[lockeliberty]

. 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. 22 It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT," and, "A sow, after washing, {returns} to wallowing in the mire."

When you read the context of the verse you can understand that the false teachers once acknowledged Jesus and then turned back to the "defilements" of the world. Thus, though once they knew Christ and his sacrifice, later they rejected Christ's sacrifice. The question is, once they knew Christ's sacrifice and the sacrifice was sufficient, now that they deny the sacrifice is it still sufficient for them?

[P-Marlowe]

The question is, once they knew Christ's sacrifice and the sacrifice was sufficient, now that they deny the sacrifice is it still sufficient for them?

Good question. I think this verse argues against the "perserverence of the saints" prong of Calvinism. I think we must note here that while dogs return to their vomit, sheep are led back to the pasture.

The question is not really whether the sacrifice is sufficient for even these, but whether or not it is effective for them. If you reject the sacrifice, then the sacrifice will not do you any good. If someone offers you a million bucks it isn't going to do you any good unless you reach out and take it.