The last state has become worse for them than the first

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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. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 2 Peter 2 19,20 ESV

The picture above illustrates these verses very well for us. Just like this house when abandoned is taken over by nature, so it is with our soul when our walk with Christ is abandoned. The old nature takes over, salvation is lost and death and decay follow.

To know Jesus and His ways and to walk away and abandon those ways is to crucify Jesus all over again.

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6 ESV

Returning to our old ways is the equivalent of crucifying Jesus. To return to the old ways is to treat Jesus with contempt.

Look at the picture above and see how nature is more than happy to take over, when the premises is vacated. In time the house will return to the ground and all that had been worked for will be lost. When we turn away from Jesus and vacate our place in the Kingdom of God, the old nature is ready to reclaim what Jesus worked to establish in us. (Ephesians 4:22)

If today you are considering your old life and longing to go back there, remember to walk away and abandon your life in Christ is to put put the nails in Jesus hands and feet once again. Your soul will come to great harm.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman