Revelation 22:11-13

Verse 11 “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”

This is a very hard verse to comprehend. It would seem that the wicked are being told to not repent and to in fact continue in their wicked ways. That would seem to fly in the face of all Scripture which exhorts unbelievers to repent. As that interpretation would contradict the very nature of Scripture, it is clear that this must be seen in a different way. In Daniel 12:10 we read, “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” As Revelation was meant for believers, it would be illogical to issue a directive to unbelievers through it. Instead it would seem that just as in Daniel the angel is merely stating a fact, “the wicked shall do wickedly”, that this is how this should probably be interpreted. In other words, God’s wrath is not going to change anybody’s mind. We saw that before in Revelation. It just hardens their hearts further. There is a time when there is no more chance for repentance, so the wicked will just continue on as they have been. They will follow the course they have set for themselves and continue in their rejection of God. The word “let” in this case would more probably be said to mean “allow.” Allow the unjust to continue in their ways of being unjust. Allow the filthy to continue in their pursuit of filthiness. Nobody, not even God (as it would break His condition of free will), can change their minds against their will, so just let them go their way. Do not drive yourselves crazy trying to bring people to the Lord who do not want any part of Him. I believe that is how this is how this verse should be interpreted. And the same is true for the righteous and holy. They are allowed to continue on their path also, without Satan being allowed to pull them from their course, if they choose to follow Yeshua.

Verse 12 “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”

Once again we are warned that Yeshua is coming quickly. He will be bring His reward with Him to give every man according to what He deserves. For the righteous, eternal life. For the unrighteous, eternal damnation.

Verse 13 “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”

Just as He introduced Himself as the Alpha and Omega in the first chapter in Revelation, so Yeshua again announces who He is. He is the beginning of all things (He spoke the world into existence in Genesis) and He is the end of all things (here at the end of the world and the beginning of eternity.) He is the first and the last. Everything in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation has actually been about Yeshua. The Bible is a portrait of Him from beginning to end. From the first verse to the last, everything revolves around Him and His work.