The Revelation of Jesus Christ

 

Revelation 1:1-3

01/23/2022

Revelation 1:1 says:

Revelation 1:1 (NKJV) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants--things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified [it] by His angel to His servant John,

The book of Revelation gets its name from its first words; “The Revelation.” The Greek word for Revelation is Ἀποκάλυψις, from which we get our word apocalypse.

Our use of the word “Apocalypse” in English is associated with Revelation, i.e. the four horsemen, the seven bowls and seven trumpets, and the beast. However, we must put aside this idea if we are going to understand the purpose and meaning of the book of Revelation. 

While our English word “apocalypse” means “the complete final destruction of the world, as described in the biblical book of Revelation,” the Bible term means “reveal” or “uncover.” 

Have you ever seen the dedication of a statue, where the statue is covered with a giant tarp or cloth? At just the right moment, the cloth is removed and the statue is “revealed” having been “uncovered.” This “uncovering” is the meaning of the Greek word “Ἀποκάλυψις.”

The frightful image of the complete final destruction of the world keeps us from understanding what the book of Revelation communicates. First, and foremost, Revelation reveals Jesus Christ; the book is about Him! While the entire world and all mankind is involved, the Revelation is about Jesus Christ. 

The Revelation reveals Jesus Christ, and it is from Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us about things which must “soon” take place. In the events uncovered by Revelation, Jesus is the central character.

In chapter one, He is revealed as “… the Alpha and the Omega, [the] Beginning and [the] End, … “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8 NKJV) He is also pictured in His glory.

Revelation 1:14-15 (NKJV) ¹⁴His head and hair [were] white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; ¹⁵His feet [were] like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters…

John was Jesus’ closest companion during Jesus’ earthly ministry, but when He saw Jesus “revealed,” he fell at His feet as though dead. Jesus’ glory is greater than we can comprehend. Revelation presents Jesus as “the Lamb” and the One worthy to open the title deed to the earth. He is a glorious victor and conqueror.

Revelation 1:1 says that God gave the Revelation to Jesus to show to His servants. In the Gospel of John, the revelation of things from God the Father to Jesus the Son is a common theme. (John 3:34–35; 5:20–24; 7:16; 8:28; 12:49; 14:10, 24; 16:15; 17). Let’s look at John 12:49 as one example.

John 12:49 (NKJV) “For I have not spoken on My own [authority;] but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.

God gave the Revelation to Jesus specifically to show to His servants, and so He expects that we will be able to understand it. While there is symbolism in the book, we need to interpret it like we do any other Scripture. We need to take the words in their normal sense. Many of the symbols are used in the Old Testament prophets so we must know those as well.

Interpretations of Revelation abound. However, these interpretations can be divided into four main camps.

First, there is the “allegorical” approach. This point of view regards Revelation as one great allegory going far beyond the natural symbolism that is found in the book. This book is interpreted in a nonliteral sense.

Second, there is the “preterist” approach. This approach takes the view that Revelation is a record of the conflicts with Judaism and paganism of the early church. A “preterist” teaches that the events of Revelation 4–20 are primarily a description of the Jewish war that ended in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, coupled with the persecution of the early church.

Third, there is the “historical” approach. This theory considers Revelation a symbolic presentation of the entire history of the church, which will end with Jesus coming again.

The fourth view is the understanding of the “futuristic” approach. This way of looking at the Revelation considers that beginning with chapter 4, the events described are yet to take place in the future. This way of interpreting Revelation is held by conservative believers who are often premillennial.

The futuristic view allows for a literal understanding of the text and fits together with the prophecies of the Old Testament, especially Daniel, which could be seen as Revelation’s Old Testament counterpart. We cannot understand one without the other. 

One assumption of those who reject the thinking of the futurist is that John created the Revelation in his own head and the people of his generation could understand it.

This reveals a common problem with Biblical prophecy. Some people refuse to recognize the Divine nature of the Scriptures and assume that all predictions of the future were written after the events prophesied. This same approach assumes that Moses could not have written the Pentateuch and Daniel was written long after Daniel actually lived. Many interpreters think in terms of the Bible being a book created by men. However, this is not true; the Bible is the word of God.

I am a futurist. Verse three of Revelation one says “…the words of this prophecy.” So, from the start, the book claims to be from God about Jesus Christ and what will happen in the future.

Showing that the events are yet future, verse one says, “… things which must shortly take place.”

