Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 2/23/2010

Question
Hi Pastor
I saw your reason communication about this subject.  I am still trying to deal with scripture that seem to point to the fact that we can lose our salvation.  Two of them are the following:

"For if, after they have escaped the pollution 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 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)

"He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not BLOT OUT his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels." (Revelation 3:5)

I would appreciate your understanding of these two verses especially as I think you will agree these are talking about Christians.  

Thank you

Answer
Hi Brian

Thank you so much for this great question.  I am very sorry for my late response.  Let us look at the context for the first verse you cite.

2 Peter 2:10-22

10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.  11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.  12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:  15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.  19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome,  of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

THis passage is speaking of false teachers who have encountered the truth, but have never been born again.  They heard and know the truth, but I do not believe that they had ever personally believed the truth.  Look all through out this passage and you will see terms like wells without water and servants of corruption.  They heard the truth and therefore became accountable for the truth they learned.... they escaped the corruption of false doctrine by hearing the truth, but they never believed the truth... they turned back because they had never become new creatures according to 2 corinthians 5:17, they were still dogs.

As to the second passage, the Bible teaches that everyone who is a believer is already an overcomer.

1 John 5:4-5
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

God will not blot out believers, because they have already overcome!

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don