A Logical Progression From One Memory

Transcription

1 2 Peter 3:8-13 A Logical Progression From One Memory But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, on account of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat. But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells (3:8-13). I am constantly amazed at the relevance of Scripture, especially of 2 Peter 3:8-13. Mockers were assailing the believers, ridiculing their convictions about the Lord s return. The promises of God were being laughed at, and pressures to recant former beliefs were strong. Is there any difference today? A middle-aged couple in St. Louis reacted to God s promises about the second coming of Christ in this way as I talked with them: Do you honestly expect us to believe that the world is going to blow apart? You are naive to think that one morning you ll hear some trumpet-playing angel announcing the Lord s return. You may want to live in such a fairy tale world, but don t try to get us to believe that nonsense! We are logical and rational thinking people who have approached what you re saying with calm reason. Our conclusions are that the earth will last forever! Needless to say, any further prospect of study was pointless. But I am not the only one who has faced such strong-willed refusals toward the second coming. Peter and the faithful brethren to whom he wrote faced some exactly like the couple with whom I talked. Peter was confronting those who claimed to use logic in directing their beliefs. They had studied the available data and had concluded that the second coming was a hoax, a flat lie. They had decided that there was no validity in believing God s promises. Their reasoned convictions rested on two faulty conclusions. First, they had concluded that the earth had remained constant from the beginning (3:3-7). Second, they concluded that the second coming was a farce because it had been so long since Christ made the promise of His return. Look how long it has been since Christ has left! He is certainly not coming back, for it has been so long! Surely, these sentiments represent well the arguments of the mockers. It is the folly of this second conclusion that is addressed by Peter in 3:8-13. The ill-logic of Peter s contemporaries is a trait common to all who oppose Jehovah God. It is customary for the proponents of error to make bold, brash, and senseless arguments in an effort to validate their own puny positions. Such are often like the woman depicted in an Aesop fable. A widow kept a hen that laid an egg every morning. She thought to herself, If I double my hen s allowance of barley, she will lay twice a day. So she tried her plan. The hen became so fat that she left off laying altogether. Such is the 1

2 destiny of ill-logic it leads to a total ruin and collapse of that which it is to support. As Peter responds to the false teachers, he uses true logic. His points are clear and valid. They are intertwined with and upheld by the strength of divine truth. Peter urges his brethren to be steadfast by progressing to a firm conviction by recalling one simple memory. GOD WORKS ON A DIFFERENT TIMETABLE THAN WE (3:8, 9) The principle Peter refers to in 3:8-13 is also found in the Old Testament: For a thousand years in Thy sight are like yesterday when it passes by, or as a watch in the night (Psalm 90:4). Basically this principle says that time is not measured by God as it is by mortal men. The passing of time never affects God, but it always affects men. Thousands of years may pass on earth, but their passing only appears as a day or a watch in the night to Almighty God. In May 1924, it was announced that Princeton University had restored an unusual clock acquired in It showed the motions of the heavenly bodies according to the system of Newton. On the face of the clock, time was told not only by the hours but by the centuries. Telling time by the centuries is a good thought for meditation in light of Peter s present comments. God s plans are not short-term. He does not tell time by minutes, hours, days, or even years. Our God tells time by the centuries. This simple principle is not meant by Peter to be taken in a literal sense. People who fail to see this have concocted some absurd theories. Some have used the one thousand years to one day ratio to calculate such unknowable events as the end of the world or the return of Christ. Most of us have read of such predictions and then read the explanations as to why the predictions failed. The reaction has also been used to calculate the amount of time sinners will be punished (this is used by those who see an eventual universalism). Peter s purpose in reminding his readers of this simple principle was not to provide a formula to determine unknown events. If it is used in this manner, Peter