Second Epistle of Peter
DAY OF THE LORD
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:10 (KJV)
Peter now returns to the subject brought up in verse 7 – the burning of this present scene with fire. He begins by saying the day of the Lord, always a day of judgment in the
Word of God, will come silently and unexpectedly like a thief in the night.
"the day of the Lord"
"The day of the Lord" is always a day of fierce judgment against those who know not our Lord Jesus. The first reference to this is in Isaiah 2:12, where we read, "For the day of the
Lord of hosts shall be upon everyone that is proud and lofty, and upon everyone that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low." "Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come" (Joel 1:15). Joel speaks of it five times and most of the prophets mention it. "The day of the Lord is darkness, and not light" (Amos 5:18).
The only two references to "the day of the Lord" besides our verse are 1 Thessalonians 5:2 and 2 Thessalonians 2:2 (R.V.). Both of these speak of the judgment accompanying the coming again of our Lord Jesus. Our verse links up "the day of the Lord" with the final judgment by fire before the ushering in of the new heavens and new earth. In the New Testament, besides "the day of the Lord" we have "the day of the Lord Jesus," "the day of Christ," (1 Cor. 1:8; 5:5) and "the day of God;" and many times, "the day of judgment." The Revised Version gives "the day of the Lord" instead of "day of Christ" in 2 Thessalonians 2:2. "The day of God" is only mentioned once in God's Word in verse 12 of our chapter. We also have "that great day of God Almighty" (Rev. 16:14).
"will come as a thief"
Peter emphatically states that "the day of the Lord" will come. Every promise will be kept. The coming of the Lord is as sure as the Word of God. In spite of mockers and apparent delay, "He will come." The last promise of the Bible is "Surely, I come quickly" (Rev. 22:20). When He does come, it will be suddenly and unexpectedly, like "a thief in the night." This expression "as a thief," means that His coming will overtake most of humanity by surprise. Certainly His coming for His own, for His church will be a sudden event and a great surprise to most of the people of the world. To the church of Sardis the Lord says, "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee" (Rev. 3:3; see also Luke 12:39). "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched" (Matt. 24:42, 43). We also have the likeness of a thief in 1 Thessalonians 5:2 and Revelation 16:15. As this important event will come unexpectedly, no doubt, it will also come as a complete surprise to nearly all.
It is wise to be prepared for unexpected events; events that can happen every day. Many are not prepared for sudden sickness, accident or death. Nations are often not prepared for war. Many are not prepared for the coming of the Lord. Some go on in their sinful ways expecting to one day come to Christ, but suddenly something strikes; death comes, or perhaps the coming of the Lord. Every day someone starts out perfectly well and before night they may find themselves in some kind of struggle for life or in a morgue.
As we study the Holy Word of God, we learn that terrible times lie ahead for this world and nothing can stop them. A thief may be resisted or foiled even though he comes unexpectedly, but nothing and no one can stay the hand of God from bringing these dread events to pass. How wonderful to be at home with Christ and be kept "from the hour of temptation [trial, R.V.]" which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth" (Rev. 3:10).
As we read the story of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, we notice that all the real and professed were asleep. Could this be teaching us that up to the time of His coming, practically all professed Christians will be in a state of sleep and not expecting His coming? Have you heard the cry, "Behold the bridegroom cometh?" Be sure you are awake and have oil in your lamp.
"the heavens shall pass away"
Peter has already suggested the destruction of both heaven and earth with fire (v. 7). Without question many changes will come to pass in the heavens. Perhaps our whole solar system and more will be completely disrupted by fire. If so, it would appear from this world as though the heavens were disintegrating. Of course, this certainly will not include the abode of the Lord. "The heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest" (Heb. 1:10, 11).
"with a great noise"
Peter says "the heavens shall pass away with a great noise." One translation says with "a crackling noise," another, "with a crash." Perhaps the nearest to the original would be, "with a whiz," thus indicating a rushing roar. They say it is just such a rushing roar which accompanies an atomic blast. Knowing the roar of an immense fire one can well believe this would be so. Imagine not only the noise of a burning forests, toppling cities and boiling oceans, but even the heavens themselves ablaze.
"the elements shall melt"
Some have thought that the word "elements" referred to the stars. The word means "orderly in arrangement." This whole order of things shall someday be dissolved, as we have in the next verse of Peter’s Second Epistle. "The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord" (Ps. 97:5; also Ps. 46:6; Amos 9:5; Nah. 1:5). Scientists claim that at one time this earth was one molten mass. Maybe so, but one thing is for sure, our verse indicates that someday it will again be so.
