Ever since sin invaded God’s creation there have been scoffers. They say, in ignorance, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation’, 2 Peter chapter 3 verse 4. Peter highlights how ignorant they are:

• Firstly, they are ignorant of what happened to the world before the flood in Noah’s day, verses 5-6. People assumed that things would continue as they were then, but they were wrong. God brought in the flood of judgement upon the world of the ungodly.
• Secondly, they are ignorant of the destiny of the present heavens and earth. They will not be here forever; indeed, God is reserving them to be destroyed by fire. The terms Peter uses to describe their end are disturbing, e.g. great noise, fervent heat, burned up, dissolved, verses 10-11. Some people believe the cosmos began with a big bang; but the truth is, it will end with a big bang!
• Thirdly, they are ignorant of how God views time. Peter prefaces his remarks with the words, ‘But, beloved, do not forget this ONE THING’, verse 8. His use of the word ‘beloved’ means that his words are applicable to Christians. They can be as guilty of ignorance as unbelievers in certain respects. We must never forget that God is eternal; therefore, He is not limited by time. What often appears to be a delay in His plans, is not so, when viewed in the context of eternity. He acts at precisely the right moment; therefore, we must avoid the danger of becoming impatient with Him. King David wrote, ‘Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him’, Psalm 37 verse 7.
• Fourthly, the scoffers are ignorant of God’s character. What they regard as slackness on His part in carrying out His promises is, in reality, an evidence of His ‘long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance’, verse 9.

May we not, ‘beloved … forget this ONE THING’.