Daily Devotional
Freedom vs. Temporary Reformation
“For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.”
2 Peter 2:21
September 21, 2022
Ponder This
Those who live by truth get more and more freedom. Those who do not live by truth but live by lies experience more and more bondage. Reformation without transformation leads to greater degradation and final condemnation. It’s better for you not to have known the way of truth than to reform your life without meeting the Lord Jesus Christ. The classic example of that is Judas. Judas heard the truth. Judas reformed his life. Judas was a disciple of the Lord Jesus for a time. He escaped the pollution of the world for a while, but his latter end was worse than his first. Jesus said it would have been better for him if he had never been born. Sinful desires do not disappear by reformation. They only hibernate and wake up stronger. That’s what Peter was saying. It would be better for them not to have known the way of truth then, after they’ve heard the holy commandment, to turn from it. Salvation, on the other hand, gives you a new nature.
- How can you know the difference between freedom and temporary reformation in your life?
- What are some other Bible passages that speak to this?
Practice This
Prayerfully examine your life today, assessing if you are living according to freedom from God or reformation in your own strength.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
