How does Revelation 22:11 encourage perseverance in righteousness and holiness today? Setting the Scene: The Final Word Before Eternity “Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.” (Revelation 22:11) Immediate Context: Why This Warning Matters • Verse 11 sits between two urgent statements (vv. 10, 12) that “the time is near” and that Jesus is “coming soon.” • The angel’s command underscores a closing of opportunity: how we finish is how we will stand before the throne (Revelation 22:12). • The verse divides all humanity into two fixed paths—wickedness or righteousness—reminding readers that neutrality is impossible (cf. Matthew 12:30). Key Phrase: “Let … continue” • “Let” does not endorse sin; it announces divine finality. Choices crystalize as the end approaches. • “Continue” highlights perseverance—either in evil or in holiness. The text warns that lingering on the fence leads to being swept into one group or the other. Motivations to Persevere in Righteousness 1. A settled destiny is looming. • Hebrews 9:27—“it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” • Daniel 12:10—“Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly.” 2. Christ’s imminent reward. • Revelation 22:12—“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me to repay each one according to what he has done.” • Galatians 6:9 calls us not to “grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest.” 3. Holiness is our identity in Christ. • 1 Peter 1:15-16—“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” • 1 John 3:3—“Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” Practical Ways to “Continue … in Righteousness” Today • Guard your heart daily (Proverbs 4:23). • Stay rooted in Scripture (Psalm 119:11; John 17:17). • Walk in the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16-25). • Meet regularly with believers for encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Confess sin quickly; keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). • Fix your hope on Christ’s return (Titus 2:13). Warning: The Danger of Drifting • If we do not actively pursue holiness, we will drift toward unrighteousness (Hebrews 2:1). • Revelation 3:16 shows Jesus spitting out the lukewarm; half-hearted discipleship is unacceptable. Encouragement: God Supplies the Strength • Philippians 2:13—“For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.” • Jude 24—He “is able to keep you from stumbling.” • 2 Corinthians 7:1—“Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit… perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Living in the Tension: Compassion Without Compromise • Revelation 22:11 does not command believers to ignore the lost; rather, it reminds us that time to repent is short (2 Peter 3:9). • We witness urgently, yet we do not dilute righteousness to fit culture (Ephesians 5:11). Final Takeaway: Finish Well • Matthew 24:13—“He who perseveres to the end will be saved.” • Revelation ends by fixing our eyes on the unchangeable outcome of current choices. Keep practicing righteousness. Pursue holiness. The King is coming soon. |
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