“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; For a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.” (2 Peter 2:1-3)
One of the most frustrating and frightening aspects of fighting disease is the ability of viruses to mutate—to adapt to and evade even medical treatment and vaccines. Hence the need for updated vaccines each year. Our amazing God-given immune systems continue to fight these subtle invaders that are out to destroy our physical health and life. We thank our Great Physician for all the medical advancements and caregivers He has provided to help us combat these enemies.
Strikingly similar is our spiritual health situation. Man was created in perfect health spiritually and physically, and was designed and destined to live forever. However, Satan and sin have drastically altered man’s condition and prognosis. By introducing the deceptive, dangerous, and deadly spiritual viruses of lies and heresies, havoc has been wreaked on every aspect of human life, especially on man’s holy and wonderful relationship with his loving Creator God. And despite man’s unending search, a cure for his ultra-tragic dilemma ever remains beyond his grasp.
Yet our mighty and merciful God intervened. Designing and effecting the perfect Gospel antidote and cure for this deadly disease of sin, He sent His beloved Son Jesus as the substitutionary and redemptive sin-sacrifice for every doomed mortal. Through Christ, God secured forgiveness and righteousness, and thus restored the spiritual and eternal health of every repentant and believing sinner. How can we ever thank Him for this greatest of all medical miracles!
Still, the assaults upon God, His Word, and His children continue—for Peter’s readers and for the faithful of every age. Blasphemous and soul-destructive lies and heresies surround and threaten us, luring many religious leaders and their followers down a path of uncertainty, unbelief, sorrow, and judgment. Every false teaching “blasphemes the way of truth” and is an attack on the Word and authority of Christ, the very “Lord who bought them.”
How will our faith survive? Only by regularly receiving our faith “booster,” only through our Father’s divinely-prescribed Word-and-Sacrament Gospel injections for our souls’ immune systems—all given to build us up and protect us from our spiritual enemies as promised: The Lord will deliver you from every evil work and preserve you safely unto His heavenly Kingdom. (2 Timothy 4:18)
So fear not, fellow faith-patients of our Great Physician. Trust His promises and prognosis. Follow His divine health plan for your souls. Be proactive about building up your spiritual strength and immunity. Hear and heed His Word and counsel in all things and avoid all that is contrary. Cherish every opportunity, personal and church-wise, to spend time with Him in His Word, at His house, at His feet. Seek to share God’s love and His miracle cure with hurting souls. And above all, give thanks to God for His incredible blessings of spiritual health and healing in Jesus!
Designing and effecting the perfect Gospel antidote and cure for this deadly disease of sin, He sent His beloved Son Jesus.
is a retired pastor and a member of the CLC Board of Doctrine. He lives in St. Paul Park, Minnesota.