Outside the City

Reading Revelation with eyes that see the Reigning Redeemer.

Jun 20, 2024

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“Outside the city are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, who are sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood” - Rev. 22:15.

A spectacular city gate that is open, revealing a lush green tree with red apples on it inside. Outside the open gate, a pack of wild dogs is gathered. The gate is grand and ornate, with intricate carvings and a majestic arch. The scene is set during a clear, sunny day, with the city wall appearing strong and ancient. The wild dogs look alert and curious, while the apple tree inside the gate stands out as a symbol of life and abundance. — The gates of Christ’s Kingdom are open, just like the door of Noah’s ark was open seven days before God shut it and swept away the wicked to their deaths.

Reading Revelation as the coming future and not already happened means you’ll miss Revelation’s hope.

Let me explain.

In AD 1000, Christians sold all their possessions and said their goodbyes, waiting for Jesus's Second Coming and His millennial reign. Concentrating on a future event (that didn’t happen), these millennial believers missed the power of living in a broken, wicked world as people who have already entered the Kingdom of Christ.

Christians repeatedly predict Jesus’ return during bouts of world anxiety, famine, pandemics, plagues, world wars, and a host of other problems this world faces. They justify their predictions for the end time by saying,…

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