Tuesday in the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time

2 Peter 3:1-7

Where Is the Promise of His Coming?

Now there are all different kinds of false teachers.  This makes perfect sense for the reason that as truth is one, falsehood is many.  In other words, there can only be one ultimate truth, but there can be a plethora of fleeting falsehoods.  And they come in all shapes and sizes.  In this passage, the Apostle tells us of one important falsehood that shall accompany the last days—scoffing about and denying our Lord’s return.

What I find particularly fitting is that Peter says that these deny this central and ancient teaching of the faith while “following their own sinful desires.”  And why would the denial of our Lord’s return be the fruit of following one’s sinful desires?  Because people who want to indulge their sinful desires don’t want to be thwarted in their indulgence.  The Sadducees who wielded power in Judea had no need for a Messiah who promised that the first shall be last, and today’s sinners have no need for a Messiah returning on clouds of glory executing judgment and vindicating the righteous.  Such a Messiah cramps their style.  And rest assured a day is coming when all such reprobates shall have their styles eternally cramped.

Peter quotes them: “Where is the promise of his coming?  For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”  It seems a reasonable statement on the surface; after all, day follows day and year follows year.  And this sentiment has felled many a once faithful soul.

But the Apostle shows just where their reasoning is faulty.  First, they forget that the very world in which they live was created by God’s own word.  Surely, He who created it can end it at His leisure—as He has promised to do.  And the second thing they forget is that once upon a time, God did end it—not finally but provisionally by way of the flood—a “myth” which happens to show up in the texts of many ancient peoples in various forms the world over.  Hmm, I wonder why? 

And then Peter thunders: “But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the Day of Judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”  Yes, there will be an end.  It is not for us to say when, but it is certainly not for us to doubt.  And even if he doesn’t come in our lifetimes, we shall go to him.  One way or another, one of us is going to the other.  The early Christians loved this doctrine; so, should we.

Author: The Reformed Baptist

My name is Stephen Taylor, ordained Baptist minister of eighteen years pastoral experience with a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Better than that, I am married to a godly woman, Karla, who has been very patient with me since 1989. I have two daughters, both of whom I homeschooled for extended periods of time, who became godly young women, and who ran off and married godly young men, all of which is very proper. The oldest daughter has even seen fit to bless me with a grandson and a granddaughter, and my youngest daughter with a grandson, all three of whom are bundles of exceeding joy. As you can see, I am quite blessed. This website is dedicated to helping people grow in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ through the gift of writing that the Lord has given to me. It is specifically about helping His people grow in godliness, the theme you see repeated above. I write devotions with this aim and hope that they might be of some help to God’s people. Full disclosure: I am of a Reformed bent, meaning that my understanding of Scripture is primarily informed by the Reformers and their successors of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. However, as a student of church history and theology, I strive to remain true to that teaching handed down once for all unto the saints through every age of the Church. I like to think of myself as a “catholic” Christian, as the Reformers thought of themselves. At any rate, feel free to read, pray, and contact me if you wish, or correct me if need be. As you can see, I tend to follow the church year. Of course, I make no special claims about these devotions. I know very well that others have written better and plumbed the depths of God’s word with greater insight. But if my musings help someone draw closer to the Lord, well then, I have my reward. Blessings to you and may the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ speak to you that word which He knows you especially need to hear. Grace & peace, Stephen Taylor

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