Can you explain what Revelation 22:11 means?
Revelation 22:11 reads, “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” (NKJV). We have before us in this chapter “the eternal state” and verse 11 describes “the eternal state of the two classes of men.” This verse is most solemn for the unbeliever, who is “unjust and filthy,” for once they enter into eternity, they will never change. Their nature will remain in a “fixed state of unholiness.” Their chance to be justified and cleansed has forever passed away! This verse is most blessed for the believer in Christ, who is “righteous and holy,” for they will remain in a “fixed state of holiness” and will never sin again. They had been justified (made righteous) by God (through faith in the death of the Lord Jesus Christ—see Romans 3:21-26) and made holy (by being born again through the Word of God—see 1st Peter 1:23).
Luke 16:19-26 also describes the eternal state when we die and how our destiny is a “fixed state.” The Lord Jesus spoke of two men who died, one was a believer who “died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom” (verse 22). The other one was an unbeliever who “died and was buried” and was “in torments in Hades” (verses 22-23). The Lord went on to say that between these two men (and two places), “there is a GREAT GULF FIXED, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us” (verse 26).
Dear ones, let us take these words to heart! Once a person leaves this world and goes out into a never-ending eternity, their eternal DESTINY and eternal STATE is FIXED. I would plead with any unbeliever reading these lines to consider this truth and to turn to Christ while there is time, before eternity seals your doom. Jesus said in John 8:23: “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” To “die in your sins” is to die with your sins unforgiven, which means you will be punished for your sins throughout all eternity in hell. Your DESTINY (in hell) and your STATE (of being unjust and filthy) will be FIXED. Since you are still reading this, there is still time to change your destiny and your state. John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him SHOULD NOT PERISH but HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.” If you believe in Christ as your Savior you will NOT perish in hell (your DESTINY will be HEAVEN) and you will receive eternal life (your STATE will be HOLY). (219.3) (DO)