Who Is, Who Was, and Is to Come

Revelation 1:4-8

Rev 1:4 (NKJV) John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,

The book of Revelation is the capstone of the Bible. With this letter from John to the seven churches, the Bible is complete. The Bible contains 66 books, so coming to this last book, the assumption is that one is familiar with the contents of the preceding 65 books.

As for the human author, John does not say much about himself. In verse 1, he says that he received the Revelation from an angel. And then, in verse 4, he states his name as the author of the letter. In his culture, the person writing a letter said who they were at the beginning of the letter. We see this pattern in all Paul’s letters. Verses 4 through 7 are John’s personal greetings.

John assumes we know who he is; he wrote the Gospel of John, and he was the pastor of the church in Ephesus for a time. Ephesus is the first church addressed in the letters to the churches, which is fitting because of John’s relationship with that church.

The book is addressed to the seven churches which are in Asia. However, there were more than seven churches in Asia. For example, there was the church at Colossi, the church at Galatia, and the church at Philippi.

Starting at Ephesus and going north, then making an upside-down “U,” one could visit each of the seven churches in the order that they appear in Revelation. 

However, the reason that seven churches are addressed is that seven is the number of completion. The number seven is significant throughout the Bible. You have heard it said that seven is the number of perfection, but perfection, in this case, means completion or maturity. There are seven churches, seven seals, seven bowls, and seven trumpets in the book of Revelation. The creation week was seven days, the golden lamp in the holy place had seven branches, and Revelation 1:4 mentions the “seven” Spirits of God that are before the throne. All of these sevens represent “completeness” or “fullness.”

The book of Revelation is a book of completion. In it, we see the consumption of the ages, the culmination of God’s plan for creation, and the completion of the written word of God. Seven churches are addressed because the church throughout the ages is pictured in them, and the pattern of the relationship between Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, and the various local bodies throughout the earth can be discerned. Any church can look and find itself represented in the seven. In addition, the Church in these last days most resembles the church of Laodicea. But, we must be careful to make sure we realize that not every church fits into this generalization. We will cover this more when we get to the letters to the churches.

After naming himself and the recipients, John says, “Grace to you and peace….” Many New Testament letters begin this way, but we should not pass over the meaning of the blessing pronounced. Grace comes through our Lord Jesus Christ, and it is through Him we have peace with God and peace in our hearts. We need to understand that grace saves us, and then peace fills us due to that grace. The grace and peace of God are given without measure to the one who trusts in Him. 

Notice that grace and peace come from the Trinity. 

The One who is, who was, and is to come, is God the Father. 

The “seven Spirits who are before the throne” refers to the Holy Spirit. The number seven, being the number of completion, represents the fulness of the Holy Spirit. Another example of this is found in Revelation 5:6.

Rev 5:6 (NKJV)  And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

In this verse, which we will study more fully later, the reference to the seven Spirits points to the Spirit of God in His fulness going throughout the earth in judgment. 

In the salutation of the Revelation, the Spirit, in all His fullness, is granting grace and peace. 

Revelation 1:5-6 gives greetings of grace and peace from Jesus Christ, the third person of the Trinity. However, the description of Jesus is fuller than the description of the Father and the Spirit.

Rev 1:5-6 (NKJV) ⁵and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, ⁶and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him [be] glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

Grace and peace from Him who was is, and is to come, the seven Spirits before the throne and Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace are ours because God gave His only begotten Son. Begotten does not mean created. When a man begets a child, the child is the same “kind” as the father, i.e., human. In much the same way, when God begets a Son, the Son is God. However, the Son has no beginning and no end. Another way of translating “begotten” in this case would be to say, “God’s one and only Son,” which refers to the unique nature of the Son. We are all sons and daughters of God, but we are adopted, not begotten. Some say that Jesus never claimed to be God, but this is not true. In several places, Jesus claims to be God, and none is more straightforward than the statement of Revelation 1:8. In verse 8, Jesus says He is the beginning and the end, the Almighty. We will look at this some more, but I point it out at this time to help us understand who Jesus Christ is.

Jesus is the Greek version of the Hebrew name “Joshua.” At the time Jesus lived and walked here on earth, you could have thrown a rock into a crowd of Jews and had a good chance of hitting a “Joshua.” To distinguish Him from all other Joshuas, we say, “Jesus Christ.” Christ is not His name; it is His office. 

