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.

He that is unrighteous, let him do unrighteousness still ... Apparently, John recognized that this prophecy would complete the New Testament, providing the finality of God's revelation to man. That having been completed, "No greater power could be brought to bear upon them before He comes again.[53] This thought is that of Christ himself who said that one rising from the dead would not be any more convincing than the Scriptures (Luke 16:31). Therefore, for those who will not heed the holy Scriptures, let them go on in their wickedness. "This is a plain call for the reader to put his life in order while there is still opportunity for change."[54] Many writers quote Swete in this context. He said, "There will come a time when change will be impossible, when no further opportunity will be given for repentance on the one hand, or apostasy on the other."[55] However, it is probably the judicial hardening of willful and habitual sinners that best answers to what is here meant. As others have expressed it:

John is saying that there will be no opportunity for last-minute repentance.[56] Do not hinder the man who has completely hardened himself in his wickedness.[57] This is a clear refutation of the doctrine of purgatory and second chance-ism.[58] A man can so long refuse the way of Christ that in the end he cannot take it. That is the sin against the Holy Spirit.[59]

[53] J. R. Dummelow, op. cit., p. 1091.

[54] G. B. Caird, op. cit., p. 284.

[55] H. B. Swete, The Apocalypse of St. John (London: Macmillan, 1917), p. 305.

[56] Leon Morris, op. cit., p. 259.

[57] William Hendriksen, More than Conquerors (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1956), p. 252.

[58] James D. Strauss, op. cit., p. 291.

[59] William Barclay, op. cit., p. 225.