Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Peter 1:9

"For he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins." — 2 Peter 1:9 (ASV)

Not to have these virtues is to be “nearsighted and blind.” In the NT “blind” (GK 5603) is commonly used in a metaphorical as well as a literal sense (cf. Jn 9:39-41). Spiritual blindness can come from being spiritually “nearsighted” (GK 3697). Such a defect of vision leads one to forgetfulness of cleansing from old sins. Perhaps Peter had in mind those who turn away from their commitment at baptism.