2 Peter 3:10-13 Future Things, Destruction!

Verse 10

But will come - These words are placed first in the Greek sentence for emphasis and contrast to the false teaching that Christ will not come again.

The Day of the Lord – This is an extended time period in which God will deal with wicked men directly and dramatically in fearful judgment. It also includes the future blessings of the millennial kingdom and will end with the burning up of the present heavens and earth.

(see chart in pdf notes)

The Day of the Lord is also mentioned in Acts 2:20 and 1 Thessalonians 5:2. The similar phrase, The Day of Christ or The Day of our Lord Jesus Christ, refers to the judgment seat (bema) of Christ (1 Cor. 1:8, Phil. 1:6, 10, 2:16, 2 Thess. 2:2).

Like a thief (in the night) – Paul uses this same expression in 2 Thess. 5:2. No doubt the apostles remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:36-39 where He speaks of His unexpected coming. Jesus warns the church at Sardis to wake up and strengthen the things that remain and that if they do not He will come like a thief (Rev. 3:3). Jesus gives a similar warning to tribulation saints in Revelation 16:15.

In which the heavens will pass away with a roar- The word for “roar” means a noise made by something passing with great force and rapidity.

And the elements will be destroyed with intense heat and the earth and its works will be burned up - Peter jumps to the end of the Day of the Lord to emphasize the final outcome of the new heavens and new earth.

Verse 11

Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness - Since we understand what the future holds we should live today in light of that future. Jesus taught living in light of his return. Note Luke 12:22-48 where our perspective on material things and our attitude of alertness is challenged. Holy and responsible living are linked to our accountability to Him at His return.

Verse 12

Looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God – This is the only use of this expression in the N.T. It appears to be different from the Day of the Lord as it stresses eternity future when the new heavens and the new earth will have been created. Perhaps Paul alludes to this day in 1 Corinthians 15:28 where God is “all in all”. Believers should look for and pray for that day to come. God promises a crown of righteousness to all who have loved His appearing (2 Tim. 4:8). Jesus taught his disciples to pray that the kingdom would come (Matt. 6:10). The great men of faith in Hebrews 11 were looking for a city and a future kingdom (Hebrews 11:10, 16).

On account of which – Because the Day of God will be the new heavens and new earth and the eternal kingdom where there will be no unrighteousness, the present heavens and earth will have to be destroyed

The heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat – Just as God created the universe by His word He will destroy and re-create it by His word.

Verse 13

But according to His promise – This is a reference to passages like Isaiah 65:17, and 66:22. We are looking for new heavens and a new earth - John actually saw this prophetically in Revelation 21:1.

In which righteousness dwells – Revelation 21 and 22 describe the new heavens and earth. It is the permanent dwelling place of God and the Lamb!

The Lord is coming back!

The Day of the Lord is coming!

The Day of God is coming!

What sort of people ought we be?

Are we living as if this world is our hope and kingdom?

Are we living in hope and expectation of the coming kingdom?