Holiness Is Non-Transferable: Your Walk with Christ Is Personal
Today's lesson is focused on an in-depth Bible study and verse commentary on Revelation 22:11, with a strong focus on the theme of holiness.
"He that is holy, let him be holy still"
Revelation 22:11 – “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”
Context and Commentary
This verse is one of the final declarations in the Book of Revelation and serves as a solemn and final warning before the conclusion of the biblical narrative. It reveals a fixed state — what we become now will be what we are in eternity. The line "he that is holy, let him be holy still" is not merely a passive acknowledgment but a call to continue and persevere in holiness.
This is not a call for conversion but a declaration of finality — a dividing line.
⚠️ The time of grace, warning, and invitation is closing. Holiness, therefore, is not something that can be conferred upon us by others; it must be pursued personally and maintained continually through our own personal walk with Christ.
What is Holiness?
Holiness means being set apart for God’s purpose and character. It involves moral purity, separation from sin, and being conformed to the image of Christ. Holiness is not inherited from others. It cannot be transferred. It is the outcome of sanctification — a personal, spiritual transformation.
Bible Verses on Holiness:
Ephesians 4:22-24
"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
Paul teaches that holiness begins by renouncing the “old man” — our sinful nature — and embracing a renewed mind. This is the process of sanctification.
Romans 12:1-2
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
Holiness is a sacrificial lifestyle, not conformed to worldly patterns, but shaped by the Spirit of God through a renewed mind.
Hebrews 12:14
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"
Holiness is not optional — it is essential for seeing God. Again, it is something you must pursue. No one else can give it to you.
1 Peter 1:15-16
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
God’s character is the standard of holiness. We are called to reflect His nature in our actions, speech, and behavior.
2 Corinthians 7:1
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
Holiness involves cleansing ourselves and actively pursuing spiritual maturity. Again, this is personal — “let us cleanse ourselves” — not something that can be done for another.
Holiness is Not Transferable
Your sanctification cannot be given to someone else. The Bible strongly teaches personal responsibility:
Ezekiel 18:20
"The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son..."
Everyone is responsible for their own standing before God. Holiness must be personally cultivated.
Philippians 2:12-13
"...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
This isn't legalism — it's about cooperating with God's grace. God works in us, but we must respond and yield.
We Cannot Sanctify Others
While we can pray for, encourage, and influence others toward holiness, we cannot make them holy. The Holy Spirit sanctifies, and every person must choose to yield to His leading.
Galatians 6:5
"For every man shall bear his own burden."
Your walk with God is yours. Others can help, but they can’t walk it for you.
Our Journey Begins Now
Sanctification and holiness are not reserved for heaven — they begin here and now:
2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
Salvation initiates the process of becoming holy — it is instantaneous in justification, but progressive in sanctification.
Colossians 3:10
"And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:"
The Christian life is a daily putting on of Christ-like behavior — growing, learning, striving.
Summary and Application
- “He that is holy, let him be holy still” is a call to persevere in holiness because eternity will finalize what we are becoming now.
- Holiness is:
- Personal: No one can walk it for you.
- Practical: Involves putting off sin. It also means renewing the mind.
- Progressive: It grows as you walk with Christ.
- You cannot make others holy, nor can they make you holy.
- This journey starts on earth, and it is the preparation for seeing God face to face.
Prayer
O Holy Father,
I come before You with reverence and trembling, knowing that You are holy, and You have called me to be holy even as You are. I confess that too often I have looked to others for strength, for answers, for holiness — but today I understand: this walk is mine. You have invited me to follow You. You have called me to be set apart.
Please cleanse me, Lord. Purify my heart. Help me to put off the old man with his deceitful lusts, and to walk in the newness of life You’ve given me in Christ. I surrender my thoughts, my habits, my speech, my desires. Let me not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind.
Father, I cannot do this without You. But I choose today to yield. Work in me both to will and to do of Your good pleasure. Sanctify me through and through. Remove what defiles. Uproot every hidden idol. Shape me into the image of Your Son.
Teach me to walk in the fear of the Lord. Let my life reflect Your glory, not in pretense, not by comparison, but by real surrender. Let me be holy still — steadfast, unmoved, and true — until the day I stand before You.
And though I can’t walk for anyone else, help me to shine brightly that others might be drawn to Your holiness — not mine, but Yours in me. Thank You for Your mercy, Your patience, and Your Holy Spirit who convicts and comforts.
In Jesus’ holy and precious name I pray,
Amen 🙏