The word “
made” used by the King James in
2 Peter 2:12 gives the false impression that God
shaped and designed these people for the purpose of destroying them. However, the Greek word translated “made” is
γεγεννημένα gegennenemena which means “having been
born.”
http://biblehub.com/interlinear/2_peter/2-12.htm
This is reflected in virtually all other translations, for example:
English Standard Version
But these, like
irrational animals, creatures of instinct,
born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction,
New American Standard Bible
But these, like
unreasoning animals,
born as
creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed,
So their character is a
consequence of birth followed by a process of corruption. Since all men are born devoid of the Spirit of God (i.e., spiritually dead) God need not do anything to prepare us for destruction. We are already prepared.
The term “
creatures of instinct” means that their character is determined by
unrestrained natural drives and instincts (
1 Corinthians 2:14, Romans 8:7)
We also have to consider what KIND of animal Peter referring to in this analogy. The term translated "brute (or unreasoning) beasts" means a wild animal
(theria) as o
pposed to than a domesticated one.
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/robertsons-word-pictures/2-peter/2-peter-2-12.html
Also, since Peter is primarily talking about false teachers the image would be one of a
predator who was engaged killing and eating sheep. When such an animal is finally caught the only thing that would be done with them in that culture would be to destroy them.
Though the end of the road for such a person is certain destruction this does not necessarily the individual will not turn and repent. Paul was a persecutor of the Church and an enemy of the cross but he repented. We are all born of the flesh and "the child born of the flesh" tends to persecute the "child of promise." Nevertheless many enemies of the gospel have repented.
Before we are born of the Spirit and our lives reflect the characteristics of an enemy of God. After presenting a list of such characteristics - sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, drunkenness - Paul goes on to say, “Such
WERE some of
YOU” (
2 Corinthians 6:10-11). We too had characteristics that marked us for destruction and hopefully we have truly repented and believed in Jesus.
2 Peter 2:12 when examined closely does not serve the purpose for which you have tried to use it. It does
NOT prove that men are raised in God’s slaughterhouse for the sole purpose of being destroyed, (something which somehow is supposed to glorify God). If that were the case then there would be no reason for God to weep crocodile tears over those He has predestined to be destroyed (
Matthew 23:37). In fact, since the non-elect are already "fitted for destruction" that final end, or even the contemplation of it should be an occasion for rejoicing as it marks the completion of God's purpose for them. In fact, though, God does rejoice. He acts as if He does not want it to happen. He says clearly that He would rather people turn to Him than for them to die in their sins (
Ezekiel 33:11).