What does "nothing unclean" teach about God's standards for entering heaven? Setting the Scene—Revelation 21:27 “But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie; only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” God’s Standard: Absolute Purity • Heaven is God’s dwelling; His holiness defines its atmosphere (Habakkuk 1:13). • “Nothing unclean” reveals a zero‐tolerance policy toward sin—no moral blemish slips past the gate. • Other passages underscore the same requirement: – Hebrews 12:14: “Without holiness no one will see the Lord.” – Isaiah 35:8 pictures “the Highway of Holiness” where “unclean” travelers are absent. – 1 Peter 1:15-16: “Be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” Why We Fall Short • Romans 3:23: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” • Sin is not graded on a curve; any stain disqualifies (James 2:10). • Ephesians 5:3-5 lists sins that bar entrance and concludes, “No immoral, impure, or greedy person…has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” The Only Way to Meet the Standard • We cannot cleanse ourselves (Titus 3:5). • God provides the cleansing: – 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” – Hebrews 10:14: “By one sacrifice He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” • Entrance hinges on the Lamb’s Book of Life—names recorded because of faith in Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Steps Scripture lays out: 1. Admit one’s uncleanness (Psalm 51:3). 2. Trust Christ’s atoning death and resurrection (Romans 10:9-10). 3. Receive the imputed righteousness He supplies (Philippians 3:9). Living in Light of the Standard Now • Justification secures our status; sanctification shapes our walk. • The Spirit applies cleansing daily (1 John 1:7). • Practical responses: – Pursue purity of heart (Matthew 5:8). – Confess and forsake sin quickly (1 John 1:9). – Cultivate habits that reflect heavenly citizenship (Philippians 1:27). • “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3) Hope and Assurance • Revelation 21:3-4 promises a sinless, tearless eternity—possible because Christ removes all uncleanness. • 2 Peter 3:13: “We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” • Confidence rests not in personal effort but in the finished work of the Lamb whose blood makes us clean forever (Revelation 7:14). |
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