Question: “2 Peter 2:20-21 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. [21] 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.
Hello, I’m having trouble understanding these two verses as to me it sounds like it would have been better for them not to have known the gospel then to know it and turn away for a worse end. It makes me think that they don’t have salvation from the wording used.
I’m coming out from calvinism and Lordship salvation as it suffocated me and drained my willingness to do good works. But some passages like this still make me wonder since it seems my mind is still a bit stuck in the Lordship salvation teachings.”
Answer:
These verses are difficult on the surface but I believe a proper context analysis will helps understand their meaning. Peter is addressing the church. These are people who have believed on Jesus for eternal life. They are warned that there will be false teachers in their congregations just like Israel had false prophets.
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” (2 Peter 2:1)
He continues his warning by making comparisons the the false prophets of Israel’s day and the similar works of the false teachers in their time.
“And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” (2 Peter 2:2-3)
“But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” (2 Peter 2:10-19)
Now, his warning is verse 20 is directed towards those false teachers. I believe their “escape” is coming to the knowledge of the gospel. I liken it to someone who has cancer being presented with a cancer killing pill. They see the pill but do not take the pill. Ultimately, they had the solution right in front of them but denied it and chose their own way. I see this as the false teacher. He came to know the gospel and what it offers, but he denied it, that is to say, he did not believe it was true. He then goes on to teach against that message.
Does this help? Thanks!