Revelation 22:11

The angel gave John this warning to pass along because the time is near (Revelation 22:10). This is a strong warning not to put off becoming a believer in Jesus Christ. It presents the hopelessness of the final state of unbelievers. When Christ comes, people will not be able to change their destiny. What they are then they will remain forever. People should not expect some second chance in the future but should make the decision about worshipping God now in the light of what they have read in this book (cf. Matthew 25:10; Luke 13:25; Hebrews 9:27).

"It is not only true that the troubles of the last days will tend to fix the character of each individual according to the habits which he has already formed, but there will come a time when change will be impossible-when no further opportunity will be given for repentance on the one hand or for apostasy on the other." [Note: Swete, p. 305.]

Remember the pharaoh of the Exodus.

"All four parts of Revelation 22:11 indicate with a tone of irony the fixity of state in which the good and the evil find themselves at a time when no further opportunity for repentance remains. The lesson is, ’Change while there is time.’" [Note: Thomas, Revelation 8-22, p. 502.]

This verse does not teach that for some people repentance and conversion are impossible now (cf. Revelation 22:17). It is a guarantee of personal responsibility for one’s decisions (cf. Ezekiel 3:27; Matthew 11:15; Revelation 2:7; Revelation 13:9; et al.).