[The Urban Sombrero]

Actually I believe in that particular reference, the idea is more that all scoff at the idea of the coming of Christ and the end of human history except of course, those who are TRULY saved. And these are not your garden variety Church goers who're merely impressed with a general need to honor God, but who nonetheless still retain full control over their own life and the decisions associated there with. These are those who trust fully in the finished work of Christ on the cross, cede control of their own lives to God, and make decisions based on what they believe He would want knowing and understanding that in being a believer, they are indwelled by The Holy Spirit and are thus guided reliably by His presence.

"Because stait is the gate, and narrow the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it." Life eternal and thus truth are unfortunately, gifts and privilege of the few. In saying that, I make no inference as to the spiritual state of anyone other than myself. :biggrin:

That does however explain why so few accurately interpret the times.

It seems more likely that "scoffers" refers to folks who have abandoned by active, conscious choice both the creative and destructive power of God, his Alpha and his Omega. His greeting is to sincere believers, thus "scoffers" most probably refers most closely to a type of "god is dead," or "science is god" mindset, in my view.