April 3rd | The Coming of the Last Day - Part 1
A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PETER’S SECOND LETTER
THE COMING OF THE LAST DAY – PART I
2 Peter 3:3-4 “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
There will be a day of judgement. The Last Day of this earth’s existence will come. Peter says in today’s devotional verses as that day approaches there “will be scoffers.” He says, “they will follow their own evil desires.” He says, “ . . . everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” They simply are not concerned! They do not believe there will be a Parousia, the end of time, the world will come to an end.
As a Christian, you confess in the second article of the Apostle’s creed, “ . . .From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.” From where did the authors of the Apostle’s creed come up with a faith statement that says Jesus shall return to earth to call all the people of the earth to come before Him for judgement? James 5:8-9 says, “ . . . be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” “ . . . pagans . . . are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” (1 Peter 4:3-5) Jesus said that at the end time He will separate the believers from the unbelievers. (Matthew 25:31-46)
The unbelievers of the world can scoff at the Biblical teaching of the end of time all they want. This is what the people at the time of Noah did. Only Noah and his family survived the flood. On the Last Day, God’s word says, only those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved. (John 3:16)
Jesus came to earth to earn and win your salvation. He perfectly kept God’s law in your place. He bore the punishment of your sins (see Romans 6:23.) His Father accepted His sacrifice on the cross for you raising Him from the tomb on Easter morning. Because Jesus lives you will live also. (John 14:19)
You, because of your faith in Jesus have nothing to fear come Judgement Day. That day will come. On that Day Jesus will separate the believers from the unbelievers. Jesus said, as recorded in Matthew 25:46 “Then they (the unbelievers) will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” You have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. His blood has made you righteous in God’s sight.
Prayer: Prepare me Lord, for the Day of Your return. Amen.
“Wake, awake, for night is flying,” The watchmen on the heights are crying; “Awake, Jerusalem, arise!” Midnight hears the welcome voices And at the thrilling cry rejoices: “Oh, where are ye, ye virgins wise? The Bridegroom comes, awake! Your lamps with gladness take! Alleluia! With bridal care Yourselves prepare To meet the Bridegroom who is near.”
Zion hears the watchmen singing, And all her heart with joy is springing; She wakes, she rises from her gloom. For her Lord comes down all glorious, The strong in grace, in truth victorious; Her star is ris’n, her light is come. Now come, Thou Blessed One, Lord, Jesus, God’s own Son, Hail! Hosanna! We enter all The wedding hall To eat the Supper at Thy call.
Now let all the heav’ns adore Thee, Let saints and angels sing before Thee With harp and cymbals’ clearest tone. Of one pearl each shining portal, Where, joining with the choir immortal, We gather round Thy radiant throne. No eye has seen the light, No ear has heard the might Of Thy glory; Therefore will we Eternally Sing hymns of praise and joy to Thee!
(LSB 516)