BibleDiscipleship

2 Peter 2: Recognizing the Repulsiveness of Sin

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Peter 2. One of several important lessons in this chapter is the need for Christians to recognize the repulsiveness of sin.

Peter uses several phrases to describe what happens when we respond to the gospel and are forgiven of our sins: we have “escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2:20). We have turned to “the holy commandment” delivered to us (2:21). We have begun to walk “the way of righteousness” (2:21).

But how would the Holy Spirit describe the forgiven child of God who willfully returns to sin?

What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.” (2 Pet 2:22)

God doesn’t sugarcoat how disgusting it is when his redeemed sons and daughters go back to what separated them from him in the first place.

While it’s an unpleasant illustration to think about for long, we would do well to regularly reflect on the ugliness of sin. If I’m wallowing in unrighteousness today, it’s time to be honest about how disgusting my choice is in the eyes of my Creator. If temptation is knocking on the door of my heart, passages like 2 Peter 2:22 have the power to remind me just how deceitful the lies of darkness really are. If I’m walking in the light as my Savior is in the light, hopefully today’s reminder from the second letter of Peter will remind me just how far I’ve been delivered and how grateful I ought to be each and every day for the transforming power of God in my life.

Sin isn’t pretty. Sin isn’t funny. Sin is filthy and it’s impossible for me to wallow in it without becoming filthy as well.

Thanks be to God that escape, cleansing, and hope are available to all through the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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