Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Commentary
Vs. 1-2 The Apostle Peter here identifies this as his second Epistle to the beloved. That is all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as testified too in the Scriptures, are to be thought of and treated as beloved brethren. And so every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ who receives God's Word is to be received by us all. For truly all of us In Christ are beloved of God. And so Peter says here that his writing to us is so as to stir up our pure minds. That is stir up or awaken our minds to pure or holy thinking and thus living. For unlike the scoffers whose minds are polluted and who live according to their ungodly lusts and evil desires, believers are called to sanctification; that is the purification of body, soul, and mind. Now the only means for doing this is by Scriptures. And thus the Apostle Peter says that we are to be mindful (that is we are to remember and reflect upon), both the words of the holy prophets as well the Biblical Apostles commandment of our Lord and Savior. For truly the study of Scripture and or meditation on it's precepts, prophecies and commandments is absolutely critical to surviving the inevitable onslaught from the unbelieving and godless ideologies that are in this world.
Vs. 3-4 And so Peter goes on to say: 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
And so as the Lord's return draws near for the Redemption of His church, and thus His taking His bride to Himself forever, scoffers will increase, just as ungodliness will. In the Old Testament scoffers likewise arose mocking God's Word through His prophets before God's judgment fell on them and the nations who likewise walked in their own ways (consider 2 Chr 30:10; 36:16; Isaiah 22:12-14; Jer 6:17-21; 7:1-34; 18:1-17; 20:7-13; Lam 3:14; Hosea 7:1-10; etc.). And so the Apostle Peter likely reflecting upon the Scriptures testimony of mankind's unrepentant hearts before God's judgment fell on them all, by the Holy Spirit now sees in a time when there will be such days again. Now the Apostle Peter is not alone in his assessment of these things. The Apostle Paul, as well as Jude, by the Spirit of God recall God's prophetic word regarding these, as well as warn of their rising up in their day, as well being a manner of life for many in the last days (consider 2 Thess 2:1-12; 2 Tim 3:1-9; Jude 14-15, 17-19). Therefore believers should not be discouraged by these things, for even Jesus had to face ungodly mockers before He was received up into glory (Matt. 20:19; 27:29, 31, 41). For that has always been the treatment of God's people in this Godless world (consider 2 Kings 2:23-25; Nehemiah 4:1; Job 12:4; 30:1; Prov 14:9; Acts 2:13; Heb 11:36). Therefore as the proliferation of the Gospel reaches its zenith there will be increasingly numbers of mockers, who having a form of the knowledge of God, yet in unbelief will mock Jesus' Second Coming, just as Old Testament Israel mocked the prophets forewarning of God's judgment, because it to was delayed for a season (consider Ezek 12:21-28).
Having already personally experienced this form of blasphemy while trying to share Christ, having heard both His Second coming, and even His Crucifixion death mocked. It's easy to see this already unfolding in our day as clear Biblical terminology once highly revered and regarded, yet now is so glibly tossed about and into contexts in which it has no place being used, or better misused. And so that's always a sign of clear unbelief, and thus a rejection of the truth, when God's Person, Word and or His Prophecies or Promises in His Word is treated as a trivial thing. Therefore the Apostle Peter says that scoffers in the last days will arise and say: “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
And that's exactly what happened to me when I tried to share Christ with a certain middle aged fellow. He quickly and unabashedly retorted back almost to script by saying Jesus hasn't come back in two thousand years... Now I've witnessed to hundreds of people from all walks of life and truly his brazen response initially threw me. But in hindsight it is in reality just a confirmation of God's prophetic Word. For as in the Apostle Peters day when he had fellow Jews who also had a semblance of the knowledge of God, yet mocked his testimony and his declaring Jesus' Second Coming to them. So it will be for everyone who faithfully follows and witnesses Jesus Christ as Lord, crucified for our sins remission and raised from dead the third day, ascended back to heaven forty days later, and now seated at God the Father's right hand waiting till all His enemies are made His footstool. Every believer who in faith, seeks to share their faith, will at some point encounter ungodly mockers and or fierce unbelievers. That's reality, and a chance I'm willing to take, and so I hope you are too. Because their is no greater purpose or honor in life than in sharing the truth of Jesus Christ with one and all. And so the Apostle Peter says that they will justify their complacency by saying: “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
Now if anyone thinks that all things have continued on as they were from the beginning of creation until now they truly are blinded and or seeing just what they want to see. For there is nothing that has continued from the days of the Biblical fathers until this day that has not been shaken, and is being shaken, so that those perishable things may pass away, and those eternal things may remain (consider Heb 12:25-29). From priesthoods, to covenants, to Temple's, to nations, all has been made by God, to be removed by God, to make way for the eternal glory of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. And so just as the upheaval of all of creation witnesses to Christ's Second coming (consider Matt 24:4-14), so does the growing prevalence of lawlessness and complacency in this world (consider 2 Thess 2:1-12). For all of creation must suffer the futility of their own endeavours apart from the redeeming work of God in Christ in order to find it. For all that is done outside of God's Redemption plans for all of creation is utterly transient and futile, just as God has ordained it all to be (consider Rom 8:19-23).
