2 Peter - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

solving device] with reference to the cleansing of his sins [refuses to acknowledge
temporal sins to God].
KW 2 Peter 1:9 For he to whom these things are not present is blind, being short-sighted,
having taken forgetfulness of the cleansing of his old sins.
KJV 2 Peter 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath
forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
TRANSLATION HIGHLIGHTS
Now that Peter has listed examples of spiritual fruit that become evident in those who are
growing spiritually, he comments on those individuals who are not making forward
progress in the spiritual life. They do not have his list of spiritual fruit at their disposal
(Static Present tense). They are spiritually blind, in a state of reversionism. They are
short-sighted (Latin: oblivious), being completely disoriented from the plan of God. The
flesh, the world and the devil (one or more of them) have overcome these believers. It
started with locked-in negative volition to Bible doctrine. In this case, Peter says it began
a long time ago. They have been negative to doctrine and the spiritual life for a
considerable period of time. At this point, they have received forgetfulness with reference
to the simplest and most important problem-solving device for Christians: the rebound
technique.
They refuse to acknowledge their temporal sins (Latin: purging) to God on a regular
basis. This means they are never filled with the Spirit. They may be “doing” things, but
everything they do is wood, hay and stubble that will be burned at the Judgment Seat of
Christ. This is a tragic picture of millions of believers today. They may attend church
once in awhile, but they do not acknowledge their sins to God on a consistent basis, with
the result that they are not filled with the Spirit, and therefore have no interest in the
Word of God. They do not possess any spiritual fruit because they have rejected their
priestly function before God. They may have a pleasant personality, but they are spiritual
morons. They may still witness to others, work in the church, cook food for potluck
suppers, and visit the sick - but they are spiritually blind and short-sighted, in a state of
reversionism.
RELEVANT OPINIONS
The intent, therefore, is to say that a person without spiritual virtues is as blind as
someone who contracts his eyelids. With this illustration, Peter wishes to say that a
person who neglects the cultivation of spiritual values is blind to the truth of God’s
Word. Such a man is able to see earthly things that are nearby but unable to see heavenly
things that are far away. He is spiritually blind. (S. Kistemaker) It goes without saying
that the apostle is not speaking here of unsaved people. Of course unsaved people do not
possess these spiritual qualities. Peter does not need to state that … No one can be happy
that there are Christians who fit the description Peter gives us in 1:9 of his second letter.
But nothing is gained by denying this reality, and much can be lost by doing so. (Z.
Hodges)