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2 PETER

CHAPTERS

123

2 Peter 3:1-9

“Beloved, this is now the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of a reminder, to remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue just as they were from the beginning of creation.” For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed by being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly people.But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.”


Remember the words: Peter is reminding them of the good news in the midst of the false teaching. This is how we can find encouragement and power to endure the trials of the world. As long as our thoughts are fixed on Jesus we will not become distracted by lies. 

Mockers: There existed then, as today, unbelievers who are critical of the Christian belief of Christ’s Second Coming. But Peter is quick to explain why Christ is waiting: The repentance of the world. The same authoritative word of God that brought about creation and the flood, will bring about the return of Christ after the world has had an adequate time to repent. After the time of salvation Jesus will return and there will be a day of reckoning. 

One day is like a thousand years: In contrast to humans who live but a little while, God invented time as we know it. Time is nothing to God. So, it is not difficult for God to wait for the right time for Christ’s return. He waits so that all people will believe. He wants all people to come to repentance, and all who are in Christ escape the impending judgment.

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2 PETER

CHAPTERS

123