Photo by: Nathaniel Smith
So how does the Big Picture and Story of the Bible help us to understand a quote as difficult as we find in Revelation 22:11?
“He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”
If we look at the statement all by itself it seems to contradict the spirit of the Bible. Lifted out of context it looks as if it is saying either:
1. Whatever will be will be.
2. Anything goes. It’s your choice.
3. Everything’s good and allowable, just different.
4. No point in trying. We are the way we are.
Just as certainly, quoted out of context, Revelation 22:11 seems heartless and without comfort for those who choose either path.
But as Bob from Cornwall suggested in his comment in response to the last post, if we read these words in the context of how the true story of the Bible is coming to an end, they are rich with meaning that is consistent with the whole revelation of God (with all going back to Genesis and even with the few verses that remain).
Here Jesus, through his angelic messenger, is letting us know that when we come to the end of time, we will have made the choices that will go with us into eternity.
I’ll quote a well known commentary by a man named Barnes, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still.” This must refer to the scenes beyond the judgment, and must be intended to affirm an important truth in regard to the condition of men in the future state. It cannot refer to the condition of men this side of the grave, for there is no fixed and unchangeable condition in this world. At the close of this book and at the close of the whole volume of revealed truth, it was proper to declare, in the most solemn manner, that when these events were consummated everything would be fixed and unchanging; that all who were then found to be righteous would remain so for ever; and that none who were impenitent, impure, and wicked, would ever change their character and condition…” (Barnes Notes on the New Testament).
The fact that 22:11 is not to be taken fatalistically for those who still have a choice is seen in the words that follow where we read, “I Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:16-17).
Photo by: Bob AuBuchon
Here, as we might expect, we find the heart of our Savior urging everyone to satisfy their God-given longing for life and mercy to come to him… followed by the reassuring last words of the Bible, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
In the context of the whole story of the Bible, words that could be so confusing and misunderstood take on a solemn meaning of warning for those who have not yet responded to the offer of our Savior…and comfort to those who have.
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