2 Peter 3:10-18, Living in Hope

Peter does not speak of the rapture or the tribulation period or even of the earthly kingdom of Jesus the Messiah.  These events are real and we learn of them elsewhere in Scripture.  But Peter, I believe, takes us to the far future, if you will, to the time after the earthly reign of Christ.  I believe it is the time referred to in Rev. 20:7-21:5.


Peter refers to the day of the Lord (v10).  We have spoken of this previously, that this is a “day” when God sets thing right as they should be.  In the past God used the Babylonians and the Romans to perform His will in what is called the day of the Lord.  In the future the time of Jacob’s trouble (tribulation period) is the day of the Lord.  And in the far future, after Satan leads a final rebellion, there will be a final day of the Lord.  In each case evil seems to have the upper hand but God intervenes to bring about His will.


In the past God brought about world-wide judgment by water (the flood).  But at that time He promised never to do that again.  The judgment Peter speaks of is by fire, a fire so hot that the heavens pass away and the earth itself is burned up.  There is no reason not to take this literally.  In 2 Peter 3 we have been reminded of past catastrophic events (creation, the flood) that really happened.  We should think of the future judgment in the same way.


But the removal and destruction of the heavens and earth is not the end of the story.  The hope that we have is that the old will be replaced with a new heaven and earth.  This is language that comes from the prophet Isaiah (51:6; 65:17-18; 66:22).  In those passages what is new is said to be forever.  In the new heavens and earth righteousness will be at home; in other words, it will be the norm.  What a magnificent thought!


These facts have clear implications.  Peter asks a question in such a way that he answers the question at the same time: what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?  Yes, our lives ought to be lived consistently with the hope we have.  We hope for a future where righteousness is at home.  Thus we should seek to live in that way now.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.


Furthermore, we should be looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.  Peter is saying that far from discouragement, we should actually have a deep anticipation of the coming of this day when all things are new.  You might wonder if he is saying we can actually speed up this coming day.  I believe what Peter is saying is that we should have the attitude that was often seen in the Psalms, as in Ps. 22:19: But you, O LORD, do not be far from Me; O my Strength, hasten to help me!  It is the prayer of Revelation 22:20: Even so, come, Lord Jesus!  The idea of hastening actually modifies looking for, emphasizing our eager anticipation of His return.


Again, let us not allow anyone to deprive us of this.  A solid hope is key to living life as faithful stewards who are looking for the Master to return at any time.  We do not run from this accountability; we long for it!