Who are those outside the city in Revelation 22?

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Ahwatukee

Senior Member
Mar 12, 2015
11,162
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#21
Thanks, but I still have confusion. You might be right, but I don't know. The wording is a little confusing.
It's very simple to understand. Since we know that anyone's name not found in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire, then there can't possibly be any of the wicked wandering around outside the gates of the New Jerusalem. Do you actually think that God would allow that? It's your understanding of what "outside the city" refers to that is messing you up.
 
K

KnowMe

Guest
#22
So, you think the lake of fire is outside the city gates? I can't remember where in the Bible, but I remember reading that the lake is in the center of the earth.
If I recall I don’t think the Bible mentions the center of earth as hell, though for thousands of years the lava that flows from the earths belly is quite hellish and can have a devastating impact on human life on earth. the theory is a theory the center of earth is hell. though the Bible seems to point to hell as being outside of earth, burning and shall consume the earth with her increase.

Deu 32:22
For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.
 

Ahwatukee

Senior Member
Mar 12, 2015
11,162
2,380
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#23
If I recall I don’t think the Bible mentions the center of earth as hell, though for thousands of years the lava that flows from the earths belly is quite hellish and can have a devastating impact on human life on earth. the theory is a theory the center of earth is hell. though the Bible seems to point to hell as being outside of earth, burning and shall consume the earth with her increase.

Deu 32:22
For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.
Good day KnowMe,

It depends on which Hebrew/Greek word is being translated as "Hell."

Tartartus = Used once in 2 Peter to describe the destination of those angels who sinned, which is most likely referring to those angels who took wives from the humanity.

Sheol/Hades
= The place of departed spirits, which scripture does identify as being under the surface of the earth. Jesus Himself identified Hades has being under the earth when He said, "And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades."

Gehenna = This is referring to the lake of fire, the final place of punishment for everyone whose name is not found in the book of life, which is also called "the second death" and "everlasting fire" which Jesus mentions as being prepared for Satan and his angels.

I did a study some time ago of everywhere that Sheol, Hades and Gehenna are used. Below is a list of their characteristics:

===========================================================

Characteristics of:

Is down under the earth - Gen.37:35, 42:38, 44:29, 44::31, Num.16:30, 16:33, Deut.32:22, 1 Sam.2:6, 2 kings 2:6, Job 11:7-8, 17:16, Ps.30:3, 86:13, Prov.9:18, 15:24, Isa.5:14, 14:9, 14:11, 14:15, Isa.38:18, Ezk.31:15-17, Ezk.32:21, Ezk.32:27, Mt.11:23, Lk.10:15,

Has multiple levels - Deut.32:22, Job 11:7-8,

Referred to as the pit - Job 17:13, Ps.30:3, Prov.1:12, Isa.14:15, Isa.38:18, Ezk.31:15-17

Has Chambers - Prov.7:27

Has Gates/Bars - Job 17:16, Isa.38:10, Mt.16:18

A place of torment in fire
– Lk.16:23-24

Death and Hades personified, representing the same location – Rev.6:8, 20:14

Sheol
(sheh-ole') The underworld (place to which the spirits of people descend at death)
Hades or the realm of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates -- hell, pit.

Hades (hah'-dace) The unseen world:

hádēs (from 1 /A "not" and idein/eidō, "see") – properly, the "unseen place," referring to the (invisible) realm in which the unrighteous dead reside, i.e. the present dwelling place of all the departed (deceased); Hades.
 

Troubled65

Senior Member
Feb 22, 2018
119
8
18
#24
Now something much more interesting to ponder is how does the Tree of Life exists on both sides of the river?

Revelation 22
Eden Restored
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb

2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Did you notice that there exists nations outside of the city?
Nations existing makes sense. Remember that was what the great white throne was to separate. It fits with the teaching of those who would offer a cup of cold water to Christs brethren in His name etc. Anyway, I guess I have more studying to do. But thank you for your post.
 
