2 Peter 3:18 (ESV) … “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
Peter’s letter concludes with words reflecting the opening statements of chapter 1. This encourages us to “keep on growing.” No true Christian believes, “I have arrived.” The Christian life is a continual, growing life and was never intended to stand still. That growth finds its focus in an ever-increasing awareness and understanding of the person and character of Jesus Christ. To him belong all praise and glory.
MAIN IDEA REVIEW: False teachers in the church will always be a pressing problem for Christians, but the promised presence of our returning Savior, Jesus Christ, looms bright on the horizon, superseding any human presence that now assaults us. To him we must continue to look, and for him we must continue to live.
As Peter concludes this brief but powerful letter, we sense his intensity increasing, especially as he brings to the forefront the subject of the second coming of Jesus Christ. Any teaching that denies this hope is scandalous and is to be repudiated at all costs. When the Lord does return, it will be in glory and judgment. A new heaven and a new earth are promised to the believer, but before that promise is fulfilled, the destruction of the present cosmos will occur as part of God’s judgment. Until such a time, we should recognize God’s gracious hand in the apparent delay of his coming, and with that mind-set, pursue the course of godly living that the Bible consistently outlines for us.
PRINCIPLES
The second coming of Jesus Christ is taught clearly and literally in the Bible.
The Old Testament Scriptures are an accurate word from God.
All Christ’s followers are to exhibit love to others.
The universe was created by God and will be judged by him.
God desires that everyone be saved.
The present cosmos will be destroyed by God.
The believer is assured that God will create a new heaven and earth.
The doctrine of the Second Coming should impact the way believers live today.
APPLICATIONS
Avoid teachers who deny the literal second coming of Jesus Christ. Be alert to false teaching in this area.
Be a student of the entire Bible, including the Old Testament.
Be prepared to be laughed at because of your belief in the Second Coming.
Since the Lord’s “delay” provides opportunity to further extend the gospel message, look for occasions to share the good news of salvation.
Make grace a dominant factor in your Christian growth.[1]
[1] Walls, D., & Anders, M. (1999). I & II Peter, I, II & III John, Jude (Vol. 11, pp. 144–145). Broadman & Holman Publishers.