I’ve been going nuts with all kinds of demands and challenges. That has affected my regularity with these messages. But I sure hope you’re not relying on my compositions for your only source of spiritual nourishment. You will be wise to be diligent and disciplined in personally seeking God and reading His Word.
You have to admit that it’s kind of amusing to read Peter’s words almost 2000 years ago that “the end of all things is near.” So much history has been compiled since Peter spoke those words, yet we still haven’t reached a conclusive terminus. (He addresses this again in 2 Peter 3.)
I have a theory of relativity concerning this kind of thing. And I think Peter is speaking in relative terms. It really doesn’t matter if the fulfillment of his words take place within the week or within the next 3 millennia, it is still NEAR when measured against the backdrop of time and history—and very, very near when we compare time alongside the mind-boggling concept of eternity. The important thing to agree on and believe is that IT WILL HAPPEN—whether we like it or not, or whether we’re ready or not. Certainly it is far better to like it and be ready. John points out that truly believing in the imminent return of Christ and the wrap-up of all things has a kind of purifying effect on the believer. “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure” (1 John. 3:2-3).
Let’s not overlook the advice that is attached to this statement. “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” Be reminded that true prayer is relationship or fellowship with God. We will be wise to protect that relationship above all else. Don’t let anything block or damage this vital personal connection with the Sovereign One. If we protect and maintain it, then it really doesn’t matter when our end or THE END comes. We’ll be ready. That sure makes a lot of sense to me. And resisting or rejecting this basic Biblical TRUTH (for any reason), once it is understood, makes no sense whatsoever.