What is the Bible referring to in Second Peter 2:22 when it talks about a dog returning to its own vomit?
Let’s examine the text to which you refer.
For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.
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. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”
(2 Peter 2:20-22 NKJ)
This text gives insight into Christians who fall back into sin and are overcome by sin. Being overcome by sin means they do not want to repent and make things right with God.
They have decided to go their own way. They eventually turn from the holy commandment, which is believing on the Lord Jesus Christ (1 John 3:23).
When Christians do this, the Bible reveals, “Their latter state becomes worse than their beginning state.” They end up being a worse sinner and having more problems than before they met the Lord and He delivered them. When this happens, it is like a dog returning and eating its vomit or a pig going back into the mud after being washed.
The most important aspect of this section of Scripture is the realization that Christians have to live holy lives and not toy with sin.
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Joe Cameneti Sr. is the lead pastor of Believers Church, located in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Joe, along with his wife Gina, pioneered Believers Church in 1983 following his graduation from Bible School.
In addition to leading a thriving local church, Pastor Joe is the host of a weekly show called "BCTV." The program is aired locally on WFMJ, the NBC affiliate, reaching thousands weekly.
Pastor Joe is a gifted communicator, skilled in the art of building bridges to unchurched America. Transparent and authentic, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged to connect with God in a deeper way.