2 Peter 2:7-8 And Imputed Righteousness

          "And if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard)." (2 Peter 2:7-8)

          Lot's righteousness is not prominently displayed in an experiential or observable manner. In the Genesis narrative, he is not described as a practically righteous man in his actions or decisions. If one were to rely solely on the Old Testament account, it would be difficult to conclude that he was indeed a righteous man. His choices, such as settling in Sodom and his hesitance to leave despite its impending destruction, reflect significant moral and spiritual shortcomings. Thus, the emphasis on Lot being "righteous" in 2 Peter 2:7-8 appears to point more clearly to a status granted to him by God.

          In fact, the Genesis account portrays Lot as a man whose life was deeply entangled in sin and moral compromise. From offering his daughters to the mob in Genesis 19 to his later episodes of drunkenness and moral failure, Lot's life provides ample evidence of his flawed and sinful nature. His association with the notoriously wicked city of Sodom further underscores his spiritual weakness. These elements make it clear that Lot's righteousness could not be rooted in his personal actions or character. Instead, the best explanation for him being called "righteous" is the doctrine of imputed righteousness, which emphasizes that righteousness is credited to individuals by faith, not by their works. Lot's case highlights the grace of God in declaring sinners righteous despite their glaring imperfections.

          The righteousness attributed to Lot is most reasonably understood as an imputed righteousness. This doctrine teaches that righteousness is not based on human works or merit but is a gift from God, credited to an individual through faith. Lot's standing as "righteous" is rooted in his relationship with God, much like that of Abraham, who "believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). The New Testament's affirmation of Lot's righteousness highlights God's grace in declaring sinners righteous by faith.

          Moreover, 2 Peter 2:7-8 offers a striking insight into Lot's inner conflict. Though he lived among the morally corrupt and unprincipled people of Sodom, he was deeply grieved by their sin. The word "oppressed" conveys the idea of being worn down or harassed, suggesting the emotional and spiritual burden Lot bore as he witnessed the lawlessness around him. Similarly, the term "tormented" emphasizes the ongoing anguish of his righteous soul, torn between the reality of his surroundings and his awareness of God's moral standard.

          This passage underscores the tension that believers often face when living in a fallen world. While Christians are called to remain steadfast in their faith and values, they may experience inner turmoil as they confront the pervasive sin and injustice in society. Lot's story serves as both a warning and a reminder of God's faithfulness in delivering His people, even in the midst of moral decay. His rescue from Sodom foreshadows the ultimate deliverance that all believers have through Christ.