ATAVISM - REVERSION TO AN EARLIER TYPE
This word is not normally used in religious circles, but we are talking about things that are dangers to the church so we must make a spiritual application. Of course atavism in and of itself is not necessarily wrong, in fact, at times it is a must. For example: (Rev 2:4-5) “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. {5} Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” or (Mat 18:3-4) “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. {4} Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Both of these passages refer to atavism. The Ephesian church is told that it needs to revert to an earlier type by returning to her first love, Christ. All men are told that they must revert to the humility and innocence of childhood in order to enter the kingdom.
On the flip side there are any number of examples we could think of in scripture and in our personal experience where the negative side of atavism has reared its ugly head. The recovering alcoholic who goes on a drinking binge, the drug addict who can’t stay clean, the new babe in Christ who doesn’t remain faithful, or the once faithful husband who deserts his family to ‘rediscover his youth’ are all examples of atavism. Peter warns us that as Christians there may be some who will turn back to that former sinful life. (2 Pet 2:20-22) “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. {21} For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. {22} But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” Jesus said that anyone who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back (signifying atavism) is not worthy of the kingdom.
The good news is that God is willing, actually, desiring that those who have fallen back into sin will return again to Him. (James 5:19-20) ”Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; {20} Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (Gal 6:1) “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
Are you in a condition which can be corrected by atavism? If so, change. Are you or is someone you know on the verge of reverting back to sinfulness? If so, encourage one another to be steadfast. Is there a case where atavism has already taken hold? If so, follow James’ and Paul’s advice and restore or convert that individual before it is too late.
This word is not normally used in religious circles, but we are talking about things that are dangers to the church so we must make a spiritual application. Of course atavism in and of itself is not necessarily wrong, in fact, at times it is a must. For example: (Rev 2:4-5) “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. {5} Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” or (Mat 18:3-4) “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. {4} Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Both of these passages refer to atavism. The Ephesian church is told that it needs to revert to an earlier type by returning to her first love, Christ. All men are told that they must revert to the humility and innocence of childhood in order to enter the kingdom.
On the flip side there are any number of examples we could think of in scripture and in our personal experience where the negative side of atavism has reared its ugly head. The recovering alcoholic who goes on a drinking binge, the drug addict who can’t stay clean, the new babe in Christ who doesn’t remain faithful, or the once faithful husband who deserts his family to ‘rediscover his youth’ are all examples of atavism. Peter warns us that as Christians there may be some who will turn back to that former sinful life. (2 Pet 2:20-22) “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. {21} For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. {22} But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” Jesus said that anyone who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back (signifying atavism) is not worthy of the kingdom.
The good news is that God is willing, actually, desiring that those who have fallen back into sin will return again to Him. (James 5:19-20) ”Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; {20} Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (Gal 6:1) “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
Are you in a condition which can be corrected by atavism? If so, change. Are you or is someone you know on the verge of reverting back to sinfulness? If so, encourage one another to be steadfast. Is there a case where atavism has already taken hold? If so, follow James’ and Paul’s advice and restore or convert that individual before it is too late.
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