s entire purpose will be lost. The memory of this simple principle ought to have encouraged his brethren as they struggled against the ill-logic of the mockers. They were being told that God would never come because it 2 had been so long since Christ had promised to return quickly, but now they are reminded of the relative nature of time with God. Peter assures Christians that God s prophetic plans are still moving ahead. They are right on track with His schedule. Peter urged, Do not worry because it has only been a few days to God since Christ promised to come back! Peter provides another point which answers why God is so long in returning in 3:9: The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance! Peter describes God as being longsuffering. I like the rendering very patient (NEB) and extraordinarily patient (Amplified Bible). God is not tardy or late. Neither has He forgotten His saints. His postponement is planned for a specific purpose. God is waiting so that as many as desire can discover the joy of salvation and the peace of contentment which exists in Christ s body. God s desire for all men to be saved is an oftrecorded fact in the Bible. Paul frequently referred to it: God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:3, 4); Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:4; cf. Romans 11:11-36; Titus 2:11). The marvelous Revelation closes with the invitation that the one who wishes is permitted to drink of the fountain of life (Revelation 22:17b). God does not want anyone to die in his sins. When such occurs, it hurts Him deeply: As I live! declares the Lord God, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live (Ezekiel 33:11). The words of Peter assure us that it is quite logical why God has not yet returned He is waiting for more souls to be saved. Sinners ought to heed this point. If they die in their sins, it is not because of God but because of their refusal to accept the conditions of God s salvation. God is giving the lost an opportunity right now to be saved. They must sense the urgency and immediately obey. Do you recall the words of the angel s letter to the church at Thyatira? I gave her time that she should repent (Revelation 2:21). Let all heed the somber point Peter brings to our attention. God s delay in returning is based upon two valid points. Time does not affect Him

3 as it does us (3:8). And, He is extraordinarily patient in waiting for the lost to be found and saved (3:9; 2 Corinthians 6:6; Hebrews 3:15). In remembering this one simple principle, you will be steadfast, for your memory will progress to the next point. THE CERTAINTY OF THE SECOND COMING (3:10) Once we understand the relative nature of earthly time to the divine nature of Almighty God, we can be confident of the second coming. Peter says, The day of the Lord will come! In the Greek, will come is emphatic. We would probably say, The day of the Lord s return is a sure fact! Not even the slightest doubt exists about it. It is an absolute certainty. From the text, we discover two facts about the second coming that Peter thought would encourage his brethren. Peter refers to the nature of the second coming. It will be as a thief. No alarms will sound; no newspaper headlines will grab the attention of the passerby; no news flashes will flash across the bottom of the television picture. The only warning we have is the Bible, and it is all-sufficient. In order to be prepared, we must carefully watch and guard as one would to intercept the thief. Second, Peter describes the effects of the second coming. The earth will experience catastrophic calamities unknown before (cf. Revelation 6:12ff.; etc.). All that worldly men idolize will immediately perish as will their material hopes, goals, and happiness. Scientists often publish predictions of some catastrophic event awaiting the earth, but a simple fisherman in the first century beat them to this announcement (cf. 3:10, 12). The certainty of the second coming is emphasized in verse 10. This absolute certainty is forcefully stressed by others as well. The believer can be assured about the second coming not because of some wishful thinking but because of fact. The three following points support the emphasis of Peter. First, the character of Almighty God verifies it. Peter has just stressed that we can trust in God s promises (3:9, 13). But other references in Scripture show that God s character is one of truth, justice, uprightness, and righteousness (cf. Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 33:4; etc.). Because of whom God is we can be assured of the second coming! Second, the words of Christ give strong assurance to it: Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done (Revelation 22:12). The word quickly is better understood as suddenly or unexpectedly, thus harmonizing with the unexpected coming of the thief. Christ often exhorted His followers to be prepared because His return was a fact (cf. Luke 12:39; Mark 13:24, 25, 32; Matthew 24:44; etc.). The mockers ridicule and skepticism of Christ has already been answered (see the observations regarding 1:16-21). He must be believed as the very Son of God who spoke absolute truth! Third, the general teachings of Scripture verify it (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). All three facts are beyond question! Once we understand the relative nature of time to God, we can be absolutely certain about the second coming. But the progression does not stop here. One more step comes. THIS STIMULATES RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT WHILE WE LIVE (3:11-13) Do you follow Peter s logic? Once we become convinced that Christ will return, we will make sure we are living right. In anticipating His return, we will concentrate on spiritual matters. Peter lists three actions that believers will take as a result of their absolute certainty of Christ s return. First, they will develop personal holiness (3:11). The word holy as used in the New Testament means to be separated from that which is common. Thus the Christian is one who is unwilling to live as others normally do. Perhaps the best text to define this holy living is in Titus 2:12: Deny ungodliness and worldly desires and... live sensibly, righteously and godly. In 1 John, John states that those who believe in the second coming will allow their hope to purify their lives and become as pure and as holy as the returning Lord (1 John 3:2, 3). But many believers are not doing this. They toy with sin, enjoy it, and cling to it. Peter says the believer who knows the certainty of Christ s return will refuse to engage in any questionable acts! Second, a possession of eager expectations will be experienced (3:12; cf. Titus 2:13). The word used here refers to an attitude of eager anticipation. This word described Cornelius who, after send- 3

4 ing for Peter, was watching and waiting on his front doorstep to greet the one who would tell him what to do to be saved (Acts 10:24). Believers should be eager for Christ to return. I have found this eagerness lacking among many Christians today. Too many are satisfied with this earth and do not want to give it up. They look with a degree of fear at the possibility of Christ s return. Peter says that we are to be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour (Matthew 25:13; note the context of this verse). Third, a demonstrated service will be seen (3:12). The KJV has hastening unto. I find it interesting to consider that the saints of God have the ability to actually speed-up the second coming of Christ, to hurry its arrival. (This point frightens some Christians who wish His return to be kept at a distance!) In studying the Bible, you will find that the second coming can be hurried in at least four ways: (1) by evangelism (3:9; Mark 13:10); (2) by diligent prayer (Revelation 6:9, 10; 8:3-5; 22:20); (3) by devoted behavior (3:11; 1 Peter 2:12); (4) by reaching and teaching lost souls (Acts 3:19-21). When Christians are busy performing these duties, they are prepared for the second coming. Such active, enthusiastic, and expectant believers will boldly say, According to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells (3:13). LESSONS FOR US To be certain this paragraph in Peter s letter contains many lessons of urgent application. Take note of three in particular that have a direct bearing in our present lesson. We need to understand the delay in Christ s return. It is extended solely for the salvation of lost souls thus it magnifies the greatness of God s love! God never forces obedience. If a lost soul refuses to obey, all hope has been shut out! (cf. John 3:17). It is extended only for a short time. Thus, it allows God s justice to be rendered (Revelation 6:9-11). Those who refuse the opportunity offered in the delay will taste the bitterness of God s anger. It is extended only after a clear explanation. Therefore, the final judgment of God upon those who refuse furthering the extension is right and just. God has made His will clear; those who fail to obey it have only themselves to blame. We must be impressed with the certainty of Christ s return. There is no doubt about it! He is 4 coming back soon! He is coming back soon as a thief in the night! The Bible gives a picture of Christ s return. A shout and a piercing blast from a divine trumpet will come first of all. The earth will shudder and begin to fall apart. The dead in Christ will rise from their graves first, and then the saints who are alive will rise into the air to meet the Lord and go to heaven. The ungodly will be left on this crumbling, burning