1. Revelation 22:15 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is meant by “the sexually immoral”?

Revelation 22:15 (ESV)

15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

At surface level the term refers to transgressors of the seventh commandment, those who do not keep themselves chaste within holy marriage. On a deeper level the term refers to people of God who are unfaithful to their spiritual Husband (recall the recent references to Christ Jesus as the husband and the church as a bride, Revelation 21:2). Perhaps contrary to their expectations, on the day when Christ comes with his recompense, these Christians will find themselves outside (Matthew 7:21). Here is an echo of the warning issued in Revelation 2:15; see also Revelation 9:21.