Tiny but critically important post today. After all, if Peter wanted to continually remind us about these things and Paul warned us not to be deceived about the same things, then these things must be extremely important. So I wrote the following on Facebook:
I know I’m a broken record on this subject, but it is important. I wrote this note in my Bible Gateway account on Romans 5:9-10:
We are not yet saved from God’s wrath (v. 9). Jesus did not die to satisfy God’s wrath except in the sense that by turning us away from our wickedness (Acts 3:26) we escape God’s wrath because he is only angry with the wicked. What he wants from the wicked is repentance (Ezek. 18:21-23; 2 Pet. 3:9), not sacrifice.
If we return to wickedness, however, we will see God’s wrath. Paul told us not to be deceived about this (Eph. 5:5-7).
In 2 Peter 1:12-15, Peter said he would never stop reminding his readers of “these things.” In context, “these things” include …
Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things [2 Pet. 1:5-7], you will never stumble. For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (2 Pet. 1:10-11)
So Peter wanted to continually remind his readers of the same thing I am continually trying to teach my readers.
There are a lot of opinions and rumors about Constantine, the Council of Nicea, and the events of the fourth century that changed Christianity to Christendom. Not only will you get the incredible story, with all its twists, plots, and intrigues, but you will find out how history is done and never wonder what is true again.
The Rest of the Old, Old Story 