earth to panic and cry out in fear and anger. The earth and heavens will blow apart and be forever gone (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:16ff.; John 5:28, 29; 1 Corinthians 15:51ff.; Revelation 20:11ff.; Matthew 25:33ff.). The lost will be in hell eternally. We must be impressed with the question surrounding Christ s return. It is not, When will He return? or Will He return? But it is, Will I be prepared for His return? Many will be wholly unprepared for His return. Millions will be caught by surprise, having ignored the many warnings of Scripture. Make sure you are not among the unprepared! Closely consider the following texts: Luke 12:37, 38; Matthew 24:37-39, 42-48; 1 John 2:28; Mark 13: CONCLUSION Do you see any logic in Christ s delay? Peter says there certainly is logic and it is sound logic at that! Once we remember why He is delaying, all other thoughts will logically fall into place. How absurd to think that God has to work within our mortal time frame. He is not flesh and blood. He will return in His own good time. Until then, it is up to His saints to allow the memory of Christ s return to urge us to greater service. The temptation to put off one s preparation for the Lord s return is common. But procrastination carries hard consequences. William III, in order to quell a rebellion in Northern Scotland, issued a proclamation to all the rebel chiefs to appear at a given place on or before December 31, 1691, and take the oath of allegiance to the king. Those who did not appear were to be treated as outlaws and put to death as traitors to the crown. With their few followers, it was useless to rebel. One by one, they gave way, and all affixed their names to the paper, except one. Mac Ian was the leader of the smallest, yet haughtiest tribe. He did not intend to finally resist, but he hoped to be the last of the Scottish chiefs to submit. A day or two before the dead-

5 line, he started. A severe snow storm hindered him, and he did not arrive until nearly a week after the king s messenger had returned to London. A band of soldiers immediately sought him in the Valley of Glencoe, and Mac Ian and his followers became victims of his proud obstinacy. How many are there today who are waiting until the last possible moment to obey God, only to discover their folly of procrastination? Remember the calamity that lies ahead for this earth and all who are tied to it. Are you prepared for Christ s return? John Kachelman One Fact to Remember (2 Peter 3:8) Twice in Scripture we are reminded of the vast difference in the way we reckon time and the way God does (cf. Psalm 90:4). Why is this repeated? 1. Because we often fail to recognize it. We want matters taken care of immediately (cf. Revelation 6:9-11). 2. Because Satan tempts believers to give up on God. Satan plants a seed of doubt questioning whether or not God will fulfill His promises (cf. 3:4). 3. Because we must be impressed with the relative brevity of life on earth compared with eternity (cf. Romans 8:18). The Power of One Small Memory (2 Peter 3:8-13) The fact not to be forgotten is this: The Lord is trustworthy. He will keep His promises. Such is guaranteed by His person and character (3:8, 9). This memory has a powerful influence upon believers. 1. It assures them of the second coming (3:10, 12b). 2. It urges them to be prepared for the Lord s return (3:11, 12a). 3. It will assure believers of eternal bliss (3:13). Since the Lord is trustworthy, and since He is returning, we are confident in His promises of eternal happiness. Copyright, 1989, 2005 by Truth for Today ALL RIGHTS RESERVED The Lord Is... (2 Peter 3:9) 1. The Lord is trustworthy He keeps His promises! 2. The Lord is patient He suffers long! 3. The Lord is loving He desires all to be saved! (John 3:16; Titus 2:11). An Overlooked Contrast (2 Peter 3:10, 13) Materialism tempts us to trust in this earth, but Peter says trusting in this world s goods is wrong. Why? 1. Because the earth has a definite limit of existence (3:10, 11a, 12b). 2. Because there is a better place that will remain forever (3:13). To assure ourselves of possessing the lasting and not the temporal, we must be diligent (3:11b, 12a). Speed the Return (2 Peter 3:12) New Testament writers were anxious to hasten the Lord s return. As children of God they eagerly waited for it to happen. 1. What does such an attitude reveal? Assurance, salvation, unworldliness. 2. Of whom ought this attitude characterize? All believers in Christ. 3. How were they to speed His return? Holy living, zealous evangelism, and enthusiastic Christianity. The Eternal Abode of God s Child (2 Peter 3:13) 1. It is a place assured by God s promise. 2. It is a place that believers look forward to seeing. 3. It is a place different from this earth, for it is new. 5