2 Peter 2:20

2 Peter 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first.

Expanded Translation

For if, after having fled away from and escaped the pollutions, contaminations, and defilements of the world (i.e., the ungodly mass of mankind) through an exact and full knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again intertwined, entangled, and involved, being conquered (and thus brought into a worse condition), the last state of things has become worse with them than the first.

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For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world

Compare 2 Peter 1:4. The persons described had been Christians. They had fled from and were free from the world's defilements. Thayer defines defilements (miasma) here, as vices the foulness of which contaminates one in his intercourse with the ungodly mass of mankind (miasmos, defilement is defined in 2 Peter 2:10). The verb form, miainp, means literally to dye with another color, stain. Sin discolors the soul! The garments of these men, once made white in the blood of the Lamb, were now, once again, being spotted and stained by this world's corruption.

through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

On the word knowledge (epignosis) see 2 Peter 1:2. It appears again in 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 1:8, and the verb (epignosko) in 2 Peter 2:21 (twice), In each case it refers to a Christian'S knowledge of God, Christ, or holy things. But here this precise and correct knowledge is of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. They had a true knowledge of Christ's nature, dignity, and benefits. Oh, that they would have retained it!

How difficult it is to explain with logic the doctrine of eternal security or once in grace always in grace in the light of what is stated here!

they are again entangled therein and overcome

On the word overcome (hettao), see 2 Peter 2:19. The again signifies they were once out of sin's entangling mesh. Foolishly, they went back into Satan's net.

the last state is become worse with them than the first

Their first entrance into sin was soon after the age of accountability. Then they transgressed God's law and were in need of his saving grace. At some time during the course of their lives they had seen this need and escaped the world's filth by accepting Christ, But then they decided to return! Having once been untangled from the ropes of Satan, they are now entangled again! Now their condition is much worse, for they know the truth concerning salvation and righteousness, and shall therefore have many stripes (Luke 12:47-48).

It is also true, we might add, that the apostate frequently goes deeper into sin, and with less restraint, than he did formerly. His conscience often becomes branded and seared into insensibility (1 Timothy 4:2)far harder and more calloused than before he was a Christian. As a rule, his ears are closed and his eyes are shut to any further help.