112) True believers are not blind

2 Peter 1:9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

In this verse Peter is referring to someone who has professed faith in Christ for a while but is blind and lacks these qualities. Since throughout the NT being unsaved is characterized by being blind, it is unlikely that a born again Christian would be described by Peter as blind and lacking all of these qualities. No, Peter is describing someone who is unsaved and has not been given the gifts of the new covenant listed in Hebrews 8. All who are redeemed by the power of God are given a new nature that includes these qualities although these qualities may be in a stage of immaturity. Even though Christians may backslide from these qualities at times, they still have the qualities and will pick themselves up and press on in their Christian walk through the power of the indwelling Spirit.

Christians never forget they were forgiven and cleansed from their sin. Therefore, anyone who has forgotten the principle of forgiveness from sin was never a true believer. Christians are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, and are described by Jesus Christ as sheep that know Him, hear Him, and follow Him. The solution for those who are blind and lack these qualities is to turn to Jesus Christ in prayer and repentance for mercy, and place their faith and trust in Him alone for their salvation. When they do this they will find these qualities bubbling up from their new regenerated heart of flesh. They will not ever approach sinless perfection in this earthly life, but they will grow in grace as they follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.

Focus on Christ #112