"Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Pet 3:17-18 (NIV)
What comes to mind when we think of security? It could be anything from a simple feeling of safety and well being to the men and women that protect the President of the United States and other dignitaries. The reason that such a concept exists is because threats and danger exists.
The apostle, Peter, raises our attention by outlining both threat and assurance. He states, "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 the coming he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation,'" 1 Pet 3:3-4. Here he reveals that people will not only lose faith, but contribute to others doing the same. As a result of this distraction, people will return to the unrighteousness and its accompanying ways from which we were saved. He provides assurance by reminding us that any delay in the coming of the Lord is a gift from God designed to give us time to receive salvation. This is accompanied by a warning that not everyone will want to see the coming of the Lord because of the destruction it means for those who have not heeded. The advice is then to remain faithful, diligent and steadfast in order that we be not lost.
Beloved, we do not have to look far to see the things that Peter predicted some 2000 years ago. Verification is seen in every headline, on every news and entertainment channel and in the very lives of our friends and neighbors. The cause of Christ is under literal and constant threat with people co-opting it, attacking it or perverting it to accommodate their own evil lifestyles; however, security is available to the obedient believer. Christ died for our sins that we might be adopted into the family of God. Within the family, within the household and economy of God, is safety and that, eternal. Let us heed Peter's ancient advice and not allow ourselves to "fall from our secure positions." Jesus said,
Remain faithful until death and you will receive a crown of life" Rev 2:10. We have been warned.
Committed,
Lee
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