The End of the World (As We Know It)

Day 333: 2 Peter 3:1-18

"Since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives you should be living!" - 2 Peter 3:11 NLT

This chapter in 2 Peter probably contains the last recorded words of the Apostle Peter that we have. In them, we see his heart for the original audience and us as well. He longs to give us a greater perspective on what is happening right now and what will happen at the end of time. The following questions naturally arise as we think of Jesus' Second Coming.

How will it take place? >> Peter writes that "God will set the heavens on fire and the elements will melt (vs. 12)." Yes, even your 401K won't make it. All that we see and don't see will be renovated by fire.

Why is it taking so long? >> We see this twice in our reading today (vs. 9, 15). The time that has elapsed since the first century has allowed millions, maybe billions, to come to Jesus by faith; there are millions more who will also be given time to respond. His love is evidenced in his patience.

What does this mean for us? >> Peter gives two immediate reactions that we should have to these truths. It is helpful to see these as filters when you are trying to make any decision before you.

HOLY >> hagios - set apart, sacred, dedicated; when God saved us, His intention was not for us to blend. Though we are meant to influence culture, it is not to influence us. We should feel a little (or a lot) out of place here.

GODLY >> eusebeia - reverence toward God, devout; in the Old Testament (LXX), this word is translated as "fear," which is a worship word. As Christians, we are to be committed religiously to Jesus. You can count on us to take the gospel to the next generation!

You see, every second we are spending on earth needs to be preparing us in readiness for Jesus’ return. How have you been doing with the time and energy God has given you? Perhaps it’s time to let Him take complete control.

"Since the world will be destroyed and the faithfulness of everyone will be clearly shown, Christians must live “holy” and “godly” lives. Both of these terms are plural in Greek, signifying the many holy behaviors and godly acts to which believers are called." - Black, A., & Black, M. C. (1998). 1 & 2 Peter (2 Pe 3:11)