2 Peter 3:10-18

2 Peter 3:10-18

Everyone believes in an end of some sort. What we believe that end will be will likely determine how we will live. The atheist’s behavior is shaped by their belief that after death there is nothing. The eastern mystic’s behavior is shaped by their belief that after death there are millions of reincarnations moving toward being dissolved into non-consciousness with the universe. The Muslim’s behavior is shaped by their belief that after death there is a counting of good versus bad deeds. The Christian’s behavior is shaped by their belief that after death there is judgment and a new creation. Everyone believes something and lives life based on what they believe.

One of the greatest errors within certain parts of the Christian community is a focus on “when” the end will come. Nowhere in scripture do we see any emphasis on when the Lord will return. Rather, we see that the Lord’s coming ought to shape the way we live. In this passage, that is exactly what we see.

It is noteworthy that a couple of the theories about the end are absent from or inconsistent with what Peter writes. We do not see a gradual improvement on earth until we are so close to heaven on earth that the Lord returns. Nor do we see a raptured Church absent for a time followed by a thousand years of earthly reign followed by the end. What we see is a sudden, unexpected finale in which all that currently is will be burned away and a new creation replaces it. The end may come before we get to the end of this page, this day, or this life. Living in constant awareness shouldn't cause us fear but rather a high commitment to be without “spot” and without “blemish.” What is the difference between the two? The first refers to the stain left behind. In other words, don't live life so that you are stained. The word “without blemish” is about active marks so intense that they result in grief-filled cries. Here Peter is calling for lives of holiness in contrast with the false teachers who are spotted and blemished. Peter calls us to live in peace; nothing produces peace like the life of active holiness. This peace is not detached unconcerned by which we separate ourselves from anything that makes us uncomfortable. Peace is the result of actively living holy in contact with the world. Holy living or good deeds do not save us, but our holy living is our salvation. It is the life of salvation. Holy living is what life is after we become followers of Christ. We have a new spirit, a new beginning, and a new life that are all moving us toward a new heaven and a new earth.

“Lord, help me live today ready for Your return. AMEN”