Scoffers

It didn't occur to me while reading the Scripture that "scoffers" would quite possibly come from within the church. In 2 Peter 3, we are told, first, that there should come in the last day scoffers... and saying "where is the promise of his coming?" 

The doctrine of the Second coming of Jesus Christ is well documented theologically by the Church. Most of us would state emphatically the belief in a physical return of the King of kings. Many would assert the time of Christ's return is unknown yet predictable. The vast number of those that have taught me would confess to the trumpet sounding very soon. 

Yet, there appears to exist within the body of Believers today a certain melancholy towards future events and the possible (any moment now) return of Christ. I remember when the very mention of the rapture would insight excited emotions parallel to that of a newly married couple heading off into the sunset! 

Maybe it is just me? Maybe everyone still has that same passion and excitement? Maybe... 

But, maybe not! Maybe people have taken their eyes off the things above and have more focused on the things below. Maybe so many Christians today are satisfied with the things of this world there is no desire or hunger for consuming peace, absolute love, perfect praise, or unending joy. 

Our theology hasn't changed towards this doctrine of the Return of Christ but it sure does seem like our attitude has. Would we really live in such amusement if we believed Christ is coming soon? Would we truly spend so frivolously if we believed such a Truth? Would we really neglect the duties of the Church and the Commission of our Lord to reach the world with the good news of free salvation and forgiveness of sin? 

Maybe the scoffers are not the non-Christian, unbelievers, outside of the Church. Maybe the scoffers are the ones inside, the church goers, me.