In the days leading up to the coming of the Son of Man, the saints will be inundated by scoffers denying the promise of His coming (the resurrection of the elect) (2 Pet. 3:3-4). The wicked will never believe the prophecy the earth is going to burn up.

   "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." (2 Pet. 3:10)

   I remember a heated conversation I had with a Christian. I shared how critical it is for the body of Christ to be looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth (2 Pet. 3:13). This is an encouragement amidst the terrifying persecution the saints will suffer during the Great Tribulation. After the resurrection, God is going to punish the world for its evil. The oceans, rivers, and lakes will be infected, the cities will fall, and the earth will burn up. Her angry reply was daunting.

   "All I ever hear is fear mongers like you spewing out your propaganda. Our world needs hope; not your doomsday nonsense. God created this earth for mankind, why would He destroy it? I'm believing for a world where all nations live in peace."

   "...The day of the Lord comes...with both wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He will destroy its sinners..."      (Isa. 13:9)

   It hurts to talk with Christians that can't let go of the world. Putting your head in the sand like an ostrich won't change a thing. Nothing is going to stop Jesus from delivering His elect. This is much more than misinterpreting scripture. Like in the days of Noah, mankind will be clueless. This judgment will totally blindside a Christ-rejecting world.