What other scriptures warn about falling back into sin after knowing Christ? Setting the Scene: 2 Peter 2:20’s Sobering Message “If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first.” Hebrews’ Stern Admonitions • Hebrews 6:4-6 — “For it is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age—and then have fallen away—to be restored once again to repentance, because they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame.” • Hebrews 10:26-27 — “If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the adversaries.” Jesus Warns About Looking Back • Luke 9:62 — “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” • John 15:6 — “If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.” Paul’s Pleas to Stand Firm • Galatians 5:4 — “You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.” • 1 Corinthians 10:12 — “So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.” • 2 Corinthians 6:1 — “As God’s fellow workers, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” Jude and Revelation: Vivid Pictures of Apostasy • Jude 5 — “After Jesus had delivered His people out of the land of Egypt, He later destroyed those who did not believe.” • Jude 12-13 — “They are clouds without water… for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.” • Revelation 2:5 — “Remember how far you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first. If you do not, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place.” • Revelation 3:16 — “So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth!” Peter’s Own Follow-Up Reminder • 2 Peter 3:17 — “Since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.” Takeaways for Our Walk Today • Knowing Christ brings freedom; turning back invites deeper bondage. • The warnings span Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation—showing a consistent, serious theme. • Staying “in Him” means continual faith, repentance, and obedience, not a one-time decision. |
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