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Second Peter 2 is the most anti-progressive chapter in the Bible — in my opinion!
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction (2:1, ESV).
Admittedly it’s difficult to clearly define “progressive Christianity” because with progressives, as the Bible loses authority, their passions and thoughts create a theological de jour for each person.
These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved (2:17).
In five hundred words, I can’t debate millions of mini-theologians with their self-conceived theology. But I don’t have to because 2 Peter 2 does it for me. . .
For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first (2:20).
Doubt underlies most progressive theology that challenges Biblical authority and conservative morals. There’s an emphasis on asking, “Does the Bible really say this?” Their spotlight focuses on Christians who act immorally and immaturely as the basis for throwing out conservative viewpoints.
But what’s left?
The Bible becomes inspirational as good stories and values depend upon a person’s point of view. Love becomes a lifestyle instead of the motive to serve a righteous God.
And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed (2:2).
Unleased passion never results in the promised “self-fulfillment” of progressive theology. Instead, pursuit of self leads to indulgence, which causes sensuality, then captivity and even more doubt and discouragement in life.
They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! (2:14)
They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved (2:19).
With this potential of self-induced judgment, 2 Peter gives a strong warning. . .
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment. . (2:4).
The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority (2:9-10).
Since 2 Peter 2 focuses on the cause and result of disbelief, it’s important for us to include 2 Peter 3 for this ultimate hope. . .
But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (3:8-9).
Amen. Let’s grow in grace until the Lord returns.