Vs. 5-7 And so Peter knowing the scoffers self-sufficient pride recalls their self delusion here by saying: 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
Here the Apostle Peter recalls that just as God's Word brought forth the world and heavens into being. God's Word also brought forth the flood in the days of Noah, destroying all but eight people preserved in Noah's Ark, for all of their wickedness against it (vs. 5-6). And so it is the same Word of God that is now preserving the present heavens (i.e. sky and stars) and earth, which are being reserved for fire, until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. So that a new heavens and earth in which Righteousness dwells, can exist apart from sin, and the sins of mankind which have corrupted it all (2 Peter 3:12-13; Rev 21:1-22:17). And that is why Jesus is first offering and bringing salvation to all who repent and believe in Him here and now. For as Jesus is the firstborn over all of creation, so He is the firstborn over the new creation. So that we all who believe in Him might be (along with Him) the first fruits, if you will, of God's new creation. For Jesus having already tasted death for everyone, by His Crucifixion death and shed blood at Calvary to atone for all our sins, has become by His Resurrection from the dead, the firstborn of many brethren (Rom 8:29; Col 1:15, 18; Rev 1:5).
And thus the life and Person of the Lord Jesus Christ now comes by the Holy Spirit, to live within us all who believe in Jesus. So that God might dwell in us all. For truly we who believe in Jesus are the Temple of the Lord, now sanctified and set apart for His worship and service. And so we are new creations In Christ, being made new, and into Christ-likeness (beginning with our Spirit re-birth) so that both our transformation and sanctification as God's new creations In Christ, and ultimately for God's new creation, can be evident to all. And so we are now God's redeemed children, both being transformed day to day from one glory to another, yet longing for Jesus Christ's return and His taking us all to Himself, so that we might all forever enjoy the glory of the Lord, where He will reign in all Righteousness over all of God's new creation.
Vs. 8-9 The Apostle Peter in response to the scoffers scoffing at the Lord's perceived delays, here reminds us of both the eternity and longsuffering of God. Who is neither governed, nor restricted by time as mortal man is. But who sees and can experience all things: past, present, future, as His now. And so Peter says here: 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
And so whatever perceived delays one might have about Christ's coming, these have nothing to do with Almighty God being unable to fulfill His Promised Return, but with mankind whose finite being and perspective is governed by time. For God neither tarries, nor delays, at the appointed time He will keep His Promise and fulfill His Word. A time which we might add that no mortal knows, but only God the Father in heaven knows (Matt 24:36). And so the Apostle Peter says here that God is longsuffering towards us, not wanting any to perish but that all should come to repentance. And that is what is to take place in the interim. For when the Lord returns (or one dies) there will be no more chance for repentance. Today then, indeed right now is the time of salvation for you if you have not yet come to repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And this you can do by believing that God loves love and sent Jesus Christ to suffer Crucifixion death in your place so that you can have remission of all your sins and everlasting life the moment you believe in Jesus. Therefore If you have not yet done that, but now perceive your need to do so, please by all means come to the Lord Jesus Christ and freely receive remission of all your sins and eternal life. First by repentance towards God, which is a change of mind about oneself, God, or others, as is needed.
In essence it is too acknowledge and confess too God that one has indeed sinned against Him and others, and thus is guilty before Him. And thus it's not that your not as bad or wicked as so, and so, it's that in heart you probably are. For in our own ways and means were all fully capable of all the evil that we see, hate, and condemn in others. Make no mistake about it, the evil we see and condemn in others, is often festering in our own hearts and minds. Thus at the heart of repentance is a "change of mind", which then leads to a change in ones lifestyle. For when we stop trying to justify ourselves and or our less than God honoring words and actions. And instead take our rightful seat with those sinners who bring nothing of themselves to God other than a heartfelt confession and out pouring of sorrow for having sinned, and thus of needing His mercy, we find His mercy (consider Luke 18:9-14; James 4:8-10). For the Scripture does not justify us in of ourselves by our own obedience. Instead it confines us all under sin (Rom 3:23) that the promised gift of righteousness might be given to all who believe in Jesus (Gal 3:22). For faith in Jesus Christ crucified for our sins remission and raised from the dead for our justification is what opens the door of God's salvation to us all, by which He both saves and changes us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982
Note: this is a draft version
Commentary
Vs. 1-2 The Apostle Peter here identifies this as his second Epistle to the beloved. That is all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as testified too in the Scriptures, are to be thought of and treated as beloved brethren. And so every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ who receives God's Word is to be received by us all. For truly all of us In Christ are beloved of God. And so Peter says here that his writing to us is so as to stir up our pure minds. That is stir up or awaken our minds to pure or holy thinking and thus living. For unlike the scoffers whose minds are polluted and who live according to their ungodly lusts and evil desires, believers are called to sanctification; that is the purification of body, soul, and mind. Now the only means for doing this is by Scriptures. And thus the Apostle Peter says that we are to be mindful (that is we are to remember and reflect upon), both the words of the holy prophets as well the Biblical Apostles commandment of our Lord and Savior. For truly the study of Scripture and or meditation on it's precepts, prophecies and commandments is absolutely critical to surviving the inevitable onslaught from the unbelieving and godless ideologies that are in this world.