The interpretation or translation of the Greek word “shortly” can be misleading. When we see the term “shortly,” we assume that it will happen soon. However, the term means “quickly.” In other words, once the events of Revelation start, they will happen at a breakneck speed. Most of the events will happen in seven years, which given the length of history is an incredibly short time.

The book claims to be written by John and no one seriously questioned this until 250 A.D. So, most conservative scholars reject the thought of other authors. Covering the historical evidence for John’s authorship is beyond our scope, but it is worth noting that the book claims it was written by John.

This is the only New Testament book that was revealed by an angel, which is significant because Daniel also received much of His prophecy through the work of angels.

So, the question I want to ask is, “So, what?”

Since most of the book is yet future, what does it mean to us?

First, look at verse three.

Revelation 1:3 (NKJV) Blessed [is] he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time [is] near.

Revelation promises a blessing for those who read this book. Reading the Bible always blesses the reader, but Revelation particularly so. 

Near is a relative term. Although two thousand years is a long time to us, it is short to God. Also, for 2000 years, history has been on the edge of the last days; our movement is parallel to the edge, rather than moving towards an edge off in the distance.

The Lord Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is near.

Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV) ²⁰Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; ²¹“nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

Jesus is not teaching there will be no earthly kingdom. In this instance, He is trying to explain to the Pharisees that they were focusing on the wrong thing. Perhaps we need to remind ourselves of what Peter says.

2 Peter 3:14 (NKJV) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

We need to be aware of how near the coming of the Lord is and His kingdom, but this is not our focus. It is a motivator for us to be doing what Jesus commanded us to do. First, Jesus gave us a command on how we are to be, and then He told us what we are to be doing. These commands are our focus.

First, He told us:

Matthew 22:37-39 (NKJV) ³⁷Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸“This is [the] first and great commandment. ³⁹“And [the] second [is] like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

This is the great commandment and tells us how we should be. Romans 13 tells us that we are to owe no man anything but to love your neighbor as yourself. This is not a statement on debt; it is speaking to the attitude of our hearts. If we are part of God’s kingdom, then we need to keep His laws, and these are His two laws.

Second, Jesus gave us a job to do until He comes. He said:

Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) ¹⁸And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, [even] to the end of the age.” Amen.

Revelation reminds us that the time of Jesus’ return is near. This reminder severs as a motivation to be doing what He commanded us. These verses from Matthew define what we are to be doing. While we wait for the events of Revelation to unfold, we are to be making disciples.

In addition to motivating us to be and do what Jesus has commanded us, Revelation is the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing for reading it. 

For those who are left behind and must go through the tribulation, Revelation will be a roadmap, but for us, it reveals our Lord Jesus. It contributes to our understanding of who He is.

In the gospels, we see Jesus as the suffering Savior, but in Revelation, we see Him as the conquering King. God reveals mysteries hidden for ages that will soon come to pass, and He reveals them to us, His servants. 

Remaining Steadfast

2 Peter 3:14-18

2 Peter 3:14 (NKJV) Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;

As Peter comes to the close of his letter to believers in Jesus Christ (Christians), he gives a charge (some words of encouragement). He says,

2 Peter 3:17 (NKJV) You therefore, beloved, since you know [this] beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;

In verse 14, he says, “Be diligent,” and in verse 17, he says, “Do not fall from your steadfastness.” These two things are what are going to guide our thoughts today. We must be diligent and steadfast.

In verse 14, Peter starts with an assumption. He says, “…looking forward to these things…” 

We must ask what we are looking forward to. To answer this question, we have to read verse 13.

2 Peter 3:13 (NKJV) Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

We look forward to new heavens and a new earth! 

Before the new heavens and earth are revealed, the world and all its works will be destroyed by fire. After everything is made new, we will live in this newly made heaven and earth characterized by righteousness. 

If we know that his world is passing away and we will soon be in a new heaven and earth, how are we not preparing? 

In verse 14, Peter tells us to be diligent (work hard and be conscientious) and spells out what we are to work hard at. He tells us to be without spot and blameless. 

We will want to look at what it means to be without spot and blameless, but first, we must consider why Peter tells us to be “found” by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.

In verse 10, we find these words, “..the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.” If the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night,” people will not be expecting it. Scripture is clear that no one knows the day or hour that Jesus will return. So, if we are working in the garden when He comes, He will find us “working in the garden.”

Working in the garden is not a bad way to be found, but what if we have broken relationships? What if we are enslaved to a particular sin?

Jesus told a parable about being ready for His return. 