K

KnowMe

Guest
#25
Good day KnowMe,

It depends on which Hebrew/Greek word is being translated as "Hell."

Tartartus = Used once in 2 Peter to describe the destination of those angels who sinned, which is most likely referring to those angels who took wives from the humanity.

Sheol/Hades = The place of departed spirits, which scripture does identify as being under the surface of the earth. Jesus Himself identified Hades has being under the earth when He said, "And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades."

Gehenna = This is referring to the lake of fire, the final place of punishment for everyone whose name is not found in the book of life, which is also called "the second death" and "everlasting fire" which Jesus mentions as being prepared for Satan and his angels.

I did a study some time ago of everywhere that Sheol, Hades and Gehenna are used. Below is a list of their characteristics:

===========================================================

Characteristics of:

Is down under the earth - Gen.37:35, 42:38, 44:29, 44::31, Num.16:30, 16:33, Deut.32:22, 1 Sam.2:6, 2 kings 2:6, Job 11:7-8, 17:16, Ps.30:3, 86:13, Prov.9:18, 15:24, Isa.5:14, 14:9, 14:11, 14:15, Isa.38:18, Ezk.31:15-17, Ezk.32:21, Ezk.32:27, Mt.11:23, Lk.10:15,

Has multiple levels - Deut.32:22, Job 11:7-8,

Referred to as the pit - Job 17:13, Ps.30:3, Prov.1:12, Isa.14:15, Isa.38:18, Ezk.31:15-17

Has Chambers - Prov.7:27

Has Gates/Bars - Job 17:16, Isa.38:10, Mt.16:18

A place of torment in fire – Lk.16:23-24

Death and Hades personified, representing the same location – Rev.6:8, 20:14

Sheol (sheh-ole') The underworld (place to which the spirits of people descend at death)
Hades or the realm of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates -- hell, pit.

Hades (hah'-dace) The unseen world:

hádēs (from 1 /A "not" and idein/eidō, "see") – properly, the "unseen place," referring to the (invisible) realm in which the unrighteous dead reside, i.e. the present dwelling place of all the departed (deceased); Hades.
good day Ahwatukee,

could you post the hades/Sheol verses that says hell being under the surface of earth
 

Hevosmies

Well-known member
Sep 8, 2018
3,612
2,631
113
#26
Now something much more interesting to ponder is how does the Tree of Life exists on both sides of the river?

Revelation 22
Eden Restored
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb

2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Did you notice that there exists nations outside of the city?
Im an idiot, tell me the significance of tree of life existing on both sides of the river?
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
#27
I have a question and I'm hoping someone will be able to answer it. In Revelation 22, which I assume is AFTER the great white throne judgement, who are these people outside the city who can't enter in? ?
Rev 22 is the end of the book, and is looking at the time of writer.
The city is the Kingdom of heaven today, and those outside are the current non-believers.

So the call is speaking to the readers of the book now, no longer looking after the judgement
seat. It is why it goes on to warn about adding to or taking away from the book.
 
K

KnowMe

Guest
#28
here’s the first verse but I don’t see it saying hell in earth

gen 37:35
All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him.
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
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#29
Everyone seems to be missing my point. This time pictured here would seem to be after the thousand years, after all of the great white throne judgement and the onset of eternity....Why are they not in the lake of fire? They are just said to be outside the city and are unable to enter in through the gates. No one has answered my question. The lake of fire is in the center of the earth, NOT outside heavenly Jerusalem's gates!
It would appear to be defining the nature of the new order before the city came down on the last day prepared as the bride. They have a right or privilege to enter because they do the commandments . .Just describing the unbeliever in the world. Because they do not do His commandments they are left on the outside of Christianity.

On the last day. The new heavens will come into view at the same the lake of fire preforms it work. Both groups will not be living at the same time.

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. Revelation 22
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#30
here’s the first verse but I don’t see it saying hell in earth

gen 37:35
All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him.

