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Within the Bible, specifically 2 Peter chapter 3. Peter dives in on a very important question new followers may ask; that is, how must we live in a world that is destined for ultimate destruction?
In this essay, we will be discussing the outline of Peter’s teachings in this letter. The groundwork he laid, his ability to prophesy, God’s meaning and purpose behind waiting so long to destroy the now Heaven and Earth, and how we must live in light of this knowledge to then be rewarded and experience the new Heaven and Earth that is awaiting followers of Jesus Christ.
First, Peter begins his explanation by explaining some groundwork first. He describes, “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires” (2 Peter 3:3 NIV).
In this verse, Peter is prophesying that we can hint at the end times. For in the end time there will be scoffers, people who mock and scoff at believers for awaiting Jesus’ return. The question is raised, how do we know that Peter can prophesy such a climatic lead up that is the end times?
In the textbook, Encountering The New Testament by Yarbrough. He states, “Peter wants to assure his readers that what God promised through the prophets, spoke through his word, and taught through his apostles is true” (Yarbrough 2013).
This passage reveals to us, God speaks through the prophets. Meaning, we can be sure that what they said was undoubtedly true.
Knowing this, we can trust Peter’s prophecy about the end times. Now that we know at least one warning sign, we know a little bit about the end times as well as know that we can trust Peter’s teachings.
Next, we can dive right into Peter’s teaching of how to live in the light of a slowly burning earth. He states, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).
Through this verse, we can be assured that even though old Heaven and Earth await destruction. God, will thankfully keep his promise of creating a new and better heaven and earth for us to inhibit. But believers eventually asked, when will this happen?
Peter explains God’s meaning behind this. He states, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV).
This verse is very encouraging and can be seen as a very wholesome passage. God loves us so much, that he is wanting to wait as long as he can, so that all may be saved to then experience this new heaven and earth.
Thirdly, this brings up a new question. How does God want us to be? Peter answers this question by stating, “dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation” (2 Peter 3:14-15 NIV).
As shown, we must make every possible effort to be clean in the Lord’s eyes. So that, in the end, when Christ returns and destroys the old heaven and earth. We will also follow him in doing so and inhibit this new earth.
Lastly, Paul concludes this chapter by saying, “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:17-18 NIV).
With this in mind, we have acquired this knowledge so that we may apply it to our lives. So that, we may always be on guard and fight sin with our swords of righteousness. We must grow our spirits in grace, so that we can desire heavenly knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ. Through this knowledge, we can learn more about Christ and learn of his wants from us. In essence, we are learning how to experience his grace and glory. And, please our God who loves us so much that he is willing to hold off on destruction for a little while. So hopefully, all can come to repentance and experience said grace and glory.
In conclusion, since we know that the Heavens and Earth will conclude in a fiery explosion that Peter describes, “like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.” (2 Peter 3:10 NIV). But, we learned that Peter assured us God will keep his promise of creating a new Heaven and Earth for us to inhibit.
That is, if we follow Christ and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. By knowing all of this, we should live in light of said information. We must remove our sinful desires and the pleasures of this world from our spirits. And in return, God will promise a place for those who fought the good fight and made every effort to stay blameless and clean.
References
New International Version. (2011). BibleGateway.com. http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/
New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/#booklist
Yarbrough, Robert W., and Walter A. Elwell. Encountering the New Testament (Encountering Biblical Studies) : a Historical and Theological Survey, Baker Academic, 2013. ProQuest Ebook Central,
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