Revelation 21:27

“And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

Contextual Overview: Revelation 21 presents the New Heaven and New Earth, focusing on the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling of God with His people. Verses 1–26 describe:

• The absence of sorrow, death, and pain.
• God’s dwelling among His people.
• The glory and holiness of the city.

Verse 27 concludes this section with a focus on purity and divine exclusion, establishing who is allowed entry into this eternal city.

“There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth”

• Defileth: Refers to moral, spiritual, and ceremonial impurity.
• Reflects God’s holiness — nothing sinful can persist in His presence.
• Connects to Old Testament purity laws (cf. Leviticus 11–15), but elevated to eternal moral and spiritual standards.

“Neither whatsoever worketh abomination”

• Abomination: Something detestable to God (Hebrew: toevah; Greek: bdelugma).
• Often linked to idolatry, sexual immorality, or any action violating God’s law.
• Highlights that sinful actions, not just status, bar access to God’s presence.

“Or maketh a lie”

• Lying is a moral corruption that disrupts relationships and reflects rebellion against God, who is Truth (John 14:6; Psalm 119:160).
• Spiritual purity includes honesty, integrity, and righteousness.

“But they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life”

• Entry into the New Jerusalem is not based on works alone but on being in Christ.
• The Lamb’s Book of Life is the registry of those saved through Jesus Christ (Revelation 20:15; Philippians 4:3).
• Assurance: salvation is divine election, not human merit.

Cross-References

• Exodus 19:6 – Israel called to be a holy nation.
• Psalm 15:1–5 – Characteristics of those who dwell with God: righteousness, honesty, and keeping vows.
• 1 John 3:2–3 – “Everyone that hath this hope purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
• Revelation 22:14–15 – Echoes the principle of exclusion for the sinful and entrance for the righteous.

Theological Insights

• Holiness of God and Eternal Purity: Heaven is a realm of absolute moral and spiritual purity.
• Exclusion of Sin: God’s final judgment ensures that nothing impure can enter His eternal presence.
• Salvation in Christ: Only those written in the Lamb’s Book of Life gain eternal access — pointing to grace and faith in Jesus.
• Moral and Spiritual Responsibility: While salvation is by grace, holiness and truth are markers of Christ’s transformative work in believers’ lives.