BETTER TO HAVE NEVER KNOWN -- Monday:
"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 Pet 2:21)
The strength of these words has been neutralized by flawed interpretations. That is one of the evidences of error – it cripples the truth of God for the individual (Rom 1:18). Countless people believe these solemn words have nothing whatsoever to do with falling into Divine disfavor after coming into Christ. They imagine, at the best, they only speak of some form of temporal judgment, or of those who were really never in Christ in the first place.
There is a state that is worse than never being born again! Jesus declared the unbelieving generation to whom He ministered was actually better off BEFORE He came (Matt 11:23-24; Lk 12:47; John 9:41; 15:22). If exposure to the Son of God left those rejecting Him in a worse condition, what can be said of those who embraced Him, then returned to the world, with all of its corruption??
Notice, these have abandoned "the way of righteousness" and "the holy commandment." The righteous way was once "known" by these people. They were perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord (2 Cor 7:1). The "holy commandment" was "delivered" to them – i.e., they were aware of the nature of God, and of His requirement for holiness (Heb 12:14). The call has gone out from the Throne of the universe, and will not be rescinded, "Be ye holy, for I am holy" (1 Pet 1:16).
The command of the Lord is itself holy, and it demands and promotes holiness! No person can remain under the sound of the Word of God without becoming acutely aware of His demand for holiness. The failure of men to be holy necessitated the death of the Lord Jesus. It also demands that men be "born again." Additionally, it requires that a diligent effort be made to "perfect holiness," bringing it to full expression in our persons (2 Cor 7:1; Matt 5:48; Eph 4:12,13; Phil 3:12-15; 1 Thess 3:13; 4:7).
Peter has introduced us to teachers who, of their own volition, "turned from the holy commandment." When such a "turn" is made, only the defilement of the flesh remains – the "pollutions of the world." Although, when we are born again, "old things pass away," the world with its pollution remains. It has all of the entangling and enslaving power it ever had. Safety exists only in the personal and effectual "knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." There is no protection outside the perimeter of Divine fellowship! If men do not press toward the heart of spiritual life, they will drift toward the world's pollution. I am persuaded this is generally unknown in the churches.
The people of God are not in a spiritual vacuum. They are still subject to evil influences, and are quite capable of being again ensnared by the wicked one. Their ONLY protection is in their fellowship with God's Son (1 Cor 1:9). This does not mean salvation is inadequate, or that the Savior is weak and incapable of bringing you to glory. It does mean Divine power is experienced only by those who "walk in the light as He is in the light" (1 John 1:7). No person, however astute in Bible knowledge, and disciplined in living, is capable of laying hold of eternal life (1 Tim 6:12) apart from consistent involvement with Christ Jesus by faith. Salvation is only effective within the context of Divine fellowship – "the knowledge of God!" O, that this truth were more widely declared and embraced! I fear we are in a time when a view of salvation is being promoted that does not require consistent and persistent involvement!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You that salvation provides access to Yourself, fellowship with Your Son, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.