"Therefore, Beloved"

You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. (1Peter 3:17-18 ESV)

In this, his second letter to what is believed to be the churches in Asia Minor, Peter reminds the church of their knowledge of biblical prophecy and promise teachings of Christ’s second coming. Peter reminds them that because of this knowledge, they are held accountable and should adhere to the teachings of Christ they have received.

Peter recalls that all things in this world continue on from creation. Peter reminds them of the account of creation by the hand of God. Peter also recalls the great flood of the time of Noah and how everything was destroyed, everything but the elect of God. I am ever grateful that Peter notifies us that one day for God is one thousand years for us. This should help us understand that given this timeline, Christ ascended to His throne two days ago in God’s time.

This helps us understand Christ's words on the eve of His Passion, how He spoke of things to come. It also helps us when we are confronted with the ever-present accusations of Christ’s lack of coming back and to this point. It has been two days for Christ and two thousand plus years for us. Christ works in His time, not ours.

Peter reminds his audience of the Second Coming and the events that will occur. He makes his point in verse 10, which reads, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” Reminding us all to be patient in our longing for the Lord’s return and to remain faithful.

In verses 17 and 18, his message to the churches of Asia Minor is just as critical today as it was then. Do not fall away. Do not become enamored with the world. Do not mimic the sinful ways of today’s society, that which has been turned over to debased minds. Instead, tread the narrow path, repenting as we go when we trip and fall over the stonesppp place in the path for us by the evil one.

Peter knows, as do you and I, that our stability in life is contingent on our steadfastness in Christ. Instead of falling away, we must continue to grow in faith and knowledge of the Word of God, worshiping and glorifying Him as we move forward in our sanctification, thereby ensuring our security and peace.

Fulfill Christ’s commandment to all of us by spreading the gospel to the nations. Whatever small part you play, the return is in the salvation of the lost.

Grace and Peace.