Over the years, I have often heard 2
Peter 3:8 quoted as an explanation for how a Christian can believe that the six
days of creation recorded in Genesis 1 were really thousands upon thousands of
years. Oddly, the verses that immediately precede this verse speak of how God
created the world solely by the power of His Word, and, even today, preserves
it until the day of judgment. More importantly, the whole point of 2 Peter 3
has nothing to do with the Doctrine of Creation but is actually focused on
Eschatology – teachings regarding the end of the world and Jesus’ second
coming.
Peter says, “Do not overlook this one
fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a
thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some
count slowness, but is patent toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but
that all should reach repentance.” His
point is that, while we are waiting for Jesus to return the world will continue
as it has from Creation. People may question, “Is the Lord going to return? Where
is He?” They may even imply that this is
proof that Jesus is not returning or that He isn’t even real.
The point Peter is making is that the
reason it has been so long since Jesus has ascended it because God wants
everyone to have every opportunity to hear His Word and believe that Jesus is
their savior. It is a sign of His love and compassion that He has not returned.
It is also a sign of our purpose and
mission as His people.
Since all the things in the world are
going to be destroyed and Jesus will return it becomes all the more imperative
to live lives of holiness and godliness. Why? Because while we wait for new
heavens and a new earth, we have the opportunity to bring the message of
salvation to people. We have all confidence in Christ that on that day we will
see God’s patience as salvation, for His patience allowed us to hear and
believe in Jesus. It is also the opportunity for people who don’t believe today
to hear, believe, and be saved through Jesus’ sacrifice, too.
Lord Jesus, I pray that you will return soon
and take me and all believers into Your new creation. In the meantime, living
in Your grace, shape my life to show You compassion to others so they, too, may
believe. Amen.
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