Where else could the living sufferings of hell take place? The whole first creation will go up in smoke never to rise to new life.. to include the living sufferings of hell .Both the suffering of hell and death as the tribulations of this corrupted world.
 
K

KnowMe

Guest
#31
Where else could the living sufferings of hell take place? The whole first creation will go up in smoke never to rise to new life.. to include the living sufferings of hell .Both the suffering of hell and death as the tribulations of this corrupted world.
the womb is refferenced as the lowest parts of earth, I don’t think humans are created from hell.

Psalm 139:15
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

so IMO the lowest parts of earth is a reference to something else.

the sun IMO would be a better example, for it is expanding in size to become a red giant and will ingulf the earth and burn up the mountains, then the sun will supernova and be no more, the whole solar system destroyed. once andromeda crashes with the Milky Way there will be no more Milky Way or andromeda but a new bigger galaxy.
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
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#32
the womb is refferenced as the lowest parts of earth, I don’t think humans are created from hell.

Psalm 139:15
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

so IMO the lowest parts of earth is a reference to something else.

the sun IMO would be a better example, for it is expanding in size to become a red giant and will ingulf the earth and burn up the mountains, then the sun will supernova and be no more, the whole solar system destroyed. once andromeda crashes with the Milky Way there will be no more Milky Way or andromeda but a new bigger galaxy.

I think living in a body of death is the result of being born into a corruptible body of death All mankind must be born again through another kind of womb . Hell is a living suffering. God does not accept dead sacrifices that have no spirit life.
 
K

KnowMe

Guest
#33
I think living in a body of death is the result of being born into a corruptible body of death All mankind must be born again through another kind of womb . Hell is a living suffering. God does not accept dead sacrifices that have no spirit life.
Yes and wherever hell is, is not place to be for sure.
 

Ahwatukee

Senior Member
Mar 12, 2015
11,162
2,380
113
#34
here’s the first verse but I don’t see it saying hell in earth

gen 37:35
All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him.
Hello KnowMe,

Pay attention to the words "I will go down to Sheol." Do you know what the definition of the word Sheol is based on accumulative information from scripture? Job is not speaking about the grave, but the place of departed spirits after the death of the body. Therefore, when he says "I will go down to Sheol" he is referring to his spirit departing and going to that place, conscious and aware.

Regarding this, the Lord gave us insight into what happens at the time of death for both the righteous and the wicked, which is found in the event of "the rich man and Lazarus" found in Luke 16:19-31. Both Lazarus and the rich man die, with the angels taking Lazarus' and the rich man's spirit to Sheol/Hades. This area had two compartments, on one side was a place of comfort/paradise which was occupied by the righteous. The other area was a place of torment in flame, which is where the rich man went. Both of these compartments in Sheol/Hades, were separated by a great chasm, or ravine, so that no one could pass from either side, i.e. the righteous remain in the area of comfort and the wicked remain in the place of punishment.

Prior to Christ's resurrection, the comfort side of Sheol/Hades is where the spirits of the OT saints went to. When the unrighteous died, their spirits departed and went to the side of Sheol/Hades in torment in flame. Now, when a believer in Christ dies, their spirit departs and immediately goes to be in the presence of the Lord. However, when the wicked die, their spirits continue to go down into Sheol/Hades where they are in torment in flame, where they will remain until they are resurrected and will stand before God at the great white throne judgment. Anyone's name not found written in the book of life, will be cast into the lake of fire.
 
Jul 23, 2018
12,199
2,775
113
#35
Everyone seems to be missing my point. This time pictured here would seem to be after the thousand years, after all of the great white throne judgement and the onset of eternity....Why are they not in the lake of fire? They are just said to be outside the city and are unable to enter in through the gates. No one has answered my question. The lake of fire is in the center of the earth, NOT outside heavenly Jerusalem's gates!
Most of them did miss your point.
Vs 6 is a shift.
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
Jesus is now speaking to John wrapping up the vision.
As someone said from vs 6 onward is no longer "linear".
IOW, vs 15 does not necessarily need a timeline.
Read ch 22 again and start at vs 6 placing John as no longer in timeline but back on earth recieving a final exortation from Jesus.
 