Vs. 3-4 And so Peter goes on to say: 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
And so as the Lord's return draws near for the Redemption of His church, and thus His taking His bride to Himself forever, scoffers will increase, just as ungodliness will. In the Old Testament scoffers likewise arose mocking God's Word through His prophets before God's judgment fell on them and the nations who likewise walked in their own ways (consider 2 Chr 30:10; 36:16; Isaiah 22:12-14; Jer 6:17-21; 7:1-34; 18:1-17; 20:7-13; Lam 3:14; Hosea 7:1-10; etc.). And so the Apostle Peter likely reflecting upon the Scriptures testimony of mankind's unrepentant hearts before God's judgment fell on them all, by the Holy Spirit now sees in a time when there will be such days again. Now the Apostle Peter is not alone in his assessment of these things. The Apostle Paul, as well as Jude, by the Spirit of God recall God's prophetic word regarding these, as well as warn of their rising up in their day, as well being a manner of life for many in the last days (consider 2 Thess 2:1-12; 2 Tim 3:1-9; Jude 14-15, 17-19). Therefore believers should not be discouraged by these things, for even Jesus had to face ungodly mockers before He was received up into glory (Matt. 20:19; 27:29, 31, 41). For that has always been the treatment of God's people in this Godless world (consider 2 Kings 2:23-25; Nehemiah 4:1; Job 12:4; 30:1; Prov 14:9; Acts 2:13; Heb 11:36). Therefore as the proliferation of the Gospel reaches its zenith there will be increasingly numbers of mockers, who having a form of the knowledge of God, yet in unbelief will mock Jesus' Second Coming, just as Old Testament Israel mocked the prophets forewarning of God's judgment, because it to was delayed for a season (consider Ezek 12:21-28).
Having already personally experienced this form of blasphemy while trying to share Christ, having heard both His Second coming, and even His Crucifixion death mocked. It's easy to see this already unfolding in our day as clear Biblical terminology once highly revered and regarded, yet now is so glibly tossed about and into contexts in which it has no place being used, or better misused. And so that's always a sign of clear unbelief, and thus a rejection of the truth, when God's Person, Word and or His Prophecies or Promises in His Word is treated as a trivial thing. Therefore the Apostle Peter says that scoffers in the last days will arise and say: “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
And that's exactly what happened to me when I tried to share Christ with a certain middle aged fellow. He quickly and unabashedly retorted back almost to script by saying Jesus hasn't come back in two thousand years... Now I've witnessed to hundreds of people from all walks of life and truly his brazen response initially threw me. But in hindsight it is in reality just a confirmation of God's prophetic Word. For as in the Apostle Peters day when he had fellow Jews who also had a semblance of the knowledge of God, yet mocked his testimony and his declaring Jesus' Second Coming to them. So it will be for everyone who faithfully follows and witnesses Jesus Christ as Lord, crucified for our sins remission and raised from dead the third day, ascended back to heaven forty days later, and now seated at God the Father's right hand waiting till all His enemies are made His footstool. Every believer who in faith, seeks to share their faith, will at some point encounter ungodly mockers and or fierce unbelievers. That's reality, and a chance I'm willing to take, and so I hope you are too. Because their is no greater purpose or honor in life than in sharing the truth of Jesus Christ with one and all. And so the Apostle Peter says that they will justify their complacency by saying: “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
Now if anyone thinks that all things have continued on as they were from the beginning of creation until now they truly are blinded and or seeing just what they want to see. For there is nothing that has continued from the days of the Biblical fathers until this day that has not been shaken, and is being shaken, so that those perishable things may pass away, and those eternal things may remain (consider Heb 12:25-29). From priesthoods, to covenants, to Temple's, to nations, all has been made by God, to be removed by God, to make way for the eternal glory of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. And so just as the upheaval of all of creation witnesses to Christ's Second coming (consider Matt 24:4-14), so does the growing prevalence of lawlessness and complacency in this world (consider 2 Thess 2:1-12). For all of creation must suffer the futility of their own endeavours apart from the redeeming work of God in Christ in order to find it. For all that is done outside of God's Redemption plans for all of creation is utterly transient and futile, just as God has ordained it all to be (consider Rom 8:19-23).
