2 Peter 2:21
It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.
Truth to Learn
Great works done in the name of God are not an indication of salvation. It comes only through true repentance and faith.
Behind the Words
In verse 20 we talked about the word ginōskō, referring to intellectual knowledge. It is the same word used in this verse translated “have known.” There is a different Greek word that means experiential knowledge, the word oida. Had Peter used this word, he would have been referring to experiencing salvation rather than just knowing about it.
Meaning Explained
Peter has been talking about these people who had escaped from the pollutions of the world system, and that their escape came about by their intellectual knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We have many in our churches today who are there, not because they have a saving faith in Jesus, but because they have knowledge and they are doing everything they can to be a good Christian. However, they are doing it in their own power because they don’t have the power of the Holy Spirit. I have no doubt that they actually believe they are saved, which is a supreme tragedy.
In fact Peter shares that sentiment! He says that it would have been better for them not to have had full knowledge of the way of righteousness because in the end they will be more deeply entangled in the pollutions of the world. Our Lord, Himself, talked about such people. Here’s what He said of them:
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)
Also, speaking in a parable, our Lord said:
Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth … (Luke 13:24-28)
Just because someone claims to be a Christian doesn’t mean that they really are. In fact, a recent poll showed that over 60% of the people in the United States claim to be Christians.
Application
Are you sure of your salvation? Have you ever completely submitted your life and your will to God, confessing your sinfulness and your need for salvation? Have you accepted the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross as the payment for your sins? Or do you believe you are saved because you followed some methodical process that finally made you worthy of salvation? There’s a big difference in these two. One leads to eternal life, while the other leads to weeping and gnashing of teeth!
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2009 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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