2 Peter: Faith In A Skeptical World Sample

I’m pleased to say that we have never had an intruder into our house, but if our house is to be burgled, we have no chance of guessing when that might be. Of course, there are no guarantees that it will happen at all during my lifetime. That is the point of Jesus’ and Peter’s analogy – no one knows or can predict when Christ will return. Any attempt to do so is at best misguided, and at worse such attempts stubbornly defy God’s clear statement that the timing of Christ’s return is not predictable. 

We are wise if we resist seeking what our Father says is unattainable, and instead give our attention to what He wants us to know. What does He desire us to grasp? 

First, the day of the Lord certainly will come. Notice the four occurrences of ‘will’ in verse 10. Second, on that day, the judgment will be comprehensive like no other, certainly on a bigger scale than the flood of Genesis. This time even the ‘heavens will disappear with a roar’ (v. 10). So too the ‘elements’ (which may be Peter’s way of referring to the building blocks of life, or by which he may mean every ‘element’ or ‘thing’ that exists in both physical and spiritual realms) will be burned up and dissolved. Lastly, not only will the earth ‘be laid bare’ (v. 10), exposed, or more literally ‘found’ or ‘found out’, but even ‘the works that are done’ on the earth will be so exposed (v. 10, ESV).

Human law courts often err due to lack of information and power. But when Jesus returns to judge on the coming day, nothing in any sphere of existence will be concealed, nor will any historical activity be overlooked as He, with absolute knowledge and power, enacts justice. Perfect justice will one day prevail, and will require the removal of all evil.

Reflection

This verse contains both assurance and warning: the day of the Lord will come, but that awesome day should also inspire godly fear. Are we ready for the day to arrive? In a world that dismisses such warnings, are our minds and speech crystal clear about those coming events?