³Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, ⁴and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.”

We need the constant reminders of apostolic, foundational truths because of false teaching that constantly tries to pull us off our foundation. One of the methods false teachers use is mockery—sometimes blatant, other times subtle. One of the most common methods of mockery comes in the form of attempts to undermine the inspiration and authority of Scripture. Perceived contradictions in Scripture, especially in the realm of prophecy, are common fodder for skeptics and mockers.

A common objection to the Christian faith is the ubiquitous references to the end-times judgment. In the days of Ezekiel, the prophetic warnings about the judgment ahead for the nation of Israel were mocked because the people had not seen any of that prophecy yet fulfilled. What they didn’t realize was that God’s timing for judgment was not based on the people’s timetable.

“Son of man, behold, the house of Israel is saying, ‘The vision that he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies of times far off.’ “Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “None of My words will be delayed any longer. Whatever word I speak will be performed,”’” declares the Lord God. (Eze, 12:27–28)

The mocking by skeptics continued into Peter’s day, and even to our day. One might say the judgment of God is now well past two thousand years. What’s the urgency of warning then? Peter is about to reveal the reason for the delay, but the point is this: we don’t know when it will be coming, so we all need to be ready.

The mockers use this perceived failed fulfillment as an excuse to let all moral bounds loose and run wild after the lusts of the flesh. After all, if there is no final judgment, then what’s the worry? Simply live for the enjoyment of the moment, no need to worry about tomorrow. Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die, and that is it—we cease to exist.

However, that is not the case. The Bible promises Jesus will return. In the investing world the mantra is, “Past performance is no guarantee of future results.” But skeptics say that past performance (i.e. Jesus hasn’t come back yet) does guarantee future results (i.e. Jesus won’t come back). When it comes to both investing and prophecy, such thinking is disastrous.

Lord, please help strengthen my confidence in Your promises.