God’s Word Concerning the Last Days

Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue just as they were from the beginning of creation.” For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed by being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly people. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. – ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭9‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬‬‬‬‬

With all the speculation, prophetic prediction, and rapture debate, this word stands out.

When the Holy Ghost writes first concerning our relationship with the Lord, that is exactly what He means. Mockers will come and sow doubt on Jesus’ promise, just as Satan did to Adam and Eve. He mocked God.

Paul writes in Galatians 6, “Be not deceived, God cannot be mocked.”

Their mocking is to discredit the three events instituted by God. They dispute the creation, the flood, and the present heavens are destroyed by fire.

Peter again says, by His Word: This is promised, destruction and judgment are coming on the ungodly. This truth on God’s timetable is measured. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. For the truth of God’s grace these last 2,000 years, plus, is that He is patient and long-suffering, calling man to repentance. He desires that none should perish.

Do not let the times erode your belief in His promise to return.

The angels say to the disciples: “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

So, the message to all believers:

• Don’t freeze in awe.
• Get on with the mission.
• Hold onto hope.

He goes up → the Spirit comes down → the church moves out → Jesus comes back.

Maranatha!