2 Peter 3:10-19
Thursday, 21 March 2024
“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;” –2 Peter 3:14
Just as Jesus’ first coming to the earth is a reality, so too will be His Second Coming. Acts 1:11 says “The same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Whether you believe it or not, the Lord Jesus Christ will come a second time to gather His saints. Peter writes of how the Day of the Lord will come and exhorts us to be ready!
Christ Jesus is going to come in glory and majesty to vindicate His people and to judge the world- that is the glorious hope of a believer. No one knows when a thief comes- he doesn’t announce himself. Likewise, the coming of Christ will be at a time when people least expect it. Hence in preparation for His coming, Peter exhorts us:
“You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” (vs.11,12)
“…make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him” (vs.14)
“… be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position” (vs.17)
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (vs.18)
The exhortation given by Peter is applicable for all believers in all ages. Since we do not know the exact time of Christ’s coming, we need to live godly lives in this ungodly world; to live clean and free of sin that is so rampant around us. Yet another thing is to be on guard against false and erroneous teaching that will be widespread in the last days. Instead we are called to grow in His grace and in the knowledge of Him as we await His coming!
We may think that God is too slow in His rescue plan. But understand that His work supersedes the human time span. (Psalm 90:4). God waits so that many more sinners will repent and turn to Him. This is where the Great Commission for a believer (Matthew 28:19) falls in place. Instead of sitting relaxed and idle we should be engaged in reaching out to the unsaved, so that they will escape the eternal fire.
The day of the Lord refers to God’s judgment on earth. The return of Christ will be dreadful for all unbelievers but a great blessing for those who put their trust in Him. As the whole earth is kept for fire, we should be even more focused on what is eternal in the heavenly realm where Christ is (Colossians 3:1). We need to seek righteousness and humility to hide ourselves in the day of Lord’s anger (Zephaniah 2:3).No one can stand before God with our righteous deeds; its like filthy rags before Him (Isaiah 64: 6).We need to clothe ourselves with the imparted righteousness that we receive by faith through Christ by His sacrifice on the cross.
Dear friend, have you received your salvation in Christ? Are you growing in the grace and knowledge of your Saviour, Jesus Christ? Then be ready for His coming!
Thought for the Day: “Jesus is coming back- it could even be today.”- David Jeremiah