A
DOG TO HIS OWN VOMIT
Peter describes in a very graphic way the
end of one who escaped spiritual pollution only to again become entangled
therein and overcome. "For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of
the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are
again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than
the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way
of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment
delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: A
dog returns to his own vomit, and, a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in
the mire. (2 Peter 2:20-22.)
THE ESCAPE THROUGH CHRIST. Sin entangles
and enslaves and the only escape is through Christ. "For if, after they
have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ..." These had escaped the pollutions of the world
through Christ. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not
believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15-16.) Man is concerned about
things which pollute water, air and land. Our concern should be for those
things which pollute heart and soul.
THE ENTANGLEMENT AGAIN. "...They are
again entangled in them and overcome." The world pollutes and defiles. It
is sometimes difficult for some to make that break with Satan without wanting
to go back -- "Again entangled." Our own lust leads us to sin.
(James 1:12-15.) Demas is a good example of those again entangled. "For
Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world..." (2 Timothy
4:10.)
THE END IS WORSE THAN THE BEGINNING.
"The latter end is worse for them than the beginning." Jesus gave a
grave warning about looking back. "No one, having put his hand to the
plow, and looking back, is fit for the
There could be no greater tragedy in life
than this -- escaping sin through Christ -- returning to sin and being in a
worse condition than before you ever heard of Jesus! Stay faithful!
By Charles Box,