November 24, 2023 - 2 Peter 2-3

An article and another article but, first, let’s hear from Peter who is concerned about false prophets and teachers in the churches (chapter 2). Not to evaluate Roman Catholic doctrine on salvation and the church one way or the other, but I once read an article, which reported that the Pope had suggested (I think that’s the correct word to use; he didn't hand down a formal teaching or anything.) that people do not need the gospel in order to make it to heaven. They just need to follow their consciences. Not exactly consistent with biblical teaching, is it?

Peter continues and warns that, on top of false teachers, scoffers will come (chapter 3), that is, those who say, “Where is the promise of his coming?” (3:4) I read another article, which reported a gathering of “great minds” in England. They gathered to surmise the manner in which the earth and the human population are likely to end. Did they consider the Bible? Nope!

All this emphatically underscores how amazingly current are the Scriptures. In them, God speaks to Peter's audience, to us, indeed, to every generation. We are reminded that many teachers and many teachings are in the world. A cacophony of voices calls for our attention, and those voices say, “Come here!” “Listen to me!” “Believe this!” “Believe that!” In response to all these enticing words, Peter ends with this encouragement: “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity” (3:17-18).

My soul, be on thy guard;

ten thousand foes arise;

the hosts of sin are pressing hard

to draw thee from the skies.

O watch, and fight, and pray;

the battle ne’er give o’er;

renew it boldly every day,

and help divine implore.

Ne'er think the vict’ry won,

nor once at ease sit down;

the arduous work will not be done

till thou hast got the crown.

Fight on, my soul, till death

shall bring thee to my God;

He’ll take thee, at thy parting breath,

up to His rest above. -- George Heath (1781)