For if they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge
of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and
overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness,
than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered
unto them. (2 Peter 2:20,21).
Back in verse 9 of this chapter it says,
and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.
Peter was expecting this day to come any time in his day. But the administration
of the mystery intervened and these folks died. However, they were unjust
believers and will have to face their judge some time for the deeds done
in the flesh.
In verses 20 and 21 we find something very sobering and frightening. It shows
that if one becomes a believer and fails, he will receive a greater punishment
than if he had never been a believer at all. How will the orthodox receive
the truth that believers may be punished with a more sore punishment than
the unbelievers?
Then verse 22 goes on to say that this failure of a believer is like unto
the proverb, The dog is turned to his own
vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Most of us have been taught that this refers to those who made a profession,
but had not been believers. But the context will not allow that. Lot is
a good example of this, and can you think of any more?
It is well to read the whole chapter and get the general setting and description
of how far some can go in their failure. We recognize the fact that the setting
of all this is the administration of promise.
But how about the administration of the mystery? Can such a thing happen
to a member of the body of Christ? Can he suffer loss too?
Some are such failures that they are enemies
of the cross of Christ. Ph'p 3:18.
Some may forfeit the inheritance. Eph 5:3-5.
Each will have to receive for the wrong
that he has done. Col 3:25.
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles
of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor
of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done
all, to stand. This indicates that one might not stand and that he
might be overcome in the evil day. This is from Eph 6:11-13.
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Ph'p 2:12).
Beware lest any man spoil you (Col 2:8).
