The Last Days and the Promise of His Coming
"2 Peter 3:3-4: 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 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 the creation." - 2 Peter 3:3-4
In the epistle of 2 Peter, particularly in chapter 3 verses 3 and 4, we encounter a poignant reminder of the spiritual climate that will characterize the last days. Peter writes, "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after 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 the creation." These verses resonate deeply within the context of our current epoch, as we observe the growing apathy and skepticism toward spiritual truths and the promises of God.
Peter’s warning is pertinent because it encapsulates a critical challenge faced by believers throughout history. The declaration of scoffers indicates that in the last days, there will be individuals who mock the very essence of faith, pursuing their own desires and ridiculing the promise of Christ’s return. This mocking behavior represents a heart hardened against the truth of God and a refusal to submit to His authority.
Walking after their own lusts signifies a life lived in pursuit of personal gratification, with little regard for spiritual matters. The gospel serves as a clarion call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ (Matthew 16:24), yet in stark contrast, these scoffers choose self-indulgence over self-denial. This self-centered lifestyle creates a barrier between them and the reality of God's impending judgment, leading to the second aspect of their mockery: questioning the promise of His coming.
"Where is the promise of his coming?" Such a question echoes not only the skepticism of Peter's time but also resonates in contemporary society. Many today dismiss the second coming of Christ, viewing it as mere myth or an unfulfilled promise. They assert that the world operates under a natural order, perpetuated by the laws of physics and human activity, void of any supernatural intervention. Peter challenges this worldview by emphasizing the continuity of creation, yet he also skillfully directs attention to the reality of God's past actions as proof of His fidelity to His promises.
When Peter refers to those who claim that "all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation," he highlights a critical oversight: the scoffers neglect the historical accounts of God's intervention in creation and redemption. They choose to ignore the cataclysmic events delineated in Scripture, such as the Flood (Genesis 6-9) or the birth of the universe through divine command (Genesis 1). Their narrow view of existence denies the very narratives that reveal God's nature and reliability.
In confronting such disbelief, we are reminded of the importance of holding fast to our faith and standing firm amidst a culture inundated with skepticism. It is crucial that we cultivate a hope anchored in the promises of Scripture, willingly admitting that our understanding may be limited, yet unfalteringly trusting in God’s word.
Moreover, Peter's words encourage believers to be vigilant and discerning, recognizing the misalignment between worldly values and spiritual truth. We must strive to reflect Christ’s love and truth in our lives, counteracting the mockery while embodying the hope we profess. In doing so, we not only lay aside the weight of skepticism but also become vessels of hope to a disillusioned world, inviting others to examine the validity of our faith.
The promise of His coming is not just a future event; it is a present reality that shapes how we live today. As believers, let us seek to fulfill the great commission, making disciples and proclaiming the love of Christ, thus actively participating in ushering in His kingdom. May we hold fast to the truths of the Gospel, confidently anticipating that the promise of our Savior's return is as certain as the very creation that surrounds us.
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2 Peter 3:3-4 Artwork
2 Peter 3:3-4 - "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after 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 the creation."
"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after 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 the creation." - 2 Peter 3:3-4
2 Peter 3:3 - "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,"
2 Peter 3:4 - "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 the creation."
Acts 3:4 - "And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us."
2 Peter 3:6 - "Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:"
1 Peter 2:3 - "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious."
"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts," - 2 Peter 3:3
2 Peter 3:10 – "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar."
1 Peter 3:2 - "While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear."
1 Peter3:3-4
2 Peter 3:2 - "That ye 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 Saviour:"
1 Peter 3:4 - "But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."
2 Peter 3:5 - "For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:"
Matthew 10:2-4…Matthew 10:2-4 New International Version 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Matthew 10:2-4…Matthew 10:2-4 New International Version 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
2 Peter 3:8 - "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."
2 Peter 3:13 - "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
Acts 3:3 - "Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms."
2 Peter 3:11 - "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,"
2 Peter 3:18 - "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
2 Peter 3:14 - "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."
"If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." - 1 Peter 2:3
"Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:" - 2 Peter 3:6
"But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." - 1 Peter 3:4
"But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." - 1 Peter 3:4
1 Peter 3:3 - "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;"
1 Peter 3:2-4 - "when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."
Matthew 2:3-4
Matthew 2:3-4