WE ARE NOT IN HEAVEN YET

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-13)

Devotion 15 of 37

A STATE THAT IS WORSE THAN THE FIRST

Is there a condition that is "worst than the first?" Is such a condition possible for those who have been subjected to Christ, and have even made some moral advancement? A great deal of discussion has taken place throughout the centuries over this matter, and believers are no more in accord over it now, than the day it started. God has spoken on this subject, and with quite remarkable clarity. Jesus spoke of a time that was "worst than the first." Peter also wrote of a latter end that is "worse with them than the beginning." We thus have a twofold witness on the subject, which is an end of all controversy. Notwithstanding, I know some will find it difficult to believe what Jesus and Peter said. That difficulty, however, is not due to any ambiguity or mystery in the words of reference.

JESUS SPEAKS
"When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation" (Matt 12:43-45). "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first" (Lk 11:24-26).

Here "the first" state was marked by one being possessed by an "unclean spirit." That was certainly a dreadful condition–to be taken captive by the wicked one to (2 Tim 2:26). This extends beyond isolated instances of demon possession, to a state where men are under the domination of the "prince of power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience" (Eph 2:2). Whether it a man shrieking in the night among the tombs, cutting himself with stones (Mark 5:1-5), or a woman renown for being a sinner (Lk 7:37), there are those who in whom "unclean spirits" have resided.

But this was not the end of the matter. The "unclean spirit" left the man, or came out of him. After wandering about through "dry places, seeking rest, and finding none," the spirit determines, "I will return unto my house whence I came out." When he returned, he found the house swept clean and put in order. However, there was nothing in it. Matthew's account says the "unclean spirit" found it "empty, swept, and put in order." The wicked spirit did not simply reenter the house, but took with him "seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there." The result was a worse condition that when the unclean spirit first dwelt there.

Jesus affirmed this to be a vivid picture of the very generation to whom He was ministering. They had gone about cleaning the outside of the cup, as it were, and refraining from the more despicable vices. They fasted, prayed, and gave tithes of all they had. But there was something missing–they were "empty," though clean and orderly. It was another way of saying they honored the Lord with their lips, but their heart was far from Him (Matt 15:8).

The result of their failure to have spiritual substance in themselves would be no less than the murder of the son of God (Acts 7:52). Their most wicked deed was done after they had applied themselves to external piety. The latter end was worse with them than the first. Their religion actually gave Satan the advantage, and caused them to hate the Savior of the world, who was sent to them. There are still people whose religion is making them worse–giving Satan the advantage, and providing no substance for the soul.

PETER SPEAKS
Peter also speaks of a state that is "worse" than the first one. His words are directed to a different audience. The Lord spoke His words to hypocrites and a degenerate religious generation. Peter wrote his words "To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 1:1). Christ's words were a prophecy of doom. Peter's were a warning of a state to be avoided.

Here is what Peter wrote. "For if, after they have escaped the pollutions 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 for them 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 Pet 2:20-22).

Notice what had been experienced by these people. (1. They had "escaped the pollutions of the world THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST." (2. They had "KNOWN the way of righteousness. They left it AFTER they had known it." This language does not describe empty formality and the mere cleansing of the cup. External piety, wrought by mere human discipline, does not enable one to "escape pollutions of the world." That is why Jesus said the heart of such people was "far" from the Lord. To escape the pollutions of the world is to rise into a realm in which they have no power. Earlier, Peter spoke of those who had "clean escaped," yet were lured back into "wantonness" (2:18).

The "knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ" is not academic or cursory knowledge. This knowledge is specifically called "eternal life" in John 17:3 and 1 John 5:20. It is a spiritual acquaintance with Christ that results in the experience of benefits relating to salvation. It is the same "knowledge" through which grace and peace are "multiplied" to us (2 Pet 1:2). It is also the "knowledge" through which God provides us with "all things that pertain to life and godliness" (1 Pet 1:3).

Here is a condition that can be experienced AFTER the pollutions of the world have been escaped through the knowledge of Christ. The slothful soul will be "AGAIN entangled in them and overcome." That is, he will become entrapped in the very things from which he once escaped. While men argue over whether or not this is possible, it is happening all around us! If Paul was concerned about believers being deceived "from the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus" as Eve was deceived by Satan (2 Cor 11:3), what sort of person is it that would affirm this could not happen? Why do we not hear more of this type of concern–especially among those who are not going on to perfection? The Spirit moved Peter to say it would have been "better" if such souls never knew the way of righteousness, than to turn form the holy commandment delivered to them." That kind of condition "is worse for them than the beginning."

Salvation makes provision for us to "go on to perfection." It is designed to make us "better," not "worse." The end of those who keep the faith will be infinitely better than their beginning was! For such, God has reserved the best for last. But make no mistake about this, there is nothing about salvation that is accommodating of a backward stance, or being lured back into what was once escaped.

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ I desire to conclude my life better, nor worse. I know you have provided for such a conclusion, and ask for grace to seek it consistently and fervently.

-- Tomorrow: KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH FAITH --