What is the meaning of Revelation 21:27? Nothing Unclean “But nothing unclean…” (Revelation 21:27) • God’s new heaven and new earth are absolutely pure. No stain of sin can coexist with His holy presence. • This echoes the call in Ephesians 5:27 for Christ’s Church to be presented “without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish.” • Isaiah 35:8 speaks of “a highway of holiness” where “no unclean thing will travel,” showing that this standard has always marked God’s dwelling. Will Ever Enter It “…will ever enter it…” • “It” refers to the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21:1–3—a literal city where God dwells with His redeemed people. • The permanence is underscored by “ever.” Psalm 15 asks, “LORD, who may dwell in Your tent?” and answers with moral purity; Revelation 21 shows the final fulfillment. • John 14:2–3 assures believers of a prepared place; here we see its holy security: nothing incompatible with God’s character will cross the threshold, ever. Nor Anyone Who Practices an Abomination or a Lie “…nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie…” • The focus is on continual practice, not a single lapse. 1 John 3:9 teaches that those born of God do not keep on sinning as a lifestyle. • “Abomination” recalls Proverbs 6:16–19 and Leviticus 18:22, summarizing willful rebellion against God’s moral order. • “Lie” connects to John 8:44, where the devil is called “the father of lies.” Those who habitually deceive reveal their spiritual lineage. • Revelation 22:15 places “the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood” outside the city, reinforcing the same truth. But Only Those Whose Names Are Written in the Lamb’s Book of Life “…but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” • Entry is not earned by personal merit but granted through the Lamb—Jesus Christ—who was “slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). • Luke 10:20 highlights the real cause for rejoicing: “your names are written in heaven.” • Philippians 4:3 refers to fellow laborers “whose names are in the Book of Life,” showing that this registry has current implications for believers’ identity and unity. • The exclusive “only” stresses a clear boundary: either one is recorded in that Book through faith in Christ, or one remains outside, still in sin. summary Revelation 21:27 teaches that the New Jerusalem is a sin-free zone, forever closed to anything or anyone tainted by unrepentant sin. Continuous, willful sin—whether gross wickedness or habitual deceit—has no access. Entrance is reserved solely for those whose names are inscribed in the Lamb’s Book of Life, secured by faith in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. God’s future home is perfectly holy, and by His grace, He now prepares us to share in that purity eternally. |
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