The Bible is different from any other book in the world. It’s different in spirit and composition. We can look at it, turn our attention to it, or we can see it-by comprehending what we look at. This portion deals with the end times. Peter urged the people to turn their attention to it and keep aware of it and the times. Be ready. Don’t take the doctrine of the Lord as just another teaching. If we knew a comet would hit the earth next week, we’d be far more than frightened. It’s time to get scared. It’s time to be afraid. The Bible says when we see things come to pass to lift up our eyes for our redemption is nigh. Peter saw the danger of being led the way of the wicked. Their greatest error is wilful ignorance: deliberately ignoring that which is so obviously and so plainly happening and coming to pass. Remember from last week Peter wrote this to stir up our mind so that the urgency of the times won’t pass over us.
The economy isn’t working anymore. The government isn’t really working anymore. There are celestial signs. Such as haven’t been for thousands of years. The attitude of the world is not on what is evident. So many people live through each day as if they were asleep, largely not moved by these signs. If we went back 30 years and were immediately moved to this day and time, we’d be shocked and afraid. We’ve become so gradually used to it now that we don’t think too much about the day of the Lord. We sing about it. We talk about it. Many are more ready to stay here than they are to go on. It’s time to wake up. What’s true–the newspaper or the Bible?
See past the skeptics. They see it happening but don’t believe the Lord is coming soon. He could come at any time. The people in the days of Noah said it wouldn’t rain. It’s just science fiction to some that the sky can explode. Even scientists believe that existence and creation can end abruptly. The solar system, the stars- the entire universe of time, space, and matter can cease to exist in an explosive moment. The Lord tells us it will all come to an end.
“II Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”
Verse 10 shows us the scope of Lord’s coming. It will be as a thief. People won’t be watching. Churches are not watching. The heavens will pass away with a great noise. It will come suddenly and surprisingly. The heavens will pass away. The very elements that comprise existence will melt with the fervent heat of God’s wrath. Verses 11 and 12 underscore it. We can’t say when it will be or how. Some try to talk themselves out of it. Signs have been fulfilled and are being fulfilled. It’s not what it used to be. The nations are so interwoven that there are hardly nations anymore. We see how close we are to a one-world government. Everything there is to know about us is in a global data base. If we knew how much we are monitored everyday it would scare us to death. We’re in the end times. God will wipe it all clean. We look at it everyday. Lord, help us to see it! The only way to deal with the coming of the Lord is to be ready for it.
There are two sides to the day of the Lord. (1) The wiping away; it was prophesied. The day of the Lord will wipe everything out of existence. The only things that will remain are the new heaven and earth and the lake of fire. (2) If we’re saved and ready, we can look for a new heaven and earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and see truth from error. Don’t listen to skeptics. See how close we are to the end. In a twinkling of an eye it will be gone. God began it all; he will end it all. Don’t worry about the ends of outs of how what will happen and how it will end. Peter says to be focused on the fact that the Lord is coming.
Verse 11 says there is something to look forward to. If we have a bag to pack, we’d better get it packed; the flight is leaving soon. In verse 14 Peter says to be diligent and blameless. Focus on it. We must get as close as we can.
It’s scary to see seasoned Christians go away from the truth. You’d be surprised at how little it takes. Stop praying and studying God’s word. Let your worship slip while idling away that time in selfish enjoyments. Soon you’ll be religious and “churchy” and find yourself led away by the wicked one. Stay with God’s word. Stay with God’s people. Grow closer to the Lord for the day of the Lord is at hand. Be ready.
It’s for our mutual protection and help that we are ready to leave this world and prepared to step into the new one. We should all pray “Lord, open my eyes that I might not only look but see so I will remain close to you.”
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 