Sown Amongst Thorns

"For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire."
2 Peter 2: 20-22

This description of the person that once believed but becomes entangled again by the defilements of the world runs parallel to the parable of the sower. It echoes perfectly the seed sown amongst thorns: life that springs up for a short time and is then choked away. It perfectly describes so many people I've known over the years - so gutting, but so fitting.

There must be a number of reasons why they are in a worst state, and better if they had never known the gospel message. Here are my thoughts:

1. It totally dishonours the name of Christ. It discredits the gospel message, weakening it's power in the lives of those around them who are themselves in need of salvation, and have witnessed their falling away. For this they stand accountable to God, and thus carry extra weight on their shoulders.

2. They themselves may be much less likely to consider the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ again in the future, having played about with it once already, concluding that it "didn't work". Hebrews 6 remarks that it's like crucifying Jesus twice. They may feel that there's nothing left for them.

3. They have had knowledge, insight and blessings that many people have never experienced. They are not blind like the rest of the world. They do not have the same the same excuse. Their knowledge holds them accountable, which cannot go well on the day of judgement.