Three Important Reminders about the Return of Christ by Peter

Editor’s Note: Today, you will read an important blog by a very popular writer. Throughout the article, though, I will provide some editor’s comments. To begin, I think you should know what makes the guest author worth reading. His three credentials are as follows: 1) He knew Jesus personally and walked with Him for three years, 2) He was the one who God used to start the church, and 3) He was inspired by the Holy Spirit as he wrote. Today’s post, “Three Important Reminders about the Return of Christ by Peter” will help you better process world events happening around us and your own response to them.

Three Important Reminders about the Return of Christ by Peter from 2 Peter 3.

Reminder One: God will fulfill His promise of the return of Christ. God keeps His promises.

Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Editor: Since Jesus has not returned at this point, Peter understands that some individuals will suggest that He is not going to return. However, Peter reminds us that both God keeps His promises, and His timing is far different than our own. In God’s longsuffering, He continues to provide opportunity for people to be saved.

Reminder Two: As followers of Jesus Christ, we should look forward to the fulfillment of God’s promise, which includes a new heaven and new earth.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Editor: We Christians need to anticipate the culmination of the end times. At the end, we will enjoy a new heaven and new earth. This world, damaged and scarred by the curse of sin, will be replaced by a perfect new heaven and new earth. Although, we have that great joy to look forward to, Peter again reminds us that we can’t guess the timing of it.

Reminder Three: As you wait, be steadfast in honoring the Lord, and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Editor: Peter emphasizes the need for all passionate and faithful followers of Jesus Christ to continue in steadfast obedience. We are to live holy lives of faithfulness to our Lord as we wait for the end times. Peter warns us to not fall away. Instead, we are to diligently seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.

Editor: Considering this together: Trust, Anticipate, Wait, and Grow

Friends, as we anticipate God’s future plans, especially the return of Christ, our responsibilities include the following four commitments:

1. Trust God with His plan. Remember, He is not slack concerning His promises. Jesus will return; we can stake our lives on it. Jesus already did.
2. Anticipate Jesus’ return. We are not sure when, but He is coming. Yes, it’s been over 2,000 years, but do not let that discourage or distract you. Jesus is coming – and in God’s timing – soon.
3. Wait faithfully. Peter is concerned that we will get inpatient with the Lord. If we do, the likelihood of disobedience is great. Therefore, he reminds us to wait faithfully.
4. Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. The best way to do everything Peter describes for us is laid out for us. We need to used everything God has given to us for life and godliness to grow in Christ. As we do, we will be able to remain faithful.

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