"Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood."
(Revelation 22:15)
"Outside" is not to be taken literally, as though just outside the city gates. Rather, John has already declared the condition and location of the unbelieving at the Judgment—living the second death in the lake of fire (Rev.20:14). But "outside" aptly pictures for us the distinction that he intends. He wants us to see the great folly of life without Christ—eternally outside of Christ, eternally outside the joy and light of His presence, eternally outside the gladness of God's blessings.
One of the most painful human experiences is that of being ostracized or left out. That kind of alienation strikes at the core of our psyche. Even as small children, to be excluded from those important to us brings the deepest pain.
Here is the simple description of what eternal damnation is— "outside": alienated from Christ, excluded from the Creator's kind provisions, separated forever from those whom God has given life through Christ. Some excluded, perhaps multitudes, have been part of local churches. They've heard the Scripture, to some degree they've tasted of the good things of God without partaking by faith, they've pretended to be Christians, or they may have even called themselves Christians even though intentionally avoiding the way of the cross. John describes them as "everyone who loves and practices lying" or falsehood. Here's the life of the deceiver who thinks that he can slip past the omniscient gaze of God. But no! He is left "outside" the City of God's blessing.
(Phil A. Newton)
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