What Kind of People Should You Be?
2 Peter 3
Since the Beginning of Creation (3:1-7)
Much of what we have been told about the second coming is hard to understand. Even Jesus, in the very same passage, seems to be saying both that the people around him will live to see his return and that even he does not know when it will be (Mark 13:29-32). But Peter is not speaking here of those who are confused about the second coming, but those who deny it. They are people who believe they have seen and done it all, and will never see anything new. There is some security in this philosophy, but it is a false security (Ecclesiastes 1:8-9; Jeremiah 5:11-14).
Peter reminds us that these people fail to acknowledge that this world came into existence – and continues in existence – by the very word of God (Genesis 1:1-4). This same word is the author of our salvation (John 1:1-4). But Peter tells us that the present earth will be destroyed by that same word. Jesus said plainly that his word is both our redeemer and our judge (John 3:18; 12:48). The judgment of God is never separate from the love of God.
He Is Patient with You (3:8-10)
Why does the Lord delay in his coming? Peter gives us two answers. First, he reminds us that our idea of time is not God;s idea of time (Psalm 90:1-7). In fact, the Lord has told us that our thinking is different from his thinking, and our ways from his ways – they are so different that they are hardly comparable (Isaiah 55:9).
Whatever human attributes we may use when we try to describe God, these must always come short. What we know of wisdom, love, judgment, and anger, these are shadows of the nature of God. Whether we can see it or not, God’s plan is unfolding around us. And since God’s plan is always to redeem us, Peter reminds us that the patience of God is for our redemption (Romans 2:3-4).
What Kind of People Ought You To Be? (3:11-16)
As we have discussed before, there are Christian scholars who believe that this letter could not have been written by the Apostle Peter. This passage is among the strongest of their reasons, as it clearly refers to the writings of Paul as circulated scripture, which as we understand these things, could not have been the case until much after Peter was martyred. Whenever this letter was written, it is interesting to note that from their earliest circulation the writings of Paul were at the center of controversy.
But in this closing section, Peter tells us that, like Paul, he is writing so that we may know what sort of people we should be. He begins by reminding us that the end will come like a thief in the night. Jesus made tis same comparison in a parable (Matthew 24:42-46). A key phrase in this parable is “would have”. If the master of the house had known the thief was coming, he would have been ready. If we are not prepared, then all we can speak of is what would have been.
This coming will mean destruction, as the things of this earth will burn and melt away under the refiner’s fire (Malachi 3:1-2). In Peter’s first letter, which was one of assurance, he encouraged us to remember that we were not saved by “perishable things” like silver and gold, but by the very blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19).
The destruction of the present earth will make way for a new heaven and a new earth, a place where we will live in the presence of God (Revelation 21:1-5). We are also being made new, and with creation we wait for the transformation that is to come (Colossians 3:10-13; Romans 8:18-23). But even now we are being made perfect, as our father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:43-48).
But you, my friends, already know this. Be on your guard, then, so that you will not be led away by the errors of lawless people and fall from your safe position. But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:17-18 GNB)
