They [the scoffers] will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
Summary: Logic is something we all use in some form. Even the scoffer uses a kind of logic. The question then becomes a question of fact; what do we know?
People who are not scoffers have something important in common; a desire to know the truth. They work hard to ensure that their discussions are productive. They do things that lead to the truth. Among them, they apply logic and work to understand each other. Each person strives to use words that the other will understand. If there are questions about a word or its meaning, they ask.
Another thing these truth-seekers do is to check their assumptions as they go along. If anyone raises a question, they either explain their reasoning or find the answer. Having a solid grip on reality is important to people who are seeking truth.
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The scoffer does not care about the truth, at least not the kind of truth reasonable people care about. The scoffer’s truth is a tiny world that is centered on their personal “evil desires” (2 Peter 3:3). When the scoffer asks, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?” he is insinuating that God is not keeping his word. He assumes that if Jesus were coming as promised, he would be here by now. His question ignores what we know and assumes things we do not know.
What do we know? We know Jesus told us to be watchful because no one but the Father in heaven knows when the Son of Man will return (Matthew 24:36, 50; 25:13; Mark 13:32; Luke 12:46) We also know that God is not bound by time (Psalm 90: 4) and that God wants all people to reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
The scoffer ignores all of this and continues to complain. It is almost as if he is saying, “I have arrived. I am important. If God is real, he will realize how important I am. Knowing this, the Lord will come back so that I can see his coming and know that the prophecies are true.”
Just as Satan twists the meaning of words in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), so the scoffer plays with words. His assumptions are self-centered. His logic is warped by his self-centered perspective. His scoffing is not an invitation for answers to questions. Instead, his scoffing is a poison arrow intended to confuse the thinking of the weak-minded.
There are many kinds of logic. We use them in different ways and for different purposes. All of them require some knowledge. What sets the scoffer apart from those who believe is not their lack of logic. They are logical in their own way. They simply refuse to acknowledge the facts.
The scoffer mockingly says, “everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” They insinuate that nothing has changed, but something has changed. The scoffer only sees what they want to see. They refuse to see the truth all around them. Every person touched by the Light of Christ is another person they refuse to see.
Application: Be aware of how scoffers think and guard against falling into their ways.
Food for Thought: What will the scoffers say after Jesus comes as he promised?
Philippians 2: 9 – 11.
There are many scoffers today. We are to live with an expectation and hope that Jesus could come for His church any day. Scoffers are not only not aware of the times they live in, they doubt the promises that are evident in God’s word. They echo the hiss of the snake: “Did God really say?”
Excellent reference to Genesis 3! To “echo the hiss of the snake” is to follow Satan’s steps. He is, after all, the father of lies (John 8:44).
12-12-2021, 2 Peter 3;4, What will the scoffers say after Jesus comes as he promised?
God is Loving, Merciful and Just. One of His objectives has always
been to provide a way for sinful people to be redeemed. The way for all mankind was provided through Jesus Christ who ministered on earth for 3 years and allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross and fulfill.
John 3:16.
In addition He sent The Holy Spirit to be our Helper who has revealed the reality of our SINS, the RIGHTEOUSNESS of Jesus Christ, and the the reality of final JUDGEMENT on all those who choose retaining their SINS over accepting the RIGHTEOUSNESS of Jesus Christ.
John 16:7-11
God has also inspired men to write and preserve His written truths for all mankind as wisdom for the personal growth of all believers who remain on earth as His servants to live in Humble obedience to His will and tell others of His love for them.
God is also HOLY, PURE and will not allow sin to be in His presence,
nor will He allow the unrestrained or unpunished to go beyond His limits. The growth of corruption and rebellion will not be allowed to continue forever. At a predetermined time, known only to Him. Jesus Christ will come in the glory of His Father with His holy angels; and then He shall reward every man according to their works.
Matthew 16:27, 24:36,
Whosoever has chosen to be ashamed of Him and of His words shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Mark 8:38
I believe the scoffers will realize the time for talking is over as the time for judgement arrives. Each shall have full, uncensored access to the contents of their heart, and there will be eternal moaning as they receive the separation from God they have chosen.
Ron,
Nice overview of our need for Christ Jesus. Well said!
Actually I don’t think I laid that out very well. What I was wanting to convey is. The time of Salvation through faith in Christ was established by God as a period of time on this earth, and just as in the days of Noah, it will end with Judgement. God will have done everything He can to help every person make an informed freewill decision regarding evil or righteousness, and the would will be filled with those seeking evil
The remnant of believers will be taken by God, and Christ will come for a second time, this time to Judge. The scoffers are not going to be offered an opportunity to explain themselves but will judged on their acts, cease to function physically and be eternally, spiritually separated from God.
Ron,
I’m glad I am not the only one with an “inner critic”! 🙂
Can you imagine being a scoffer confronted by the Almighty God? People are free to believe anything they choose to believe. Sadly, many are misled. As Rich said, by echoes of the snake’s hiss.
The Father of Lies tickles our ears with what we want to believe, and then as you point out, reality hits … right between the eyes.
I think Judas is an apt example of this. “When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse…” (Matthew 27:3)
Satan had convinced Judas that betraying Jesus was for his own good. Apparently Judas did not expect Jesus to be condemned, or if he did, the reality of what he had done did not hit him until he saw Jesus condemned.
Ultimately, they have the same two options when faced with truth as with the ultimate reality. Admit they are wrong, or live in denial, continue scoffing, but in the end, they are scoffing at God Almighty.
If they wait too long to admit their mistake then they’ll be like the rich man in Luke 16:19-31. Pleading for relief and to spare his children who are following in his footsteps.
It’s sad to think how some have denied Jesus even when we try to share all we can about His love and How He wants a relationship with them. How the only way in is through His son Jesus. Yet they still deny Him until it is too late.
It gives me more motivation to try harder with some scoffers in my life. Not to give up on them. To remember that they have been deceived and the hurtful words are lies like the snakes. Love the person hate the sin.
Well said, Mr. T!
Caring for others as God cares for us is a challenge for the flesh, but a gift from the Spirit.