II Peter chapter 2 specifically :20 to the end of the chapter.
I’m getting the idea that even those who overcome and repent there sins will still fall even harder after knowing the way of salvation. I must be reading something wrong.
II Peter chapter 2 specifically :20 to the end of the chapter.
I’m getting the idea that even those who overcome and repent there sins will still fall even harder after knowing the way of salvation. I must be reading something wrong.
He’s talking about false teachers (see verses 1-3):
1 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.
Verses 10-22 describe their character, with illustrations of OT sins, rebukes & judgements in verses
4 (the angels)
5 (the world before the Flood)
6 (Sodom and Gomorrah)
15-16 (Balaam)
& counter-examples in
Noah (5)
Lot (7-8).
The denunciations are of the false teachers, with two verses (2-3) of warning against copying those who follow them.
21 & 22 are part of the denunciation of the false teachers. [my **emphases]
Nothing is said about people who repent - or about repentance. It is the absence of it that is part of the problem here. Nothing is said to discourage those who are repentant - true repentance (there is a false kind also, as St. Paul points out) is God’s gift, not our doing at all. Even for us to desire it is His gift
Hope that helps
(Maybe a Bible in more modern language would help ? Just a thought)
This letter & St.Jude’s are addressing similar problems, & have a lot in common: so reading one, can help to explain the other.
II Peter chapter 2 specifically :20 to the end of the chapter.
I’m getting the idea that even those who overcome and repent there sins will still fall even harder after knowing the way of salvation. I must be reading something wrong.
Are you possibly confusing the meaning of the word “overcome” in these passages with the positive meaning you gave the word in your post? In II Peter 2:20, being overcome refers negatively to being conquered by sin. St. Peter is saying that turning away from Jesus to a life of sin after coming to the knowledge of Jesus as Saviour is worse than living that sinful life before knowing about Jesus. Why? Because such a person has now learned “the way of righteousness” and still turns from it, whereas before they were unaware. Either way, this is different from someone who knows Jesus is Lord and Saviour and tries to follow Him, but being human and a sinner, sometimes sins and then repents of his sin. But repentance is not a one-time deal. And in Chapter 1 of II Peter, St. Peter reminds us to add to our faith various virtues in order to make sure our salvation. And of course St. Paul tells us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
P.S. - The bible you have linked is the King James Version, which in this online version as in most current printed versions, is missing the seven Deuterocanonical books present in Catholic bibles.
II Peter chapter 2 specifically :20 to the end of the chapter.
I’m getting the idea that even those who overcome and repent there sins will still fall even harder after knowing the way of salvation. I must be reading something wrong.
This is much like what Jesus described when a demon is exorcised and comes back with seven even more powerfull ones.
It is when a person is in danger of the sin against the Holy Spirit. The Jews this teaching was originally aimed at when Jesus taught it had been witnessing God on earth. God was made visible to them. What further revelation of self could God do for them? Then if the sign of jonah ( the Resurrection) didn’t convince them what more could God do to change their minds? Satan as an angel was created knowing God in as much as it pertained to him. There is no more God can do to change an eternally rebellious heart. That person who Peter is describing is on the brink of becoming just like Satan. Having already known God yet hating God none the less. What more can be done for this person that would turn them from their chosen love? God may already have done all that can be and the hidden reality may just be that that person is eternally committed to sin. Changeless and fit for judgement. This is the condition Peter is teaching us to avoid.
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