Protected by Accurate Knowledge

Peter concludes this section of his letter by describing the consequences of failing to apply the knowledge that he said earlier is vital to "life and godly devotion." (2 Peter 1:2, 3, 8)  He writes:  "Certainly if, after having escaped from the defilements of the world  by an accurate knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they get involved again with these very things and are overcome, the final conditions have become worse than the first." (2 Peter 2:20)  How sad!  Such ones in Peter's day had thrown away the precious hope of immortal heavenly life for fleeting moments of sexual gratification.

So Peter says:  "It would have been better for them not to have accurately known the path of righteousness than after knowing it accurately to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them.  The saying of the true proverb has happened to them:  "The dog has returned to its own vomit, and the sow that was bathed to rolling in the mire.' " -2 Peter 2:21, 22; Proverbs 26:11.  

Another problem that had evidently begun to affect early Christians was similar to one that affects some today.  Back then, some were evidently complaining about the seeming non arrival of Christ's promised presence. Let us examine how Peter addresses this matter. 

Next time: KEEP JEHOVAH'S DAY CLOSE IN MIND 

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997