Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 22:11

"He that is unrighteous, let him do unrighteousness still: and he that is filthy, let him be made filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him do righteousness still: and he that is holy, let him be made holy still." — Revelation 22:11 (ASV)

These verses stand in contrast to the command given Daniel to seal up his book (8:26; 12:4, 9–10). John’s message cannot be concealed because the contents of the vision are needed immediately by the churches. On the sealing metaphor, see comment on 7:3.

Verse 11 appears to be fatalistic. Yet on further reflection, the exhortation stresses the imminency of Jesus’ return and the need for immediate choices. It echoes the aphorism: As now, so always. Far from being an encouragement to remain apathetic, it is evangelistic in spirit. It may also allude to the great ordeal John viewed as imminent. For the unfaithful and wicked, this appeal would be a deep confirmation of their choice, whereas for the faithful, it would alert them to the necessity of guarding themselves against apostasy (cf.Jude 20–21). There is no reason to take this passage as teaching the irreversibility of human choices. Repentance is always a live option while a person is alive. After death, however, there remains only judgment (Hebrews 9:27).