Matthew 24:45-51 (NKJV) ⁴⁵“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? ⁴⁶“Blessed [is] that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. ⁴⁷“Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. ⁴⁸“But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ ⁴⁹“and begins to beat [his] fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, ⁵⁰“the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for [him] and at an hour that he is not aware of, ⁵¹“and will cut him in two and appoint [him] his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

How will the Master find us? 

Will He find us spotless? Spotless means unsoiled by the world. 

When I was a boy, I had a dog named “Buddy.” Buddy was a stray mutt that showed up at our home one day, and we started hanging out together. Two things were bothersome about Buddy. He liked to roll in stuff cows left behind, and he had a thing for skunks. The cow stuff could easily be hosed off, but when he got close and comfortable with a skunk, there was no approaching him for a couple of weeks. It’s like clothes; some stains just don’t wash out.

Jesus died for us, and if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. By His blood, we are cleansed and made spotless, but do we love the world? Do we roll around in its pollution or get close and comfortable with it? How will He find us?

“Blameless” means “not subject to censure.”

If a person does not keep the rules, he is subject to censure. An unjust judge is subject to censure. An insubordinate soldier is subject to censure. In other words, such a person receives a harsh reprimand or criticism. Being spotless means avoiding filth, and being blameless means being subject to God, not being hard-hearted.

The Bible says to submit to each other, and the Scriptures also say to have the same mind as Jesus Christ, who willingly emptied Himself of His Divine rights and became obedient onto death. Are we willing to be poured out as Jesus was?

Peace overshadows or superintends being spotless and blameless. Looking back at the verse, we recall that Peter said, “…be diligent to be found by Him in peace.”  

Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.” In addition, when He was preparing the disciples for His death, He said,

John 14:27 (NKJV) Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Jesus left us with the gift of peace, and the Bible promises if we take everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving, the peace of God that passes understanding will guard our hearts and minds. 

We are in the last days. Even in the New Testament, in the book of Hebrews, the Apostle Paul says, “in these last days.” Some were even teaching that Jesus had already returned, so Paul wrote to the Thessalonians and said:

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 (NKJV) ¹Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, ²not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. ³Let no one deceive you by any means; for [that Day will not come] unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,

Many false teachers say that Jesus has already returned or is not going to return. Paul gave information that helps us understand things that are yet to occur. Peter refers to these teachings of Paul when he says:

2 Peter 3:15-16 (NKJV) ¹⁵and consider [that] the longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation--as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, ¹⁶as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable [people] twist to their own destruction, as [they do] also the rest of the Scriptures.

Like Paul, Peter knew that the Lord had not returned yet and encouraged us to consider the patience of our Lord as salvation. The longer Jesus waits to return; the more people will be saved.

With this thought, Peter returns to false teachers. He says Paul’s writings are Scripture. I have heard people say they do not like Paul’s writings, and even some say he was a false Apostle. Here is one piece of evidence that even Peter recognized Paul’s writings as Scripture. 

Peter makes two critical points about Paul’s writings. First, they are hard to understand at times. For example, his teachings on the return of Christ require much study and a good grasp of the whole of Scripture, especially the Old Testament prophets. The truth is there for all who would study it, but this is not “low hanging fruit.” Secondly, “…untaught and unstable people twist Scriptures to their own destruction.”

The twisting of the Scriptures is one reason for the instruction for us to be diligent. The leading cause of twisting the Scriptures is being spotted by the world and hard of heart (not blameless). In addition to being diligent, Peter says to be careful not to fall from our steadfastness.

2 Peter 3:17 (NKJV) You therefore, beloved, since you know [this] beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;

Steadfastness requires a firm foundation. Since we know that false teachers are sure to come, we should be careful not to be led away by their error. The opposite of being led astray is how Peter finishes his letter. He says:

2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV) but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him [be] the glory both now and forever. Amen.

The answer to false teachers, perceiving the times, and remaining steadfast is to be continually growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus.

Growing in grace and knowledge requires time alone with Jesus.  Jesus said:

Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV) ⁷Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Do we ask for grace?

Do we seek the Scriptures for truth?

Do we pray for understanding?

Ask, Seek, Knock.

Hastening the Day

2 Peter 3:10-13

Today we are going to look at verses ten through thirteen of 2 Peter 3, but to get started, we need to look back at the ending of verse 9, where it says:

2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV) 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.

We must never forget the incredible patience with which God deals with humankind. He gave His only begotten Son so that we can be with Him forever. He is not willing that any should perish and calls us all to repentance. 

