Monday, November 9, 2015
2 Peter 3:3-7, 10 ... In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' He promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment ... the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
THE LAST DAY WILL COME
Has anyone ever made fun of your belief that Christ will return on the Last Day? Probably not. The world we live in today doesn't consider that "old-fashioned" belief a concept worth challenging. The very idea just doesn't fit with current accepted thought. Most today assume that this world will continue indefinitely -- or at least a few million years or until some catastrophic event (cosmic or nuclear or ecological) makes this earth uninhabitable.
But unbelieving speculations have never set aside God's plans. And His word is clear: "The Day of the Lord will come."
Peter says that this is as sure as another world-wide catastrophe. The flood. And, like the flood, for many the Last Day will be a day of destruction. A "doomsday."
But, just as the flood for Noah meant rescue and deliverance, so also the Last Day will be a day of deliverance for all who trust in the Lord who will return on that Last Day of this earth's history.
We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth (2 Peter 3:13).
Remember what Jesus said:
"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28).
In the meantime, how then shall we live?
Here's the question, and the Holy Spirit caused Peter to write about it: "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God" (2 Peter 3:14).