FollowHisSteps

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2019
3,674
1,201
113
#36
Most of them did miss your point.
Vs 6 is a shift.
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
Jesus is now speaking to John wrapping up the vision.
As someone said from vs 6 onward is no longer "linear".
IOW, vs 15 does not necessarily need a timeline.
Read ch 22 again and start at vs 6 placing John as no longer in timeline but back on earth recieving a final exortation from Jesus.
This point has been made a few times by a lot of contributors, but I think they want a different answer, lol
 
L

Locoponydirtman

Guest
#37
Im an idiot, tell me the significance of tree of life existing on both sides of the river?
Access. That all those in God's kingdom will have access to it.
 
K

KnowMe

Guest
#38
Hello KnowMe,

Pay attention to the words "I will go down to Sheol." Do you know what the definition of the word Sheol is based on accumulative information from scripture? Job is not speaking about the grave, but the place of departed spirits after the death of the body. Therefore, when he says "I will go down to Sheol" he is referring to his spirit departing and going to that place, conscious and aware.

Regarding this, the Lord gave us insight into what happens at the time of death for both the righteous and the wicked, which is found in the event of "the rich man and Lazarus" found in Luke 16:19-31. Both Lazarus and the rich man die, with the angels taking Lazarus' and the rich man's spirit to Sheol/Hades. This area had two compartments, on one side was a place of comfort/paradise which was occupied by the righteous. The other area was a place of torment in flame, which is where the rich man went. Both of these compartments in Sheol/Hades, were separated by a great chasm, or ravine, so that no one could pass from either side, i.e. the righteous remain in the area of comfort and the wicked remain in the place of punishment.

Prior to Christ's resurrection, the comfort side of Sheol/Hades is where the spirits of the OT saints went to. When the unrighteous died, their spirits departed and went to the side of Sheol/Hades in torment in flame. Now, when a believer in Christ dies, their spirit departs and immediately goes to be in the presence of the Lord. However, when the wicked die, their spirits continue to go down into Sheol/Hades where they are in torment in flame, where they will remain until they are resurrected and will stand before God at the great white throne judgment. Anyone's name not found written in the book of life, will be cast into the lake of fire.
Thanks for responding
I agree about the Sheol/hades but I am reluctant to believe that place is inside the actual earth we live on.
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#39
Pay attention to the words "I will go down to Sheol." Do you know what the definition of the word Sheol is based on accumulative information from scripture? Job is not speaking about the grave, but the place of departed spirits after the death of the body. Therefore, when he says "I will go down to Sheol" he is referring to his spirit departing and going to that place, conscious and aware.
Hell is suffering the pangs of a corrupted creation without the rest we have in Christ. Christ sacrifice was living. God does not accept dead sacrifices. Those who know not Christ simply will not rise to new life on the last day. Those who do, have passed from death to life.

When mankind sinned by violating the commandment God corrupted his whole being heart soul flesh and mind.

He did not corrupt the flesh and not the spirit.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

Cain referred to hell as more than he could bear. Christ bore it in our stead . We rest in Him

Genesis 4;13 And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear.
 

Ahwatukee

Senior Member
Mar 12, 2015
11,162
2,380
113
#40
Thanks for responding
I agree about the Sheol/hades but I am reluctant to believe that place is inside the actual earth we live on.
Good day KnowMe,

Consider this, I have given you all of the scriptures which refer to Sheol/Hades as "going down." Therefore, its location would have to be under the earth, for everything else would be "UP"

Consider also the location of the Abyss, which is also under the earth. In support of this, a star/angel having the key to the Abyss opens it and smoke rises out of the shaft of the Abyss. And out of the smoke, demonic beings resembling locusts come up out of the Abyss.