The sticking point is our need for repentance. Turning around and going the opposite direction from what we naturally do (repentance) does not appeal to us. We are born spiritually dead (separated from God) and by nature live according to the desires of our flesh. To have a relationship with God, we must acknowledge our desires as sinful and ask God to save us. We must repent, which means turn around. The majority of humanity is not willing to do this. Jesus said:

Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV) ¹³“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide [is] the gate and broad [is] the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. ¹⁴“Because narrow [is] the gate and difficult [is] the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

God waits to judge the world so that people can repent and be saved. However, the awful truth remains that there is a “Day of the Lord” coming! He will not wait forever.

2 Peter 3:10 says:

2 Peter 3:10 (NKJV) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

Peter’s description of the “Day of the Lord” is terrifying. In the “Day of the Lord,” the heavens will be destroyed. We can assume that the stars, planets, and galaxies are included in this destruction. In addition, the heaven Satan fell from will be renewed. A “great noise” will accompany this destruction, adding to the terror of that day.

The elements also will melt. The Greek word used in this context is “λύω” (luō). Luō is a term whose primary meaning is to “loose” something or someone from bonds or prison. In this sense, it also means to dissolve. The literal reading of the phrase used in Peter is “the elements will be loosed.” The Bible says God holds all things together, so He can make it all come apart or dissolve.

After describing the “Day of the Lord,” Peter tells us how we should live in light of this truth. 2 Peter 3:11-12 says:

2 Peter 3:11-12 (NKJV) ¹¹Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, ¹²looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?

Since this world and all that is in it will dissolve, doesn’t it make sense to store our treasures in heaven where moths and rust do not destroy? Peter asks the question, “What manner of person ought you to be?” The term “manner” has two meanings. The primary meaning is “of what country or people.” The secondary meaning is “of what sort or quality.” We need to consider both meanings in our conduct because, as citizens of heaven living on the earth, we represent the King, and our home is not here. We are foreigners and sojourners on earth. Why would we invest our lives in things that will dissolve while we watch?

 Peter says that the “manner of people” we are to be is “holy and godly.”

To be holy is to be set apart. Holy conduct then is to live life for God instead of for oneself. Jesus defined a life set apart for God as taking up one’s cross daily and following Him. In addition to being holy (set apart), Peter tells us to be godly. Godliness is a result of holiness. If we are set apart for God, we will seek to please Him. Godly conduct is pleasing God. We should observe the ten commandments and practice them, but God’s standard goes beyond the ten commandments. The Bible says that all God’s law is summed up in two commandments: 1) love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength, and 2) love your neighbor as yourself.

Holiness defines our position, or condition, as children of God. (We are all made holy by the blood of Jesus, God’s Son.) Godliness defines our conduct as children of God. In Ephesians 4:1-3, the Bible says:

Ephesians 4:1-3 (NKJV) ¹I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, ²with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, ³endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

If heaven is our eternal home, shouldn’t we live with heavenly values? Such values are reflected in holiness and godliness, but Peter does not stop there. He goes on to say, “…looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.”

According to this, just as we are to live “holy and godly” lives, we are to look for and hasten the day of God.

Many places in the Bible tell us to live godly lives. Jesus said if we love Him, we will keep His commands, and we just looked at Ephesians 4, where we are instructed to walk worthy of our calling. But what about looking for the day of God?

The Bible tells us to store up our treasures in heaven and commit our way to the Lord. We are instructed to acknowledge Him in all that we do and do all things as to the Lord since we live for Him. These instructions reflect the attitude of one who is “looking for” the day of God. Looking for the day of God will make us live holy and godly lives, just like we have been talking about.

But, how are we supposed to “hasten” the day of God?

What possible influence can we have on the timing of the end of the world?

Our influence is greater than we think. 

When Jesus ascended to heaven, He left a job for us to do. All four gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) repeat His command. My favorite version of this command is from Matthew, and it says:

Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV) ¹⁹“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, [even] to the end of the age.” Amen. {Compare Luke 24:46-49, Mark 16:15, John 20:21-23}

Preaching the gospel and making disciples are what Jesus commanded us to do until He comes, and this is one way we “hasten” the day of God. 

In Matthew 24:14, Jesus says:

Matthew 24:14 (NKJV) And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

The word “nations” in this verse translates the Greek word “ethnos.” The meaning of this word is critical to our understanding of what Jesus is saying. The dictionary entry is as follows.

