2 PETER 3:15-18

15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

I want to look here at one of the stories within the story. Peter speaks here of his beloved brother Paul. Let us go back to the 2nd chapter of Galatians. I will only write a few of the scriptures here, but encourage you to read the chapter for yourself.

Galatians 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Paul had publicity opposed Peter, yet in 2 Peter, Peter speaks of Paul his believed brother. “in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” Peter was willing and able to accept that he was still learning and growing. He understood that some things are hard to understand, and the unlearned will wrestle with things to their own destruction. He goes on to say that, ”beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” We being Believers of Christ should know that we are to pray, and seek the Lord in all things concerning Him, Who is our Salvation. We are not to stick to what we think is right, but be willing to accept change as we grow in the Lord.

Concerning the last days we are to be prepared at all times for His coming, and He shall come again as He said He would. We might not be able to understand all of the scriptures about the second coming. What we do know is He said He would send His Son, and He did. He told us how Jesus would be born, live and die. Both God and Jesus have told us that Jesus will come again. I might not understand how God does everything, but this I do know, He does what He says He will do.

Jesus is coming again; I plan on taking that trip. How about you?

God Bless,

rECj/LJG