The concept of washing is highly instructive in the light of the filthy
mentioned in Revelation 22:11. The filthy
are not just those who have never heard the gospel; after all, Jesus’ revelation is directed to the members of the seven churches of Asia (Revelation 1:3, Revelation 1:11), many of whom were told to repent of their evils (Revelation 2:5, Revelation 2:16, Revelation 2:22). Members in the churches need to wash their robes repeatedly lest they ultimately find themselves outside (Matthew 7:21–23).
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.