"the earth also"
In this chapter, Peter insists that at some time in the future this old world will be destroyed by fire. He plainly states the fact in verses 7, 10, 11, and 12. This world, which fascinates so many, will one day be only a funeral pyre. As already suggested, the Lord could bring this about though some heavenly orb. However, the world itself is ready for it. Hundreds of volcanoes have erupted molten matter from the earth's interior throughout history. Scientists claim that the outer crust of the world is probably not over 100 miles thick. If so we have a vast cavern of molten matter 7,800 miles in diameter under our feet.
Besides these internal fires there are forces of magnetism and electricity and the Lord could (if He desired) turn these loose to accomplish His purposes. The compass, always pointing north, tells us that this world is kept in its position by powerful magnetic forces. The fierce electric storms which sometimes strikes tell us that the atmosphere is charged with power. One has pictured this world as a vast pile of wood with God's torch bearers waiting to start the giant conflagration.
Water on the rampage can be an awful destructive force, as we have noticed in connection with the flood. However, you can touch water without pain, you swim in it or build a boat to ride upon it and many forms of life can live in it, but life cannot withstand fire. With his ark full of animals, Noah survived the flood. Fish survived and also all forms of plant life, but when this great fire comes, all will go. No ark will float over this fiery flood.
"and the works that are therein"
Perhaps Peter is now thinking of man's works. Everything which man has developed and made will go up in flames at that time. Everything in which he has boasted and gloried and on which he set his hopes will be gone forever. The most beautiful estates, the most gorgeous cathedrals, the most wonderful buildings, all will be turned to ashes. Only faithful Christians will survive.
Fire does not annihilate; it but changes the form of things. All matter which was in existence when the world began is still with us. The Lord hates sin, and by this fire He will once and forever rid this scene of it. All earthly corruption must go so there can be "a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness" (v. 13).
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:11 (KJV)
Here we have the practical application to this whole portion. Seeing that all these things, the present heavens and earth shall melt away, what effect should this have on our lives? Should not the thought of this cause us to live cleaner, more devoted, Christ-like lives in this world?
"all these things"
"Things" have an awful hold on the heart of man. Even some Christians are in danger of being swallowed up by the love of earthly things. How wise to hold loosely to these things which shall all pass away and cling more closely to eternal things. This earth is not our abiding home. Some almost worship nature. As we look at the gorgeous mountains and beautiful lakes; at the wonders of plant and animal life, it should cause us to glorify the Creator, not the creation. Always remember that these things are but transitory, but the human spirit is eternal. Let us put less value on material things and more on the eternal spirit. Things do not satisfy a heart which needs the Lord.
"shall be dissolved"
The word "dissolved" means to melt away. It is put in the present tense in the original, as though already being dissolved. Perhaps the apostle desires to impress us with the certainty of this dissolution. The passing of this whole scene surely preaches the vanity of man – his works, pleasures and ambitions.
"what manner of persons"
Peter here brings in the practical application. Seeing all these wonderful things around us will soon pass away, what sort of persons should we be? He suggests both our holy manner of life toward men and our pious attitude toward the Lord, but he does not answer the question. He leaves it to the readers to decide this for themselves. In the light of a sure and awful judgment which lies ahead, men should certainly flee to the Lord Jesus for salvation. Then, as Christians, we realize that we are but strangers and pilgrims in this world and should be ready to depart at any time. "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord" (Luke 12:35, 36). How watchful and prayerful we should be. How busy we should be trying to reach others with the Gospel. How anxious we should be to lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
"holy conversation"
The word "conversation" is usually translated "manner of life" in the Revised Version, but here it is translated as "holy living." As noted before, "conversation" is an old
English word that formerly meant one's whole manner of life, but has degenerated into meaning only "talk." We realize that all in this scene will soon be gone, so we should keep clean of all its contamination. The sinner says, "All things continue as they have from the beginning of creation," and he continues on in sin. The Christian says, "Not so, we are living in a changing scene, momentous events lie ahead," and he lives a holy life for the Lord.
Man's sin has caused every bit of trouble which has ever been in this world. It has brought disease and death to plant and animal life as well as to man. He is to blame for the waste of nature, the deserts and the great ice caps at the poles. His sin is that which will make it necessary for the Lord to someday purge this world with fire. How this should cause us to hate sin.
