Hey Brian, when taking the chapter as a whole it appears to me that 2Peter 2 is talking about false prophets and decievers who may have been taught (and have instructed others in) the way but never had spiritual life. The verse does not seem to be as potent of an endorsement of losing salvation when considering the whole chapter (unless I'm missing something?)

In fact, Peter seems to really be railing against those of whom he speaks in this chapter.....
Originally Posted by Newman
Originally Posted by Pilgrim
The second (third) type of ground is the thorny ground. Here the individual 'hears the word' (externally with the ears) but there is again no real spiritual life, no commitment to following Christ, but in this case the allurements of this world and its philosophy has precedence. The result is this person abandons what he/she professed thus showing that they were never genuinely regenerated and converted.
Ok, so would you describe these people as “having escaped the pollutions of the world” or would you describe them as “appearing to have escaped the pollutions of the world?”

Originally Posted by Pilgrim
I am assuming that you are wanting to understand the word "escape" as salvific. And I am saying that it is not salvific but rather a perception. These individuals made a profession and perhaps initially abstained from certain perceptible sins.
I am merely saying that "having escaped" means what it says. They have escaped. You interpret "having escaped" as meaning "appeared to have escaped." They never escaped.

I wonder then why a divinely inspired Peter wouldn’t say that they “appeared” to have escaped the pollutions of the world, rather than say “having” escaped… Why do you suppose that might be? Shouldn't he have worded it differently? I mean, I can see describing the seed sown on good ground as "having escaped."

Originally Posted by Pilgrim
Originally Posted by Newman
You and others here have escaped the pollutions of the world, I would assume, and as a result call yourselves "saved."
Yes, this is certainly true. And what is also true is that there are those who are 'religious' outwardly, but inwardly they are yet dead in sin. Counterfeits look very much like the real thing, don't they?
Of course. We may even deceive ourselves, no? So given all that you have said, I don’t understand how one can say “I am saved” or “we are saved” or “they are saved.” It seems not proper to speak that way.

The mercy of God is necessary not only when a person repents, but even to lead him to repent, Augustine