside? - Revelation 22 vs 12 – 21

12-13 “Behold,  I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. 18-19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. 20-21 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.”  Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.  Amen. Revelation 22:12-21 English Standard Version

In the first part of this chapter an angel spoke on behalf of Jesus. But now, Jesus Himself speaks directly to John, and through him, to everyone who hears or reads the words of Revelation. Take a moment to let that sink in. Jesus spoke a message directly to you and me that day. Sadly, over the ages and still today, people have changed the message of the Bible to say what they think it should say. What did Jesus say about those who twist God's words, especially the words of this book? vs 18-19)

So what are the things Jesus said that are even for us? Firstly, He wants us to know who He really is. (vs 12-13) The titles He uses can only apply to God. He is the judge of all mankind. Our world began through Him and will reach its destiny through Him. He is worthy of our worship.

Secondly, He wants us to know that the worst of sinners can be made so clean that they are fit to live with Him forever. (vs 14) This is what happened to people in Corinth long ago. The apostle Paul wrote: “Those who are unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Don't be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor males who have sex with males, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor the verbally abusive, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. Some of you were those types of people! But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Soiled lives were made clean. And the wonderful part is that Jesus didn't only give His invitation to eternal life on that day! How does He continue to do it? (vs 17)

Through the ages the Holy Spirit has lived in the lives of the true Church. All people who've come to faith in Jesus Christ are called His bride. Churches that are faithful to Jesus will teach and preach the message of vs 14 and 17. They won't change His message to fit in with politics or all the new fads that become popular in the world. They tell the world that Jesus is the Son of God and the one who will be their judge - but also the only one who can make them clean and pure in God's eyes. So who is it that will be forever outside the eternal existence Christ brings about when He returns? (vs 15)

That's not a list of the 'only' sins that shut people out of God's presence. Jesus said that hateful and lustful thoughts in our heart are deserving of hell. And vs 15 says that all who 'love and practise falsehood' will be outside the gates. All sin defiles us. The Bible says that even our best efforts are like dirty rags. But Jesus invites us to 'wash our robes' so that we can be inside the eternal city that this chapter has set before us. How very blessed are those who've done that.