There are days that we cannot forget, and the Judgment Day is one such event that Christians must never overlook. In his second letter, Peter combines his warnings about false teachers with the certainty of the coming Judgment Day. Let’s consider six facts about this event, drawn from Peter’s own words.
1. There Will Always Be Mockers (2 Pet. 3:3-4) Peter begins by emphasizing that mockers will come, especially in the Christian age. These mockers ridicule the idea of the second coming and question why Jesus hasn’t returned yet. This mockery is not new; it has existed since the time of the apostles, and Peter warns Christians to be prepared for it. Just as in Noah’s day, some will dismiss God’s warnings and assume the world will continue as it always has, however they will be greatly mistaken (Matt. 24:36-44).
2. Knowledge of the Past is Valuable (2 Pet. 3:5-7) Peter reminds believers that knowledge of the past helps us prepare for the coming judgment. The mockers in Peter’s time were willfully ignorant of how God intervened in history, such as through the flood. The world was destroyed by water, and the earth is now reserved for destruction by fire. The judgments of the past are examples and warnings for the future; therefore, we should be students of history to better appreciate the future (Romans 15:4).
3. God is Not Limited by Time (2 Pet. 3:8) Time does not matter to God as it does to us (Psalm 90:4). Time is a luxury God gives to His creation, not because He needs it, but because of His patience. Peter explains that what may seem like a long time to us is nothing to God. He is eternal, and His sense of time is different. The delay of Christ’s return is not because God is slow, but because He desires for all to come to repentance (Ezek. 33:11).
4. God Wants Everyone to Be Saved (2 Pet. 3:9) The delay in Christ’s return is not due to God being slow in keeping His promise, but because He desires all to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4). God’s patience is motivated by His desire for people to repent and come to knowledge of the truth. This period of waiting is an opportunity for salvation. Nobody wants everyone saved as much as God does, His sending Jesus is clear evidence of this (John 3:16).
5. The Judgment Day Will Come Unexpectedly (2 Pet. 3:10) The Day of Judgment will come as a thief in the night. People will be caught off guard, just as a thief does not announce his arrival. When it comes, the world will be destroyed by fire, and everyone will stand before God.
6. Motivation for Holy Living (2 Pet. 3:11-13) Peter urges Christians to live in light of the coming judgment. Since everything will be dissolved, we should be motivated to live holy lives. We should anticipate the Judgment Day eagerly, knowing that it will bring about a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells.
0 Comments