Scoffers Are Here—How Much Longer Until Judgment? Scoffing as a Last Days Prophecy The Bible explicitly warns that in the last days, scoffers will arise, mocking the promise of Christ’s return. These scoffers will be both outside the church and, more dangerously, inside the church. ⸻ Scoffers in the World 1. Scoffing as a Mark of the Last Days 2 Peter 3:3-4 – “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, ‘Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.’” This is not just general unbelief—this is mockery directed specifically at the return of Christ. The world arrogantly assumes that judgment will never come because they have not yet seen it. 2. Scoffers Reject the Warning of Past Judgment Jude 1:17-18 – “But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’” Jude directly ties scoffing to apostolic prophecy. This rejection of truth is not just skepticism—it is spiritual rebellion fueled by wicked desires. 3. Scoffing is a Sign of Judgment Proverbs 19:29 – “Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools.” Though they laugh now, judgment is already prepared for them. This aligns with 1 Thessalonians 5:3, where sudden destruction will come upon those who feel secure in their mockery. ⸻ Scoffers Within the Church 4. The Church Will Reject Sound Doctrine 2 Timothy 4:3-4 – “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” Many within the church reject or ignore bible prophecy, dismissing the return of Christ as a distraction. They will prefer comfort over conviction. 5. The Denial of Christ’s Return Matthew 24:48-49 – “But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him.” Jesus describes a servant within His household who stops expecting His return. Today, many within the church say, “People have always talked about the end times—nothing has changed.” This is precisely what Peter warned about in 2 Peter 3:4. 6. Corrupt Leaders and False Teachers 2 Peter 2:1-2 – “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.” False teachers within the church distort truth, leading others astray. Some openly mock prophecy, teaching that warnings about the Tribulation, the rapture, or Christ’s return are unnecessary distractions rather than essential parts of the faith. Even within the church, the watchman’s duty remains: •Ezekiel 33:7 – “So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.” •Mark 13:37 – “And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” Final Thought: Are We Among the Scoffers or the Watchmen?