II Peter Chapter 3
II Peter 3: 1, 2
Peter says that this second letter from him is written so that it will help them remember the words that were told by the holy prophets. And to remember the teachings of the Jesus’ disciples.
II Peter 3: 3, 4
You should know that in the last days there will be people who scoff—make fun of—laugh at—the idea that Christ will come again the second time.
These people walk after their own ideas and understanding. They walk after their own desires. They say: “Where is this Jesus? We have heard that He is to come for thousands of years and He still is not here. Everything in the world goes along as always.”
II Peter 3: 5
These people are without knowledge because they do not want to believe the truth.
They do not want to believe that God by His word created the world—the heavens and the earth. The earth was standing out of the water and in the water. Genesis 1:2 “And the earth had no form (shape) and it was empty. Darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the waters.”
There are people who have wondered about this verse. Does this verse say that there was an earth before ours? Where did the waters come from? Had there been an earth before and it was destroyed by water? Was this a time of the dinosaurs?
II Peter 3: 6
The world that then was, had been overflowed (flooded completely covered) with water and everything in it died. (This is probably talking about the flood of Noah’s time.)
II Peter 3: 7
The heavens and the earth that we now have are kept going by the word of the Lord. They will be kept there by His word until the day of judgment of sinners and those who refuse God.
In those last days, the heavens and the earth will be destroyed by fire.
II Peter 3: 8
Remember, one day with the Lord is as a thousand, and a thousand is as one day.
Time for us here on earth is measured by day and night into years.
Scientists who study time, space, and gravity—have learned that as something travels farther and farther into space—that the faster a thing goes the slower time is and the slower it goes the faster the time is. (Something like that—it is really beyond my understanding—but I have watched science shows on the Science channel and heard them talk about this.
Things that take a long time to happen on earth could happen in the Spirit world in seconds. (A thousand years is as a day.)
God’s time in heaven is not measured in the same way as things on our little earth.
II Peter 3: 9
God’s promise about Jesus coming again is not weak or empty. God is giving time to people on earth because He does not want anyone to die in their sins. He wants everyone to come to repent and forgiveness. He is waiting with long patience.
II Peter 3: 10
The day of the Lord will come. It will be like a thief coming. No one will be expecting it.
The heavens will pass away with a great noise. The heavenly stars and meteors and such will make a great heat. They will melt away–burn up.
The earth also will burn up. See II Peter 3: 12.
II Peter 3: 11
Since we understand that all these terrible things will happen one day—–how should we be living? We should be holy and living for God.
II Peter 3: 12
We are looking for the day of the Lord. We hope it gets here in a hurry. We are looking forward to this day that the heavens will be on fire and will burn up and be no more. They will melt with a great heat.
Revelation 8:10, 11, 12 Revelation 16: 8, 9 Isaiah 13:10 Amos 8.9
II Peter 3: 13
We are looking for His promise of a new heaven and a new earth—-where the righteous will live forever.
Revelation 20: 11 Revelation 21:1 Isaiah 65:17
II Peter 3: 14
Because we look for these things—-be careful to always be in Jesus.
Keep the peace of Jesus in your heart. Do not have any spot of sin. Be without blame.
II Peter 3: 15
The Lord’s patience with us brings us to salvation. Paul learned that from his own life. Paul has written to you telling you about his life and how God brought him to a place where he believed in Jesus.
II Peter 3: 16
Peter says: Some of the things Paul writes about are hard to understand. People who do not understand those things put their own meanings to what he said—and in doing this —they have twisted and turned the truth that Paul was saying. They have also twisted other scriptures and given meanings that are not true.
II Peter 3: 17
Since you know these things—-be careful yourself—do not get caught in these wrong teachings. These wrong teachings will destroy your faith in God.
II Peter 3: 18
Grow in grace. Grow in the knowledge of God. To Him be glory now and forever. Amen.