2 Peter 2:20 KJV
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
The entire context of this chapter leads me to recognize these as not genuine believers but false professors. The differences between the doctrines of those who believe a person can be saved and then lose it and those who believe instead that those who appear to have lost it only manifest the fact that they never had it in the first place are subtle but important as they have to do with the efficiency of the work of Christ in a man's soul, which ought never to be challenged.
There are those in this world though who see the benefits of Christianity and put on an external and fleshly form of it. Depending upon their own stature and individual circumstances, they may be able to play the role of believer very convincingly and for a very long time. But eventually, the flesh reveals itself and they turn to the vomit once again.
And this ought to give cause for fear in us.
Fear for the ministers of God that they preach to dying men and urge souls to Jesus Christ and not to a reformation of character and
Fear in the hearts of churchgoers that they make their calling and election sure; that they examine themselves whether they be in the faith lest when all is said and done they find that Christ never knew them.
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
The entire context of this chapter leads me to recognize these as not genuine believers but false professors. The differences between the doctrines of those who believe a person can be saved and then lose it and those who believe instead that those who appear to have lost it only manifest the fact that they never had it in the first place are subtle but important as they have to do with the efficiency of the work of Christ in a man's soul, which ought never to be challenged.
There are those in this world though who see the benefits of Christianity and put on an external and fleshly form of it. Depending upon their own stature and individual circumstances, they may be able to play the role of believer very convincingly and for a very long time. But eventually, the flesh reveals itself and they turn to the vomit once again.
And this ought to give cause for fear in us.
Fear for the ministers of God that they preach to dying men and urge souls to Jesus Christ and not to a reformation of character and
Fear in the hearts of churchgoers that they make their calling and election sure; that they examine themselves whether they be in the faith lest when all is said and done they find that Christ never knew them.
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