2 Peter 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

“I am not an animal!” Good quote, used at least three times in movies, The Elephant Man, A man Called Horse and the original Planet of the Apes. I have to tell you that there are times when I think about some of the disgusting behaviors of dogs and I would scream the same words if accused.

While Peter is referring to those who had the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, knowledge is not the same as having placed your faith in Christ. What I might have been in a previous life did act like an animal, once I accepted Jesus Christ as Lord, I became a new creature, not an animal, a child of God.

Too often men will use this verse to utter railing accusations against a brother or sister who has been caught in a sin, as if it were possible to turn a child of God back into a dog. It is to their shame that they use bible verses to punish and abuse a brother or sister who need mercy and grace far more than they need judgment.

The truth about being a sinner saved by grace is that our actions do not change our right of adoption. It affects our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, but in no way changes our title. We grieve sin, in ourselves and our brethren, but this is meant to instill a mourning process, not judgment.

Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Sin can destroy the dog but can only deceive a child of God.

2 Corinthians 13:5d except ye be reprobates?

You will need to read yesterday’s blog to understand this in context. I left off this ending to this verse in yesterday’s closing quote. I did so because it is comments such as these that fear mongers latch onto and place too much emphasis upon. Fear mongers like to make a scathing accusation that all are in danger. A study of the Greek used here reveals a whole different meaning.

The Greek used for reprobates is actually two words with distinct meanings. The first is G5100 tis, which implies a certain one, some, sometime, or a while. Its use does not include all, accuse all, or even if one, not a lasting accusation, but perhaps a limited time. This would not be considered a permanent condition.

The second word is G96 adokimos which implies a counterfeit, used of metals or coins which are not approved. This when defined alone indicates a more permanent condition, a theft of sorts. This is where my use of rebate in the title comes into play.

Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

We invest time and effort in studying the Word to buy this gold. A rebate is a return on investment made. It is meant to receive back what you put in. We read commentaries, devotionals, study bibles, we listen to preachers and teachers, live and on video. We do all this and more to come to know Christ that much better than we did yesterday.

Fear mongers can only offer you a rebate that is counterfeit.