Subject: Are you onced saved always saved? |
Bible Note: Dear George, 2 Pet 2:21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. "better for THEM". Who are "them"? They are the "many" in v.2 and the "them" of v.8; the unrigteouss of v.9; the "these of v.12, the "They"of v.13 etc. Paul is speaking of two groups of people that may be found in every church. The godly whom God "knows how to rescue" and "the unrighteous" whom He knows how to keep" under punishment til the day of judgement". 2 Pet 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. Mere knowledge may be of some benefit in keeping one from drunkeness or fornication etc., but without faith it is worthless as far as salvation or godliness is concerned. 2 Pet 2:21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. Many people who have never had an opportunity to hear the truth about Jesus will be in Hell. How much worse will that punishment be for those who had heard and even thought it inspiring, but who never truly trusted and believed in Christ for their salvation. Instead they viewed it as interesting; a beautiful story perhaps, but, one of many ways to God. You know the kind Peter is describing. We meet them all the time..."Oh yes", they say, "I belive in Jesus, but...." You fill in the blank. I'm sure you have heard a variety of "buts". The group in verse 21 are the same group John said in 1 John 2:19 "They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us." God Bless, John |