The book of 2nd Peter chapter 3 is a crucial passage in the Bible that addresses the topic of the last days and the return of Jesus Christ. Apostle Peter wrote this epistle to remind believers about the promises of God and to warn them about the challenges and deceptions they would face as they awaited the Lord’s coming. This chapter serves as both a powerful encouragement and a sober warning for Christians today.
Remembering Prophetic Words
Peter begins 2nd Peter 3 by emphasizing the importance of remembering the words spoken by the holy prophets and the commandments of the apostles. He highlights that his purpose in writing is to stir up the pure minds of believers through remembrance. This is essential because understanding biblical prophecy provides a framework for interpreting current events and maintaining hope amidst uncertainty. By recalling these foundational truths, Christians can remain steadfast in their faith and avoid being swayed by false teachings.
The Rise of Scoffers
A key element of 2nd Peter 3 is the prediction of scoffers who will emerge in the last days. These scoffers are characterized by their denial of Christ’s promised return and their adherence to a materialistic worldview. They question, “Where is the promise of his coming?” and argue that everything continues as it has been since creation. This skepticism reflects a deliberate ignorance of God’s past interventions in history, such as the creation and the flood. Understanding the nature of these scoffers helps believers to recognize and resist such cynical viewpoints that undermine faith.
God’s Timeless Perspective
Peter addresses the apparent delay in Christ’s return by explaining God’s perspective on time. He reminds readers that “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” This profound statement reveals that God operates outside of human time constraints. The delay is not due to slackness on God’s part, but rather to His longsuffering and patience. God’s desire is that all should come to repentance, and He is therefore delaying judgment to allow more people to turn to Him. This understanding of God’s patience is central to grasping the message of 2nd Peter 3.
The Day of the Lord
Despite God’s patience, 2nd Peter 3 clearly affirms the certainty of the Day of the Lord. This day will come unexpectedly, “as a thief in the night,” and will involve dramatic cosmic events. The heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat. The earth and everything in it will be burned up. This description emphasizes the radical transformation and judgment that will accompany Christ’s return. However, Peter also points to a glorious future, “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness,” promised to believers.
Living in Light of Eternity
In light of these future realities, 2nd Peter 3 calls believers to live transformed lives. Since all earthly things will be dissolved, Peter asks, “what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?” The appropriate response to the truths of 2nd Peter 3 is to live diligently, striving to be found in peace, without spot, and blameless before the Lord. This involves growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and maintaining steadfastness in faith, guarding against the errors of the wicked.
In conclusion, 2nd Peter 3 offers essential insights into the last days, the nature of God, and the Christian life. It warns against skepticism and complacency, while encouraging believers to live holy and expectant lives, grounded in the knowledge of God’s promises and patience, as they look forward to the Day of the Lord and the promise of new heavens and a new earth.
