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 kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62.) Peter used the illustration of the washed sow and the dog and his vomit to describe the "End" of this person. "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 2:21-22.)

 

      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, Walnut Street Church of Christ, P.O. Box 551, Greenville, Alabama 36037 USA

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