2 Peter 2:19-21

False Prophets and Teachers

19 They promise them y freedom, z but they themselves are slaves 1 of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 20 For if, a after they have escaped the defilements of the world b through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, c the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For d it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from e the holy commandment delivered to them.

  1. Cross References
    Galatians 5:13
    For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
    James 1:25
    But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
  2. Cross References
    John 8:34
    Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.
    Romans 6:16
    Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?
  3. Cross References
    2 Peter 2:18
    For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error.
  4. Cross References
    2 Peter 1:2
    May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
  5. Cross References
    Matthew 12:45
    Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.
  6. Cross References
    Ezekiel 18:24
    But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die.
    Luke 12:47
    And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.
    Hebrews 6:4 - 6
    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.
    Hebrews 10:26 - 27
    For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.
    James 4:17
    So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
  7. Cross References
    Romans 7:12
    So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.