2 Peter 3:14

Friday, 28 February 2020

Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 2 Peter 3:14

Translations of this verse vary widely, but in the end, they all speak of the condition of the believer before the Lord. Peter begins with “Therefore.” In this, he is referring to the key points which he has already addressed –

1) The Day of the Lord is coming as a thief in the night. Because of this, we should live our lives in holy conduct and godliness; hastening the coming Day of God.

2) This coming time will result in the destruction of the heavens and the earth.

3) Despite the first two points, God has promised a new heavens and earth; one where righteousness dwells.

Because of these things, he asks believers to look “forward to these things.” He does so using the term “beloved.” In this, it is a note of reassurance. God has a plan for His people whom he cares for. Peter’s use of this word is to comfort them in this. Instead of fear and trepidation, there should be eager anticipation. The world is heading for bad times, but the Lord has something prepared for His people, the glory of which will far exceed the temporary times of destruction which are to first come.

He next tells them to “be diligent to be found by Him in peace.” Times of turmoil lie ahead because the Lord will judge the wicked. As Isaiah 57:21 says, “‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked.’” However, because believers are beloved of the Lord, there should not be worry about this coming judgment, but rather peace – knowing that these things must come to pass in order that the world of righteousness can then be ushered in.

With that in mind, Peter finishes his exhortation by noting that believers should be “without spot and blameless.” These words are closely tied to the word he said in his first epistle concerning Christ –

“…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18, 19

It also is a contrast to what he said of the false teachers in the previous chapter –

They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you.” 2 Peter 2:13

The idea then is that believers are to emulate that which is good and right as seen in Christ, and to shun that which is perverse and unholy as found in the false teachers. Peter’s thoughts are consistent and beautifully laid out to show the proper and orderly way for his reader to conduct his affairs in this temporary, fallen world.

Life application: As believers who live in a world which is set for destruction, we need to actively work towards calmness, not fretting over that which has already been ordained. God’s plan has been recorded and there isn’t a thing we can do about it. So rather than wringing our hands and losing sleep over what is already determined, we should mentally look forward to this time with peaceful hearts. The promises which come after the Day of the Lord should be our heart’s encouragement.

We are also to emulate Jesus at all times. Just as His work was prefigured in the Old covenant Passover lamb; one without spot and wholly fitting for a sacrifice to God, so should we work towards such a state in our own lives.

Should the Lord come today, would He find you secretly having an affair, cheating on finances, or engaging in morally questionable activities? Or will He find you pursuing righteousness and godliness? The Lord is coming…be about His business so that when He arrives you won’t be ashamed of your deeds.

Glorious and Almighty God! How we long for the day of Your coming and the ushering in of that which is eternal, perfect, and satisfying. Give us the wisdom to seek holiness and right living now so that upon Your return we won’t be found ashamed of our actions. This we pray, knowing that only You can so direct our steps. Amen.

 

 

 

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