2 Peter 2:4: For If God Did Not Spare Angels When They Sinned, But Cast Them Into Hell And Committed Them To Chains Of Gloomy Darkness

2 Peter 2:4
[4] For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; (ESV)

The Apostle Peter has just described, in the previous verses, those who are false teachers. They have deceived people in the body of Christ, even denying the Savior himself. They are motivated by greed, exploiting people for their own selfish gain. They follow sensual lusts, instead of following the Savior, who is the one whom they should be proclaiming.

Peter tells us in the previous verse that the punishment for these false teachers is not idle. It is coming. God will surely bring wrath upon those who distort the truth for personal gain. This is a sobering thought. False teachers abound today. The way that they speak, with such arrogance, one would think that they are untouchable. In fact, if you want their attention, you would need to be giving them even more money.

There are times when other godly ministers call out the false teachers. When this happens, as it should happen, far too many in the church will defend the false teachers. They will claim that we should not be judging them. It is staggering to consider that people could defend the very people whom God has said in his Word, that he will judge.

Peter gives an example here of angels whom God has judged. He did not defend their sins. Their rebellion against God was not excused. Rather, these angels were cast into hell as a holding place for even further judgment. To mishandle God's Word, and by extension, mishandle God's people, is no small matter. Judgment is coming for false teachers, just like it is for angels who promoted falsehood.

Take note of God's righteous standard. Ask his wonderful Holy Spirit to help you discern what is true and what is false. You will find the truth as you look intently at the words of Scripture. Those who would try to deceive you are to be ignored. Their judgment is coming.