1. Revelation 22:11 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is meant by “the righteous”?

Revelation 22:11 (ESV)

11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”

In its present usage, the term refers to right conduct, and so is the inverse of being an evildoer. Those who embrace Christ’s revelation of what must soon take place also embrace its good news that Christ shed his blood to redeem sinners (consider only the frequent Lamb language throughout the book of Revelation). As persons made righteous through the blood of Christ, those who embrace his revelation of what must soon take place also act righteously. They shall continue to act thus despite the pressures they may face in a world of evildoers and frustrated devils. Indeed, their righteous conduct shall persist forever.