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There is a direct relationship between conditions during the end times, and the phenomenon of spiritual darkness. Whether one believes we are living in the "end time" or not (we are certainly closer to it today than yesterday), 2 Peter 2 is very relevant to our world and our lives today. In reality we have been in the "end time" ever since Jesus died on the cross. It seems timely then, for a close look at 2 Peter 2.

Peter’s first epistle (see Archives "Works Of Grace") was written to explain to God’s people the process of creating a new creation in us, and how this process will be resisted and attacked by the outside world. This new creation is the work of the divine nature formed in us, the work in the believer that the Holy Spirit will perform when combined with the spirit of the believer. Beginning in the latter part of 2 Peter 1, he begins a warning about attacks on the church from within the church. Satan attacks on two fronts. As with all wars, it is more difficult to fight on two fronts at the same time (this is what occurred in WW2). It is sad but very true - as Christians we are forced to struggle against the enemy from without, and from within. In affect, we are fighting a war on three fronts: the war within includes the struggle within ourselves, with our own fallen nature. He then begins to transition into chapter 2, beginning in 2 Peter 1:19-21:

"And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

These men, whoever they were, were apparently twisting scripture to their advantage. Much of the advantage they were reaping by so doing was first of all monetary, and then resulting power (2 Peter 2:3). They knew the relationship between the two, and how to use it. These false prophets (preachers or "evangelists") were doing in principle the same as the false prophets of long ago (2 Peter 2:1). Beginning in v. 2, the Apostle begins a prophecy of his own. Perhaps we have not realized that the Apostle Peter was a prophet in the same sense as the prophets of Israel were, not only a "prophet" in the sense of a preacher of the gospel. It is extremely important that we take notice of two things. First, he says that it is the "many" who will follow, not just a few who "will" follow, the ways of the false prophets to come. Secondly, as the result, the way of truth will "be blasphemed". This was the result of these false teachers claiming to have a special understanding of the scriptures, apparently especially of the prophetic scriptures (2 Peter 1:20), which acts as bait in order to lead the church to provide more for the deceivers. They were, and are, adept with cunning and persuasive words and manner. The blasphemy which results is described by Jesus: "And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers" (Mark 11:15-17).

The blasphemy of the false preachers includes doing business in God’s house. There is a great temptation to succumb to the false logic. Catch phrases of human logic such as "doing it for the Lord", or "in the name of the Lord" can be presented as justification, and incased within the Gospel. The presented ends seem to justify the means. In Peter’s day, as in ours, the church can be made a money machine, that enhances the lifestyles of the deceivers - all in the name of Jesus. They become firmly entrenched in the social fabric of the church (2 Peter 2:13-14), tending to politicize plans and activities into worldly and selfish motives (v 17-19 In verse 19, Peter indicates that many of these false teachers have a certain knowledge of the truth. They seem to believe that they are free to do as they please, and that others should also - of course, only as long as other’s freedom coincides with their agenda. These are what could be described as "turncoats" who at one time knew the way of God, but now attempt via personal influence and deceptive words corrupt the tender minds and hearts of those who are young in the faith. A thoroughly converted and submissive child of God is in many ways naive. There are at least two reasons. First, love first believes the best of others. Then, with the Holy Spirit leading them, they strive to do only the best to others. That makes for vulnerability. It is simply a part of the cross we must bear (Luke 6:29).

There is contained in these verses of 2 Peter 2 a warning that is impossible to overemphasize. These verses, along with those of 2 Peter 1, and also 2 Peter 3 (which we shall examine later), are a prophecy for the end time. Regardless of the timing of the end times, when the evidence matches the Word, it is time to be warned. We must become so surrendered to Jesus Christ, and living and dwelling within the light of every word of God, that we become impervious to the deceptions of darkness. Those in darkness resist the light. There are degrees of darkness - just as there is of light. But darkness and light are not compatible (2 Corinthians 6:14). Those dwelling in light recognize darkness for what it is if there is enough light. Some live in a dual world of some light and some darkness - in the shadows. For those truly in the light, the darkness is gloomy, heavy and oppressive. There is a type of darkness that can be felt - literally (Psalm 23). As time goes by, it will become more and more a "shadowy" world - in the church and out. Those who promote such deceptions dwell in darkness. They are in a darkness so dense and thick that no light can enter. It appears that for some at least, repentance is not possible (2 Peter 2:21-23). Out in the vastness of space there exists what are called "black holes" in which the darkness is so dense that light cannot enter - and neither can light escape. These have loved the darkness. They shall have it. It is their reward (Revelation 16:10; Jude 1:12-13).

When we were children, we were afraid of the dark...

The world lies in utter darkness (1 John 5:19). It is to be wondered if some really believe this. The question is now, will we become more and more afraid of the dark and draw closer and closer to the Light (John 1:1-5,9; Psalm 119:104-105), or dwell in shadows - and be consumed in a darkness that is coming...(Matthew 6:23; John 9:4).

"BUT UNDERSTAND this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]. For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane. [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good. [They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God. For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them]." - 2 Timothy 3:1-5

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

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