Those outside the gates of Heaven have included dogs, sorcerers, the sexually immoral, murderers, idolaters,
and those who believe and practice a lie (Rev. 22:15). Some may be feeling optimistic at this point, thinking, “Well,
then, I’m in pretty good shape because I don’t do any of those things.” The problem with this rationale is that no one
gets into Heaven on the basis of what he did not do. Yes, it is important not to practice the things in that list, or, if so, to
repent of it. But these sins are not the only negative things to avoid, and there is another entire category of things classified as sin.
James 4:17 instructs us: “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” We
should all ask ourselves, “Have there been occasions when I should have called to cheer someone up? Should I have
lent a helping hand when someone needed it? Did I offer counsel to a brother or sister struggling with a problem? Did I
participate in the work and worship of the church, as I ought to have?” It is just as much a matter of sin to leave undone
good deeds as it is to transgress righteousness. Some misguided souls have never or seldom attended worship. They
have neglected being part of the assembly, never added their voices to those of others singing praises to God, never
contributed to those in need on a regular basis, yet they think they will be saved on the basis of what they didn’t do.
Although practicing goodness is essential, it does not merit salvation. Only the blood of Christ can redeem us
from our sins, but God does expect a certain behavior from us. He expects us to be like Him—hating evil and loving
righteousness and purity (1 John 3:3). We put off the old person we were when we repent. We die to sin and are buried,
coming forth from the waters of baptism (in which the blood of Christ cleanses us) as a new creation (Rom. 6:3-5).
Henceforth, we live for Him Who died for us (2 Cor. 5:15). In other words, we live a Christian life.
Perhaps one of the best verses lies adjacent to Revelation 22:15, and that would be the preceding verse:
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter through
the gates into the city.” Those who live by the teachings of Christ, the commandments of the perfect law of liberty
(James 1:25), who are faithful unto death shall receive the crown of life (Rev. 2:10). All Christians should be committed
to this goal and not settle for anything less.