Washed Robes

Rev. 22:14-21 (ESV)
Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. [15] Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
[16] "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."
[17] The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
[18] I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, [19] and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
[20] He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
[21] The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.


Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
I think we all belong outside with the dogs. (By the way this is very inflammatory and pejorative language being used here, we aren’t talking about canines. This was the first century equivalent of fag. ) And that is where we all belong with them the dogs, the sorcerers (ever read your horoscope? That is what it is talking about.) the sexually immoral, (those who commit adultery, get carried away on a Friday night date, indulge in porn, lust after others not their own, the list goes on) the Murderers, (ever despise another, hate someone, not think they should live, made yourself the accuser and judge, ever actually murdered someone?) the idolaters, ( Ever think money is more important than God, ever put family over convictions about church, ever been more afraid to do what is right than do what is wrong, ever loved yourself more than God?), they are who we are, and don’t think you don’t love and practice falsehood, you do. We all love and practice false hood.
But we have washed our robes. There is part of us that no longer does love falsehood. There is a new identity to us, that does not identify with our sin, that fights against our sin, and this is the new robes made whit in the blood of the lamb, and on account of him we have the right to the tree of life, which we will enjoy forever when he comes. Come Lord Jesus, Amen.
And we start with Matthew! Next week.