MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
Past articles have considered Jesus' life, crucifixion and resurrection, and today we'll discuss the Church, which was left behind to continue Jesus' ministry. Early Christian writers such as Paul and Peter tried to warn of differences, and move other believers to harmony. They felt undue attention was being placed on roles and gifts, when the main message should be unity.
Regarding the second coming of Jesus, some folks have placed more emphasis on events and details, rather than important matters to be accomplished as we wait. 2 Peter chapter 3, as well as Matthew chapter 24 and Luke chapter 12, gives clues about the Second Coming. But all three are basically a call to holy living, with Jesus and Peter offering hope and purpose. Scripture provides a roadmap for navigating through past and modern challenges, urging us all to live every day in the presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit, ready for the coming "day of the Lord".
In 2 Peter 3:1-2, Peter began by explaining his purpose: to “stimulate wholesome thinking” and remind believers of the teachings of the prophets and apostles. Early Christians were facing mockery and persecution. Challenges then and now are similar: skepticism about faith, distractions of materialism, and temptations to overlook the 'big picture' of eternity. Peter's letter is a wake-up call, urging readers to focus on what lasts.
Peter critiqued the scoffers (verse 3 and 4) who mocked the promise of Christ's return. Some were believers who had once professed faith but grew impatient, assuming that Christ's delay meant He wasn't coming back at all. Rather than simple doubt, their arrogance and "following after their own lusts" stemmed from a deliberate forgetfulness of God's power and patience.
In verses 5 through 7, Peter countered the cynics by recalling God's history of intervention: He created the heavens and earth; He judged the world by flood in Noah's time; and His future judgment will come by fire. God's patience does not indicate weakness, but mercy.
Deliverance is often the flip side of judgment: God delivered Noah while destroying the evil around him. He called Abraham out of Ur, rescued Lot from Sodom and Gomorrah, and brought the children of Israel up from Egypt and into the Promised Land. His ultimate judgment of sin came on the cross, as Jesus died, then rose in victory. How can anyone say, "nothing has ever happened", once we've experienced the saving and cleansing grace of God's mercy? We see in verses 8 and 9 that God's timing transcends ours, and is based on His mercy while He seeks our repentance.
Verse 10 reads, "...the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up." In vivid imagery, we learn that everything will be laid bare - words written not to frighten, but to inspire watchfulness. Peter challenged complacency and distraction. Since this world is temporary, we must prioritize things that have eternal value. Each day, God personally intervenes in our lives and uses us to share in the lives of others. Peter's call is to remain vigilant, rooted in hope, and maintaining a sense of God's presence.
Verses 11 through 13 are a call to holy living, aligning actions with God's truth, and looking forward to a renewed creation. One way to prepare for a new heaven and a new earth is to live “spotless and blameless and at peace with Him” (verse 14), reflecting His love and righteousness in our relationships.
Peter offered practical guidance to prepare for Christ's return:
- Live prayerfully, cultivating a deep relationship with God (verse 18).
- Embrace holiness, living out faith with integrity, kindness and humility, even when those are countercultural (verse 11).
- Be a witness, sharing the hope of Christ's return through words and deeds (verse 15).
- Stay steadfast, guarding against skepticism, errors, and distractions.
- Grow in the "grace and knowledge of our Lord" through scripture and community (verses 17-18).
These steps are not just duties, but opportunities. Each day is a gift, and offers time to prepare for Christ's physical return. We can face persecution and challenges with hope, not fear, walking in confidence with the Holy Spirit.
The apostle Paul (mentioned by Peter in verses 15-16) confirmed that God "sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge" (2 Corinthians 1:22). Paul repeated promises about the pledge of the Holy Spirit in 2 Corinthians 5:5 and Ephesians 1:13-14.
So, when reading 2 Peter chapter 3, think of it not just as a historical artifact, but a timeless challenge. Christ's return is certain, and while we wait, this passage urges us to answer the call, reject complacency, and embrace holy living.
