Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 26:73 (Autumn 2022)
Article: Second Peter 2:20 Hypothetically Speaking: Reconsidering The First-Class Conditional Clause
Author: Ward C. Crocker

JODT 26:73 (Autumn 2022) p. 159

Second Peter 2:20 Hypothetically Speaking: Reconsidering The First-Class Conditional Clause1

Ward C. Crocker

* Ward C. Crocker, M.A., M.A., D.Min., professor of philosophy and apologetics, Southern California Seminary, El Cajon, California

The present article defends the view that the protasis of the first-class conditional in 2 Peter 2:20 is false (unfulfilled), though presented as true for the sake of argument. Specifically, 2 Peter spoke of the false teachers as saved only for the sake of argument in order to emphasize just how debased they were, thereby demolishing the last vestige of justification saints have for enduring their presence. The conclusion regarding the protasis is contrary to nearly all work on this verse and bears significance for extending the argument of the chapter. In order to establish this conclusion, it is necessary to begin with a brief overview of current views and then evaluate the merit for accepting the protasis as true. Justification for viewing the protasis as false and what this means for the verse and immediate context will then follow.

Current Theological Landscape

Significant controversy surrounds 2 Peter 2:20 due to implications regarding the doctrine of perseverance and the associated challenge of identifying the subject.2 The verse reads, “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of [our] Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first”3 (εἰ γὰρ ἀποφυγόντες τὰ

JODT 26:73 (Autumn 2022) p. 160

μιάσματα τοῦ κόσμου ἐν ἐπιγνώσει τοῦ κυρίου [ἡμῶν]4 καὶ σωτῆρος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, τούτοις δὲ πάλιν ἐμπλακέντες ἡττῶνται, γέγονεν αὐτοῖς τὰ ἔσχατα χείρονα τῶν πρώτων).5

Implications regarding the doctrine of perseverance are derived from the salvific language used of the subject: “by the knowledge of [our] Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (ἐν ἐπιγνώσει τοῦ κυρίου [ἡμῶν] You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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