Outline of Biblical Usage:

1. a multitude (whether of men or of beasts) associated or living together 

• a company, troop, swarm 

2. a multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus 

• the human family 

3. a tribe, nation, people group

 

Mark 16:15 quotes Jesus, saying, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” The significance of this is also seen in Revelation 7:9.

Revelation 7:9 (NKJV) After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,

John saw people from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue (language) in heaven. Our job is to get the gospel message to people so they can be part of the great multitude in heaven. God is waiting for this to happen.

Another aspect of the reason God is waiting is His relationship with Israel. Romans 11 says:

Romans 11:25-27 (NKJV) ²⁵For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. ²⁶And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; ²⁷For this [is] My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.”

God is waiting for the “fullness of the Gentiles” to come in. We do not know the number He has set, but we do know that His number includes some from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue. So, as long as we are doing the job Jesus left us with, we will be “hastening” that day.

There is one more thing that we can be doing. It is obvious once you think of it. We can pray, and we are commanded to pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says in plain language, “Pray without ceasing!” We are to give thanks in all circumstances and take all our concerns to the Lord according to Philippians 4:6.

Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

 

These prayers will affect us reaching all people. One prayer we are instructed to keep before the Father will undoubtedly have a significant effect.

Matthew 9:37-38 (NKJV) ³⁷Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly [is] plentiful, but the laborers [are] few. ³⁸“Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

We are to pray for workers to preach the gospel. Along with workers, we can pray for provision, protection, and productivity (a great harvest) for those workers.

While prayer may affect the day of God, why should we pray for it? What is the advantage?

The advantage is great in every way. Because for believers in Jesus Christ, we will live forever in a new heaven and a new earth. Peter points this out in 2 Peter 3:13.

2 Peter 3:13 (NKJV) Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

It is because of this new heaven and earth that the Bible ends with:

Revelation 22:20 (NKJV) He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Promised Coming

2 Peter 3:1-9

As chapter 3 of 2 Peter begins, Peter gives his motivation for writing both of his letters. He says:

2 Peter 3:1-2 (NKJV) ¹Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), ²that 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,

His concern is seen in the warnings he gives as he speaks of false teachers and the challenges we face as followers of Jesus. He also expresses his affection in his form of address, and he calls us “beloved.” 

Jesus commanded us to love each other. Peter shows his love by reminding us of the truth. We also recognize that false teachers fake love and concern when we say this. However, the content of Peter’s message reflects his affection. He is concerned that we are “mindful of the words which were spoken” by the prophets and Apostles. He does not direct us to himself; he leads us to the words of others that have proven faithful. He is not seeking his own benefit but ours.

The words of the prophets and Apostles form the foundation of our faith; in other words, the Old Testament and the New Testament are our source. The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, always direct us to base our lives on the written word of God. For example, the prophet Isaiah says:

Isaiah 8:20 (NKJV) To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Later in chapter three, Second Peter says that false teachers distort the writings of Paul as they do the rest of the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:16). If Second Peter teaches us anything, it teaches us to base our lives and faith on the written word of God. 

Anything I say and any teaching you hear must align with Scripture, or it is wrong. This is true of anything we read or that claims to teach the truth, and Scripture is how the Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. In Acts, the Bible recognizes the Bereans as noble-minded for checking what the Apostles were teaching against the Old Testament Scriptures.

Acts 17:11 (ESV) Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

The Bereans were “more noble” because they examined the Scriptures to see if the things taught were consistent with Scripture. They did not blindly accept everything they were told.

Let’s look at 1 Peter 3:1-2 again.

2 Peter 3:1-2 (NKJV) ¹Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), ²that 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,

In verse one, we see that he stirs up our “pure minds.” Having a “pure” (sincere or unmixed) mind is essential. Jesus said:

Matthew 5:8 (NKJV) Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

Titus 1:15 helps us understand why a pure heart is so important.

Titus 1:15 (NKJV) To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.

The defiled mind and conscience lead to being what 2 Peter 3:3 calls “scoffers.”

2 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV) ³knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, ⁴and 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.”

By saying “knowing this first,” Peter emphasizes the essential nature of the promise of His coming. Not everyone who asks, “Where is the promise of His coming,” is a mocker. The mocker asks the question with a defiled heart and conscience. Peter says the scoffer (mocker) walks according to their own lusts (evil desires). 

People suppress the truth if the truth does not serve their lusts. An impure (lustful) heart will hide from, twist, or otherwise, pervert the truth. In verse five of second Peter, Peter says people deliberately hide (from themselves) certain truths.

