In Peter’s second epistle, he gives a discourse on the last days. Peter reminds readers that in the last days that there will be scoffers who will walk after their own sinful desires who in their mockery of the Lord’s return say where is His promised return, all things keep happening as they have from the dawn of creation. Peter says that these scoffers are willfully ignorant of the history God’s dealings with His creation, referencing the Great Flood of Noah’s time. A flood that destroyed all the people of earth save the eight that were on the ark.
The earth that was once covered in water is now being kept by God’s word until the day of judgment of the ungodly. The flood of Noah’s day was due to wickedness of the people, God’s judgment on Noah’s generation was destruction with water; the next judgment will be with fire. Peter describes the coming destruction of the earth in vivid fiery terms, terms that describe a great conflagration such as mankind has never witnessed before. When this event takes place, the earth as we know it will be no more.
In light of the coming devastation of the planet, Peter asks what manner of people we ought to be in all holy conversation and godliness. In answer to Peter’s probing question, with the fiery judgment is coming, the inhabitants of earth need to have their lives in order. The first thing that people need to have their lives to have their lives in order is the forgiveness of sins that comes through Jesus Christ. Through faith in Jesus, who was put to death for our sins and whom God raised from the dead, mankind has access to God’s amazing grace. God’s grace is His unmerited favor that not only brings forgiveness of sins but also totally erases people’s sins and bestows upon a person the righteousness of Christ. Therefore, when someone places their faith in Christ, God views them no longer as sinners but as having the righteousness of Christ.
However, even though by God’s grace the righteousness of Christ is given to someone, they are not relieved of the responsibility to live godly lives. The impending judgment and destruction of this world should motivate believers to live their lives wholeheartedly for God. With judgment coming, believers should want to live as godly as possible to be a light for those in darkness who are not ready to meet their creator. Secondly, although believers are in Christ, they will be judged for what they have done with the grace that God bestowed upon their lives, to those who were given much, much will be required; therefore believers should be careful how they conduct themselves as they pass through this life. Yes, there will be rewards in heaven, and the bible says that some will be saved as if by fire. Thirdly, believers should want to live godly lives to honor their Creator and Savior who has saved them from the coming fiery judgment. Those whom Christ has redeemed with His own blood owe a debt of love that they will never be able to repay, He does not ask them to, He only asks them to trust Him and surrender their lives to Him. As believers consider the love that has been poured out on them through Jesus, it should inspire them to live a life of absolute devotion to Him.
The flaming destruction and meltdown of the planet does not conjure up happy thoughts for many people, but Peter reminds believers that their hopes are not pinned on this present world. He say that believers are looking for a new heaven and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. A world where there is no more sin, no sickness and no death where only those who have been made right with God by the blood of Jesus dwell. Peter says that since we are looking for this wonderful place, we need to make every effort to be sure that we are indeed right with Christ. The way to do this is to trust and obey Jesus, not trusting in our obedience to Christ, but obeying Him because we do trust Him. We should trust Him for the salvation of our souls, for power, for provision, and for forgiveness as we pass through this world, power for living the Christian life, providential care in our needs and circumstances and for the forgiveness of confessed sins when we come short of His glory.
This world will be destroyed and those not right with God will spend eternity in a place known as the lake of fire. Therefore, us who claim that we are in Christ should live out our lives based on that reality. Jesus may not come in our lifetime, but maybe He will, may we live each moment of our lives in anticipation of His glorious appearing.
Resource: Biblegateway.com