byIn the last study scripture article release, I spoke extensively about the deceptions of false teachers in the Body of Christ, starting from 2 Peter 2:18-19. Today, I am continuing the same series from a second part of that same Bible verse region. Let’s dive in.
Verse 20
“For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.”
2 Peter 2:20 (NKJV)
Whenever you read a Bible verse starting with “for,” it means the preceding verse ought to be considered. In 2 Peter 2:19, the Apostle described false teachers as those who promise their followers freedom if they follow their deceptive teachings. But we know that a person cannot deliver another from something he himself is suffering from.
Then, in verse 20, the Bible says that if the false teachers have escaped the pollution (corruption) of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and have been enslaved again by the very things they were delivered from, their lives are worse. Why? Because knowing what is right before God and still choosing darkness is terrible. To such people, they place less regard on God’s instructions in His Word for them to live a holy life because they think they “know” the Bible. How deceptive!
Verse 21
“For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.”
2 Peter 2:21 (NKJV)
This verse points out the exact thing I wrote earlier. It is better not to know the way of righteousness than to know it and turn away from the commands of God. Does God chastise His servants who consciously disobey Him? Yes, He does. Why? Because there’s no atonement for such people and their sins (see Hebrews 10:26). Listen, Jesus didn’t die to save you, only for you to come to the light and continue in sin. It is terrible, and you must get rid of all that filth. Otherwise, God will punish you.
Verse 22
But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”
2 Peter 2:22 (NKJV)
When you go back into sinning after having known the truth, you are like a dog that returns to its own vomit. Just imagine that. How disgusting it is. Maybe this proverb isn’t enough to describe what I am saying to you.
Here’s another one: “… a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” A sow is a female pig. So, this proverb refers to a person dirtying oneself after washing clean, just like a pig getting into the mud right after washing clean. Come on! The life God has given you is much more precious than using any minute of time in it to engage in sin. May God give you the grace to stop it if you are living like that.
You are a blessing
