November 2
“Beloved, I now write to you this second Epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation,’” 2 Peter 3:1-4.
The apostle Peter directs his readers to the reason for which he wrote his Second Epistle. He wanted to move his readers to remember what the Old Testament writers had written and also what the New Testament apostles had written. He would remind his readers of the fundamental truths of Christianity, which were foretold by the Old Testament writers, Moses, the psalmists, and the prophets. He also would remind his readers that the New Testament writers, the evangelists and the apostles, recorded the fulfillment of what the Old Testament writers foretold. Both the Old and New Testament writers wrote about the birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and coming again of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
When Adam and Eve had sinned, God promised to send the virgin-born Savior, who would conquer and destroy the devil’s power. Throughout the Old Testament times, God elaborated on that promise and gave His people additional details. People were invited to believe and put their trust in God’s promise for their salvation.
The way of salvation was the same for people living in both the Old and the New Testament times. People in the Old Testament times believed in a Savior who would come. We, in the New Testament times, believe in the Savior who came. He is the one and the same Savior.
However, all people do not have faith in the one and only Savior. Peter writes, “Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days.” You and I are living in the last days. The time for this world to continue to exist is running out! There are scoffers throughout the whole world. They scoff and mock and laugh at the teachings of Christianity. Christianity is under attack by people in high and low places. Not only the teachings, but the teachers and believers are under attack. In many places, Christians are being persecuted and even killed, and many efforts are being made to intimidate and silence them.
The enemies of Christianity try to argue logically that it is nonsense to teach the truth that Christ is coming again, and that when He comes this earth will be destroyed. Peter presents their argument: “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” It sounds so reasonable and logical! Days and nights come and go. Mornings and evenings come and go. Weeks and months come and go. The four seasons come and go. And do you know what? They always will come and go, as God has promised! “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease,” Genesis 8:22. (Incidentally, those words were written by Moses about 3,500 years ago, and they also speak to our generation!)
People can laugh and scoff at the Christian teaching that Jesus is coming again. However, not a single Biblical teaching has ever been proven to be untrue. Christ is coming again, and the scoffers will not be able to face Him!
There is a word of hope! Put your trust and faith in the one true God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and firmly believe that God the Father sent His Son to be our Savior. Jesus lived a perfect life in our place. He took all our sins upon Himself and carried them to Calvary’s cross where He suffered and died to redeem us. He rose from the grave and conquered death and the devil. And He IS coming again to take all believers to heaven! The Book of Revelation closes with these words: “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” Come quickly! Amen!