2 Peter 1:11
“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”
Context:2 Peter is a letter written by the apostle Peter to encourage and instruct believers in the early Christian church. In this particular verse, Peter is discussing the virtues and qualities that believers should possess and the consequences of lacking them.
Lack of Virtues:The verse begins by stating, “But he that lacketh these things.” The “these things” refer to the qualities mentioned in the preceding verses (2 Peter 1:5‑7), which include faith, virtue, knowledge, self‑control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Peter emphasizes the importance of cultivating these qualities in the life of a believer.
Blindness and Inability to See:The verse continues, “is blind, and cannot see afar off.” Here, Peter uses the metaphor of blindness to illustrate the spiritual condition of someone who lacks these virtues. This blindness refers to a spiritual deficiency that prevents them from having clear vision and discernment. Such a person is unable to see and understand spiritual truths, unable to perceive the significance of God’s promises, and unable to anticipate future blessings.
Forgetting the Cleansing from Sin:The verse concludes with the statement, “and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” This refers to the spiritual amnesia or forgetfulness of those lacking the aforementioned virtues. They have forgotten the experience of being cleansed from their past sins through the forgiveness and redemption found in Jesus Christ. This forgetfulness can lead to a neglect of spiritual growth and a departure from the Christian faith.
Practical Application:The verse serves as a reminder for believers to actively cultivate the virtues mentioned in earlier verses. By developing these qualities, believers can avoid spiritual blindness, maintain a clear perspective on eternal matters, and remain mindful of the forgiveness and salvation they have received through Jesus Christ.
