2 Pet 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2 Pet 3:14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
Peter, having just spoken about the fact of the day of the Lord coming as a thief in the night, and the heavens and the earth being burned up and dissolved, that is, all we can see will be gone. He now states whats coming beyond the day of the Lord.
Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. So, beyond this world, that is, when it literally ceases to exist, it will be melted, burned up, and dissolved so that nothing of it is left, ( God has a new heaven and new earth for us ) This would be a reference to the time period after the great white throne judgement, at the end of things as we know them to be. This would be after the rapture, after the tribulation, after the 1000 year reign of Jesus on the earth, and then as mentioned after the final Great White Throne Judgement. All will be gone, and a brand new heaven and earth will be created, and it will dwell in righteousness.
How can it be, that it will dwell in righteousness.? Because, Satan, and his angels, along with all the wicked who have refused salvation, will be in the lake of fire, and the only people who will dwell in this new earth will be glorified saints, along with Jesus, the Holy Spirit, God the Father, and the holy angels. That's it. No one else. Thus, there will be no sin, devil, death, tears, sickness, trouble etc, only righteousness.
In light of this wonderful promise, truth and future we have from God, here's some application for us.
2 Pet 3:14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
Again, we are beloved, and we are looking forward to these things............here's what we are told. Be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.
That is, may our lives be lived in the peace of God, not at any odds with the Lord as it were, but walking in His peace. No spots ( meaning absolutely clean, immaculate, without faults, or moral blemishes , pure ) and blameless. ( blameless, means innocent of any wrongdoing ) Not walking in sin, and simply walking hand in hand with Him.
While what Peter has been talking about is actually going to happen down the road ( that's not to say the rapture could not happen at any moment ), but regardless of what may be down the road, the focus of what the Scripture is teaching, has to do with our right now living. And, our living the right way, right now.
That's not just a play on words. It's the Biblical Calling to any and all who have faith in Jesus Christ. Live now, the way the Lord has called you to live, live as you ought to live. Again, let's look at this scripture one more time.
2 Pet 3:14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
First of all, live in hope. "looking forward" etc.
Secondly, "be diligent" or careful and conscientious in one's work or duties. Take delight in.
Thirdly, In peace and without blemish. Have God's peace in your life, by letting His Word call the shots as it were in your life. Look to His Word for direction and understanding and then seek to obey His Word. This will keep you walking blamelessly before Him.
May God richly bless you.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
While what Peter has been talking about is actually going to happen down the road ( that's not to say the rapture could not happen at any moment ), but regardless of what may be down the road, the focus of what the Scripture is teaching, has to do with our right now living. And, our living the right way, right now.
That's not just a play on words. It's the Biblical Calling to any and all who have faith in Jesus Christ. Live now, the way the Lord has called you to live, live as you ought to live. Again, let's look at this scripture one more time.
2 Pet 3:14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
First of all, live in hope. "looking forward" etc.
Secondly, "be diligent" or careful and conscientious in one's work or duties. Take delight in.
Thirdly, In peace and without blemish. Have God's peace in your life, by letting His Word call the shots as it were in your life. Look to His Word for direction and understanding and then seek to obey His Word. This will keep you walking blamelessly before Him.
May God richly bless you.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