What an incentive it is to purity of life when we think that to restore this scene to its former purity and beauty, it will be necessary for the Lord to bring on its dissolution. We should be pure in every department of life. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affiction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).
"godliness"
While "conversation" speaks of our outward life, "godliness" speaks of our attitude toward the Lord. It is interesting to note that both of these words are plural in the original, which makes them refer to everything of both a moral and spiritual nature. Many are moral to a degree, but seem to have little regard for the Lord. Others are the reverse; they seem to love the Lord and the people of God, but their lives are far from what they should be. We should manifest both. To have the one and not the other is to be like a one-legged man. Our lives must be clean and also devoted to the way of the Lord. Our godly life should tell all men that we love the Lord (see 1:6, 7).
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:12 (KJV)
This is the third time in a few verses that Peter mentions the dissolution of this scene by fire. He suggests that we should be looking forward to and earnestly desiring the coming of this day of God. Many fear and dread the coming of this day, but a true and faithful Christian longs for it because he realizes it will be the end of all sin and the introduction of eternal righteousness.
"Looking for"
Because our verse says "Looking for...the day of God," we should be expecting it to come. It is right and proper for a true and faithful Christian to be momentarily expecting the coming of Christ. At any time we may hear that glad shout which will call us away to be with Him. This will be a blessed day for the Lord's people, but a sad one for those left behind. "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Tit. 2:13).
Therefore, in what way are we to look for the day of God? Faithful and true Christians should be looking forward to it with the realization that then and only then will Christ have the complete victory over sin. True, the victory was actually won by Christ on the Cross and in His resurrection, but the full effects of this victory will not be fully accomplished until this scene is purged with fire. A faithful and true Christian realizes that in this great conflagration the only safe place to be is with Christ, sharing the great victory with Him. A child of God has no dread of this time but longs for its coming, realizing that it will usher in the elimination of sin and righteousness will dwell forever.
"hasting unto the coming"
The expression "hasting unto" is translated "earnestly desiring" in the Revised Version. Some believe this teaches that we can in some way or other hasten this coming of the day of God. They say if we live in all holy behavior and godliness as suggested in verse 11, that we thereby hasten the coming of this day. However, this is not the meaning even though the Greek word means literally "to speed" or "to urge on." Perhaps a good translation would be "to await eagerly" with the hope that it will soon come. If it were possible to hasten the coming of the day as some think our verse is suggesting, it certainly could only happen by earnest prayer and devotion to Christ – by serving Him and living a consecrated manner of life. However, God has His appointed times for all future events and it is right and proper that we earnestly anticipate His coming. Hopefully, each Christian can truthfully say with the apostle John, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:21).
"the day of God"
This is the only place in the Word where we read this expression "the day of God." The day of the Lord is often mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments (see v. 10).
This day of God is linked up with the dissolution of this scene with fire as is "the day of the Lord" in verse 10.
Perhaps the time after the purging of this scene with fire and the establishing of the new heavens and new earth (wherever or whatever this may be), will the Father be especially honored. This may be the time when the Lord Jesus "shall have delivered up the kingdom of God, even the Father" (1 Cor. 15:24-28). This will be the day when Christ shall have gained the victory over all His enemies and when sin will be wholly eradicated from the heavens and the earth, and the honor of God vindicated to the full. In many ways today is man's day, but when the day of God has come, man's day will be gone forever. This day of God will be one of unending glory. And, thanks be to God, faithful Christians will share this glory eternally.
"wherein the heavens being on fire"
The latter part of this verse brings no new thought above what we have in verses 7 and 10. Some today are confused when they read this verse and Matthew 24:29 which says, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken." They say that because in the verse in Matthew we have a darkening and a shaking of things, but no fire or melting, then it must be speaking of two different future events. They try and use the verse in Matthew and Peter's verse we are now considering to prove the millennium which they say separates these two periods of severe judgment. However, it is also possible that the comparison of our verse in Peter and the one in Matthew simply demonstrates the power of God in His ability to destroy this earth in a way both known (fire) and unknown (fire with darkness, etc.) to man.
Whatever happens on that great day of God, faithful and true Christians should read of the melting of the elements without alarm. Christians should realize that they are perfectly safe with Christ. As Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not harmed by Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace, so Christians will be unharmed by the fires of God's judgment.