Vs. 5-7 And so Peter knowing the scoffers self-sufficient pride recalls their self delusion here by saying: 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
Here the Apostle Peter recalls that just as God's Word brought forth the world and heavens into being. God's Word also brought forth the flood in the days of Noah, destroying all but eight people preserved in Noah's Ark, for all of their wickedness against it (vs. 5-6). And so it is the same Word of God that is now preserving the present heavens (i.e. sky and stars) and earth, which are being reserved for fire, until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. So that a new heavens and earth in which Righteousness dwells, can exist apart from sin, and the sins of mankind which have corrupted it all (2 Peter 3:12-13; Rev 21:1-22:17). And that is why Jesus is first offering and bringing salvation to all who repent and believe in Him here and now. For as Jesus is the firstborn over all of creation, so He is the firstborn over the new creation. So that we all who believe in Him might be (along with Him) the first fruits, if you will, of God's new creation. For Jesus having already tasted death for everyone, by His Crucifixion death and shed blood at Calvary to atone for all our sins, has become by His Resurrection from the dead, the firstborn of many brethren (Rom 8:29; Col 1:15, 18; Rev 1:5).
And thus the life and Person of the Lord Jesus Christ now comes by the Holy Spirit, to live within us all who believe in Jesus. So that God might dwell in us all. For truly we who believe in Jesus are the Temple of the Lord, now sanctified and set apart for His worship and service. And so we are new creations In Christ, being made new, and into Christ-likeness (beginning with our Spirit re-birth) so that both our transformation and sanctification as God's new creations In Christ, and ultimately for God's new creation, can be evident to all. And so we are now God's redeemed children, both being transformed day to day from one glory to another, yet longing for Jesus Christ's return and His taking us all to Himself, so that we might all forever enjoy the glory of the Lord, where He will reign in all Righteousness over all of God's new creation.
Vs. 8-9 The Apostle Peter in response to the scoffers scoffing at the Lord's perceived delays, here reminds us of both the eternity and longsuffering of God. Who is neither governed, nor restricted by time as mortal man is. But who sees and can experience all things: past, present, future, as His now. And so Peter says here: 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
And so whatever perceived delays one might have about Christ's coming, these have nothing to do with Almighty God being unable to fulfill His Promised Return, but with mankind whose finite being and perspective is governed by time. For God neither tarries, nor delays, at the appointed time He will keep His Promise and fulfill His Word. A time which we might add that no mortal knows, but only God the Father in heaven knows (Matt 24:36). And so the Apostle Peter says here that God is longsuffering towards us, not wanting any to perish but that all should come to repentance. And that is what is to take place in the interim. For when the Lord returns (or one dies) there will be no more chance for repentance. Today then, indeed right now is the time of salvation for you if you have not yet come to repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And this you can do by believing that God loves love and sent Jesus Christ to suffer Crucifixion death in your place so that you can have remission of all your sins and everlasting life the moment you believe in Jesus. Therefore If you have not yet done that, but now perceive your need to do so, please by all means come to the Lord Jesus Christ and freely receive remission of all your sins and eternal life. First by repentance towards God, which is a change of mind about oneself, God, or others, as is needed.
In essence it is too acknowledge and confess too God that one has indeed sinned against Him and others, and thus is guilty before Him. And thus it's not that your not as bad or wicked as so, and so, it's that in heart you probably are. For in our own ways and means were all fully capable of all the evil that we see, hate, and condemn in others. Make no mistake about it, the evil we see and condemn in others, is often festering in our own hearts and minds. Thus at the heart of repentance is a "change of mind", which then leads to a change in ones lifestyle. For when we stop trying to justify ourselves and or our less than God honoring words and actions. And instead take our rightful seat with those sinners who bring nothing of themselves to God other than a heartfelt confession and out pouring of sorrow for having sinned, and thus of needing His mercy, we find His mercy (consider Luke 18:9-14; James 4:8-10). For the Scripture does not justify us in of ourselves by our own obedience. Instead it confines us all under sin (Rom 3:23) that the promised gift of righteousness might be given to all who believe in Jesus (Gal 3:22). For faith in Jesus Christ crucified for our sins remission and raised from the dead for our justification is what opens the door of God's salvation to us all, by which He both saves and changes us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982
Note: this is a draft version
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