There is nothing wrong with the question, “Where is the promise of His coming.” However, the scoffer asks the question to mock the promise and follows it with the statement, “For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of creation.” They believe that everything has continued without change since the beginning. Verse five through seven of second Peter chapter three expose the error in the belief system of people who scoff at what the Bible says about the return of Christ.

2 Peter 3:5-7 says:

2 Peter 3:5-7 (NKJV) ⁵For 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, ⁶by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. ⁷But 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.

Two errors in thinking or belief of scoffers are shown in these verses. The first error is that they do not believe or acknowledge the biblical account of creation. And the second error is that they do not consider the story of Noah and the Ark to be true. According to 2 Peter 3:7, people purposely (deliberately) hide or ignore facts. He is saying humanity knowingly covers (hides) the knowledge of creation and the flood. 2 Peter, like the rest of Scripture, is inspired by God. So it is God who is saying that creation and the flood provide enough evidence to answer the mockers. Romans 1:18 says essentially the same thing.

Romans 1:18 (NKJV) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Most people I know are not mockers. However, most people are deceived. The deceiver knows the truth and deliberately says something different. The devil is the great deceiver and the father of lies. And, as Ephesians 2 teaches us, the world is under the power of the evil one. Because of this, most of the world is deceived concerning the obvious truths of creation and the flood. However, while God excuses their ignorance, He does not excuse their unwillingness to acknowledge the truth when they are confronted with it.

Acts 17:30-31 speaks of God’s willingness to overlook ignorance and harsh judgment of willful hiding from the truth.

Acts 17:30-31 (NKJV) ³⁰“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, ³¹“because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him [Jesus] from the dead.”

God sustains all creation, and in Him, all things exist and have their being. The power of God holds everything together. And, according to Romans 1:18, humanity has no excuse for not acknowledging these facts. However, even though humanity deliberately forgets God, God continues to sustain and provide for humanity. But, 2 Peter 3:4 contains a strong warning for the world; judgment is coming. God destroyed this world once by flooding it. God will destroy this world again, but everything will be destroyed by fire the next time. God destroyed the world by the flood because the inclinations of mens’ hearts were only evil continually. God is just, and God will see that justice is done. The coming judgment will be final, when this world is destroyed by fire.

If God is preserving this world for judgment, where is Jesus? Why has He not kept His promise to come back?

First, let’s consider where Jesus is. The Bible teaches that Jesus is at the right hand of God making intercession for us. Many verses say that Jesus is at God’s right hand interceding for us, and one such verse is Romans 8:34.

Romans 8:34 (NKJV) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with His followers while He is at the Father’s right hand. The Holy Spirit teaches and keeps us. Through the Holy Spirit, God makes us alive spiritually (this is called “rebirth”). Jesus also gives gifts by the Holy Spirit so that His followers function together as a body. His body, known as the Church, remains in the world to tell others about Jesus and plead with each person to be reconciled to God. When Jesus comes back, this will end.

When He ascended to heaven, Jesus said that no one will know the day or the hour of His return. He did tell us to be aware of the signs of the times. While we do not know the time of His return, we know for sure that it is two thousand years closer than when He left. 2 Peter 3:8-9 encourages us with the following words.

2 Peter 3:8-9 (NKJV) ⁸But, 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. ⁹The 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.

Focus on the words “the Lord is not slack concerning His promise.” In this case, the term “slack” means “slow.” However, He is waiting. Here is the answer to why Jesus has not come back yet. God “is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

God will not mess with your free will. If you choose to ignore Him and hide from the truth, He will not force you to turn. He is “longsuffering” (patience that only God can show) toward us. However, this will not go on forever. Do not try to figure out when the day of Jesus’ return will be, but know that it will be soon.

2 Peter 3:8 tells us, “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.” This is not meant to be interpreted as one thousand years equals one day, because the Scriptures are making the point that time is irrelevant to God. We are tied to time and think in terms of time. It seems like “forever” since Jesus left. We must not forget that time means nothing to God. He controls time and has set a time when Jesus will return, but time is not the measure for His work. When His will is accomplished, when everyone He wants to be saved is saved, He will return. We count “slackness” as time and impose that thinking on God. 

“Boy, He sure is slow!”

No! He is not slow. He is perfect; all His works are always complete, and when, and only when, He is ready, Jesus will return.

Are we ready?

Let me end with 1 John 3:3.

1 John 3:3 (NKJV) And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.