by Magdalena Kessy | 3 December 2021 08:46 pm12
Question: I’d like to ask about Revelation 21:27, where it says nothing impure will ever enter. What exactly does “impure” mean here? Does it refer to weak people, like those with disabilities?
Revelation 21:27
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (NIV)
Answer: The term “impure” in this context does not refer to people with physical disabilities. If it did, then Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:29-30 would contradict this idea. In these verses, Jesus says:
Matthew 5:29-30
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (NIV)
If “impure” referred to physical weakness or disabilities, then Jesus would not have said that a disabled person could enter the Kingdom of Heaven, which is obviously not the case. Therefore, “impure” in Revelation 21:27 refers to something more spiritual.
So, what does “impure” mean?
Theological Insight: Biblically, something impure refers to something that lacks moral strength or purity, unable to endure challenges or withstand pressure from the sinful world. In this case, it relates to spiritual purity and endurance. A person who is spiritually weak and unable to resist the temptations and trials of life would be considered “impure” in this context. This concept is reflected in multiple passages throughout Scripture.
1 John 5:4
“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (NIV)
A spiritually weak person is one who gives in to the world’s sinful influences, while a strong person is one who resists them. This is why Jesus said:
Matthew 11:12
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.” (NIV)
Why does Jesus mention John the Baptist specifically? Jesus’ choice of John the Baptist helps us understand that to enter God’s Kingdom, we must reject the world, just as John did. John lived a life of separation, spending most of his time in the wilderness, away from the temptations of the world. As a result, he grew spiritually strong (Luke 1:80), and his example is one we are called to follow.
Luke 1:80
“And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he was in the desert until the day of his showing unto Israel.” (KJV)
This tells us that overcoming the world is essential for inheriting the Kingdom of God. If we allow the lusts of the flesh, the desires of the world, and the distractions of life to dominate us, we are spiritually weak. Such people will not enter the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21 because only those who have overcome the world will be allowed entry.
Revelation 21:1-2
“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” (NIV)
Those who overcome the world will be among those who inherit this glorious future. But overcoming the world is not optional—it is the standard.
Theological Insight: The Christian life requires us to battle against sin and worldly temptations. We cannot simply give in and say that we can’t overcome the world. Scripture makes it clear that we are empowered to resist and fight back against sin. Our responsibility is to strive for victory, understanding that the process involves choosing holiness over worldly pleasures, just as Jesus and His apostles taught.
James 4:7-8
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (NIV)
This struggle is not just a matter of avoiding sin but of actively pursuing purity, following Christ despite the cost. The journey involves taking up our cross daily and walking in the footsteps of Jesus.
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'” (NIV)
So, how can we achieve this victory?
The only way to truly overcome is by fully committing to leave behind sin, taking up our cross daily, and following Jesus, regardless of the cost. This is the path of spiritual strength.
Shalom.
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