Lesson 4998

 (Lesson 4998) (10-07-25) 2nd Peter 3:1-10 

   “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 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.” 

 

   Today’s quote reminds us to keep a sincere mind and remember the words of the prophets of the Old Testament and apostles of the New. It warns that in the last days, people will come to mock God’s promises, claiming nothing has changed since creation. Peter explains that some too easily forget that God once destroyed the world by water in the great flood and that the present world is reserved for destruction by fire in the day of judgment. He reminds us that God’s timing is much different than ours, to God, one day is like a thousand years and that God is patient, not wanting any soul to perish but for all to be eternally saved. The quote ends by saying the day of the Lord will come suddenly, like a thief, bringing destruction to the earth. In simple terms the lesson teaches patience and faith, warning that while people doubt, God’s promise of judgment, and eternal salvation, will surely come on His schedule. ~