The Scoffers Who Disclaim The Promise of His Return2 Peter 3:1 – 7

Do you wonder if the scoffers scoff about the scoffers? Just what is the meaning of the word ‘Scoffer’ or ‘scoffing’? The word actually can mean in the sense of being a false teacher, or a mocker, making a mock at sin. Certainly people who are loving and enjoying their sinful lifestyles are not going to want to expect the return of the Lord, whom they do not want to see them in their sins; if they believe in Him at all.

 

THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT THIS DAY WILL COME (v. 3).

The reason they are scoffing [mocking] is because of their own lustful, sinful passions, and greed. These are the one’s who will laugh and mock at those who will profess Jesus Christ and live for Him, and witness for Him. “Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” Prov. 14:9. They do not want to face the fact that judgment is coming on the world and they will give an account to their Creator. The question they ask is one of ‘Willful ignorance’, “Where is the promise…”

THE MOCKER’S/SCOFFER’S FORGET THAT JUDGMENT HAS ALREADY BEEN ON THE EARTH, AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF EARTH PERISHED, EXCEPT NOAH AND FAMILY (vv. 5-6).

Of course, if they do not believe Scriptures they will not believe in that judgment, so will remain condemned. Let’s eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die is their philosophy. Since they do not believe in God, His judgment, or salvation, they only see life as a one time thing, so they perish into everlasting judgment.

These verses tell us that “For this they willingly are ignorant…” of this judgment which destroyed the world the first time. Willingly are ignorant means that they really do not care to know the truth – they love their lifestyles, and will not turn from it. The scoffers do not negate the fact that the judgment and their judgment is coming, and it will be much sooner than later.

God’s message for the Scoffer is ‘Repent, believe, trust the finished work of Jesus on the cross, and the truth of the resurrection’

 

AS SAVED PEOPLE OF JESUS CHRIST OUR MINDS MUST BE STIRRED TO REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE THINGS WHICH THE PROPHETS SPOKE (v. 1-2).

The prophets spoke of the first coming of Jesus and He came. Isaiah spoke of His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14). This was fulfilled according to Matthew 1:18-23.

Isaiah the prophet spoke of His suffering and death which would cause many to be saved. (Isaiah 53:1-12).

The prophets spoke of His first coming as a literal fact, then their words of a second coming surely are a fact as well.

 

JUST BECAUSE THERE ARE SCOFFERS/MOCKERS DOES NOT NEGATE THE EVIDENCE OF THE FACT THAT JESUS IS COMING AGAIN IN JUDGMENT (v. 7).

Jesus is not coming again to judge His Bride. He is coming again first to claim His Bride, ie. the Church, take her to His place prepared for her, and He will come again that we might be where He is. Then He will return with His Bride, and judge the earth and its people.

It is based on the writings, teachings, and preaching of the prophets. These came by revelation, verbal inspiration, and the filling of the Spirit of God. These came by God to reveal Himself to mankind.

It is promised by God, His Word, His Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The scoffers do nothing more than give more solidarity to the Scriptures as God’s Word – at least in my estimation.

Jesus is coming again. He is coming for His Bride – the Church – in the air to take us to that great wedding day in the sky when He shall present us to the Father, clean, pure, spotless, undefiled, unashamed, unblameable, and unrebukeable.

EVEN SO COME, LORD JESUS.