May 24, 2022
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 2 Peter 1:10-12
Through Peter, the Holy Spirit gave us a valuable concept in present truth. In every age, there is a present truth. Noah, a preacher of righteousness (2:5), steadily issued the invitation to exit the pagan world, return to the true God, and get aboard the boat. The urgent present truth for his day was the impending flood.
Jonah was given a present truth message for the wicked city of Nineveh: it was to be destroyed in forty days. Thankfully, he delivered the message, the whole city of Nineveh believed the message, they repented and returned to the LORD, and Jonah was subsequently considered the most successful prophet in Jewish history by his brethren.
John the Baptist had an urgent present truth as the forerunner to Jesus: Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! (John 1:29)
In every case, to know about but not deliver the urgent messages would be positively irresponsible. Peter did not want to be negligent to bring to our minds, as disciples of God’s word, our responsibility for present truth in these last days.
When Jesus was told to give a “sign” by the scribes and Pharisees, part of His response was to mention their “most successful prophet”: “The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgement with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.” (Matthew 12:41)
The three angels’ messages contained in Revelation 14:6-14 are a condensation of our present truth today. This brief passage is supernaturally designed to emphasize the urgency of being prepared for the return of Jesus. It is especially intended to open our eyes to Satan’s most broadly convincing deception. Once one’s eyes are opened to it, the mask is peeled away on many other deceptions and misrepresentations he has foisted upon the people of God and the world.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:8-11