"...if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)--..." - 2 Peter 2:6-8 NIV

I'd never particularly considered Lot "righteous" with all of the things going wrong in his life and by looking at the seemingly self-centered choices he made. But here he is vindicated somewhat but showing that the internal bent of his soul was towards godliness and away from the sinfulness around him. Matthew Henry's commentary on these verses has alot to say

A friend from an email list asked some questions and I finally got around to posting my measly $.02:

I wanted to jump back into your questions on Lot - finally had that final exam, so my brain is free (even though it's retty much mush right now). I was looking up 2 Peter 2:6-8 online and found Matthew Henry's commentary, among others. It seems that while Lot might've appeared less than "righteous" in comparison to Abraham - and really, who wouldn't? - he still shows a bent in his soul towards godliness rather than the sinfulness that surrounded him. I usually read the stories of Lot in Genesis with an eye for his self-centered decision-making process. But what if I go back and read them with the idea that this is a "righteous man", seeking to live out what he feels is his own calling from God in joining Abraham on this quest? Would I see him differently?

You asked: Is there record that he ever confesses with his mouth and receive the salvation of God?

No, I don't think so - but his actions appear to reveal a heart that's trying to please God more than rebel against him, taken in light of the 2 Peter passage, right?

You also wrote: My final question: Can you believe and obtain the righteousness of God and never confess Him with your mouth unto salvation?

If you have the oportunity, and it's real in your heart of hearts and in your newly born spirit as a Christian, you will "confess" the Lord as Lord and you'll testify of His goodness in your life. But the "confession" aspect should never be construed as any kind of work on our part that's somehow a piece of the salvation puzzle. God alone brings salvation, and God alone declares who's righteous. Jesus judges, separating the sheep from the goats. It's easy to confess and not believe, and likewise it's "easy" to confess when you really believe.

just further thoughts, sir - thanks!
peace on earth - rick

- posted by Rick @ 08:52