In Genesis, when Adam and Eve sinned, God promised a Savior who was called the seed of the woman. As time passed, God revealed more about the woman's promised seed. Moses mentioned that God would raise a prophet like Him. The Psalms speak of a coming Savior, and the Prophets spend a lot of time announcing the coming Messiah. Messiah means “anointed one.” Psalm 2 says:

Psalm 2:6-8, 12 (NKJV) ⁶"Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion." ⁷"I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, 'You [are] My Son, Today I have begotten You. ⁸Ask of Me, and I will give [You] the nations [for] Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth [for] Your possession. ... ¹²Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish [in] the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all those who put their trust in Him.

The King is the Anointed One, the Messiah. And, as the Messiah, God promises to give Him the ends of the earth for His possession. In the Gospels, we see Jesus rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, but we need to remember that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords. The earth is His to rule. Revelation 1:5 says that He is “…ruler over the kings of the earth.” When we attach “Christ” to Jesus, we refer to His position as King of all the nations on earth.

Revelation 1:5 also calls Jesus the faithful witness. Later in the book of Revelation, we will see the souls of martyrs under the altar of God asking for recompense. “Martyr” is a word that means “witness.” Jesus is the faithful witness; not only did He give His life a ransom for many, but He testified to the truth. He never lied and is always reliable. When He stood before Pilate, Jesus said:

John 18:37 (NKJV) Pilate said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say [rightly] that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

According to His words, Jesus came to bear witness to the truth. Even deeper than this is that He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Faithful means we can trust or rely upon His witness.

In addition to being the faithful witness, He is also said to be “the firstborn from the dead.” Others in the Bible were raised from the dead; Jesus raised several from the dead, including Lazarus. However, Jesus is the first to be raised from the dead, never to die again. We all will be raised from the dead. At the end of Revelation, we see that the unsaved dead will be raised last, only to be judged and thrown into the lake of fire. But, believers who have trusted in Jesus will be raised to life eternal.

After describing Jesus and the salvation He gives, John gives a doxology, a song of praise.

Revelation 1:5-6 (NKJV) To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, ⁶and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him [be] glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

We love Him because He first loved us, and we see this love displayed in the praise that comes out in this doxology. Most modern translations say, “To Him who loves us….” Jesus loves us and keeps on loving us, and his love never changes. [1 John 3:1 NKJV]  “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” How can we even express or comprehend the all-encompassing love that Jesus showed when He “…washed us from our sins in His own blood.”

Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. Every drop of Jesus’ blood is priceless, and there is no way to measure its worth.

He has made us kings and priests or “a kingdom of priests” to His God and Father. Before the tribulation, the Church will be raptured. From chapter 4 of Revelation through chapter 19, the Church is not mentioned, and when the Church reappears, it is as the Bride of Christ. When He returns to reign as king, we will reign with Him.

After the song of praise, verse seven begins with “Behold.” This is a call for us to pay attention, and we need to stop and consider. So, pay close attention to what follows in verse seven.

Revelation 1:7 (NKJV) Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

The Lord’s people wait for His return. In 1 Thessalonians 4, believers are caught up to meet Him in the air, and after the tribulation, Jesus comes back in glory to slay the beast and imprison the devil. At that time, all the tribes of the earth will mourn because they will see the Lord whom they rejected. The nation of Israel will look on Him whom they have pierced and recognize Him as the promised Messiah whom they crucified.

The words of greeting from John, which started at verse 4, end with “Even so, Amen.” And then, Jesus gives His own greeting.

Revelation 1:8 (NKJV) “I am the Alpha and the Omega, [the] Beginning and [the] End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Jesus is the eternal Almighty. John 1:1 tells us that He was with God in the beginning and is God. Now, in Revelation 1:8, Jesus says He will continue to be with God forever. 

Jesus gave the Revelation to John to give us grace and peace. This greeting is not just a formality to open a letter; it is a declaration, once again, that God’s purpose in giving us this book and all 65 books that preceded it is to provide us with a blessing (grace and peace). 

If we read and do the things in this book, we will be filled with grace and peace. 

This then is your assignment for this year; dig into this book and study it, asking the Lord to give you understanding.

Listen to this book. If you have not been washed from your sins in His blood, you will go through the terrible events described in this book. Disasters are coming that will cut the world's population nearly in half. You will want to take part in the rapture of the Church rather than go through those years. Since no one knows the day nor the hour, now is the time to be washed from your sins in the blood of Jesus. 

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!