Today’s devotion is based on Revealed: Week 6 – Forever Revealed! (WATCH HERE)
Forever has two options.
Revelation 22:14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Eternity is not vague. It’s not a foggy spiritual concept or an open-ended future for “good people.” Revelation 22, the final chapter of the Bible, makes the picture startlingly clear: Forever has two options. Two destinies. Two outcomes. One inside the city of God enjoying eternal life in the presence and perfection of God; the other outside, separated from His presence.
This is not a scare tactic—it’s a loving, urgent call to clarity. God wants you to know what’s at stake.
Option 1. The Blessed: Washed and Welcomed
Verse 14 begins with blessing: “Blessed are those who wash their robes.” This is not about physical cleanliness or good deeds. It’s symbolic language used throughout Revelation (see 7:14) to describe those washed in the blood of the Lamb—those who trust in Jesus for salvation, not themselves.
Their robes are white not because they lived perfect lives but because they were made white, made perfect by Christ’s perfect life and sacrifice on the cross. That’s grace.
And what’s their reward? Once again they have access to the tree of life—a direct reversal of the curse in Eden. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve were banned from the tree after sin entered the world. In Christ, the way back is open. These blessed ones are also granted access to the city—God’s eternal home, the New Jerusalem, where there is no more pain or death, only perfection.
This is the eternal hope of believers: to dwell with God, forever alive, forever loved.
Option 2. The Banished: Unrepentant and Outside
Verse 15 shifts the focus: “Outside are the dogs…” This is not about literal animals. In ancient Jewish culture, “dogs” was a harsh term for those considered morally impure or unclean. The list continues with people defined by sinful behaviors: sorcery, sexual immorality, murder, idolatry, and deceit.
This list is not meant to single out specific sins as worse than others. It’s representative of those who persist in sin, those who refuse to repent, reject God’s grace, and love darkness more than light. It describes people who not only sin, but love and practice falsehood, embracing a lifestyle that pushes God out of the picture.
This isn’t about whether someone has failed. We’ve all sinned (Romans 3:23). The difference is whether we’ve come to Jesus for cleansing for our sin. The blessed are washed and welcomed; the unrepentant remain stained and self-ruled—and tragically, left outside.
Jesus makes a purposeful and stark contrast. God draws the line between two eternal destinies. Everyone will spend forever somewhere. The dividing factor is not who lived a better life but who trusted the Lamb.
So where does that leave you?
If the Spirit has worked in you trust in Christ, rejoice. Your robes are washed. You have full access to God and His eternal kingdom, not because of your performance, but because of Jesus’ perfect work on your behalf.
If you’re unsure where you stand—or if you’ve been living as if forever doesn’t matter—God’s Word is clear: Now is the time to turn to Him. There is still time to repent, still time to receive grace, still time to be washed in the blood of Jesus.
Apply: Who do I know that still needs to hear that forever has two options? Forward this devotion to them!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for making the way into the city through Your sacrifice. Thank You for washing me and calling me blessed. Help me live with eternity in view, not in fear, but in faith. Give me boldness to share Your truth with others while there is still time. Amen.