The Facts About Jesus' Return
The Facts About Jesus' Return
2 Peter 3:4-9
4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 But 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. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 But 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. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Where is the Promise of His Coming?
It was just another ordinary afternoon in February 2023. Paolo Dimitrio, age 63, was baking pizzas at his Italian restaurant in Paris, just as he had for the previous 16 years. Suddenly police filled the room, followed by reporters and tv news crews. Paolo Dimitrio was really Edgardo Greco, a notorious mafia boss on the run since 2007. Greco tipped off the authorities by posing for a large newspaper feature on his pizzeria. It seems he had gotten away with his crimes for so long, he thought he’d never be caught.
The “scoffers” in Asia Minor have taken this position about the final judgment of Jesus, and are now persuading others that he will never come again. “Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation (3:4)?” “Look around!” They say. “The world keeps on turning, and God never interrupts the pattern. Every day is like before. You think one day God will show up and end it all?” Peter says they deliberately overlook three essential facts.
The “scoffers” in Asia Minor have taken this position about the final judgment of Jesus, and are now persuading others that he will never come again. “Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation (3:4)?” “Look around!” They say. “The world keeps on turning, and God never interrupts the pattern. Every day is like before. You think one day God will show up and end it all?” Peter says they deliberately overlook three essential facts.
Scoffers Overlook God’s Power (3:5–7)
They talk like God created the world, but then locked himself out and lost the key. Now he can’t get back in and intervene—he just has to watch from the window! Of course, that’s ridiculous. In the beginning, God spoke and formed this earth out of watery chaos (3:5). This is God’s world, and he can come through the front door anytime he wants. That’s just what he did in the days of Noah. The earth was full of scoffers then: “‘Rain? What rain?” Then God spoke again, and deluged his world. He can do it anytime. In his goodness, he’s designed the world to operate by orderly, predictable patterns. But he won’t let his world defy him forever (3:7). He has appointed a day to judge the ungodly and start over for good this time.
Scoffers Overlook God’s Perspective (3:8)
“If Jesus is returning, why the delay?” the scoffers ask. But Peter replies that the everlasting God’s perspective of time is not like ours. Drawing from Psalm 90:4, he reminds us that one day is like 1,000 years in God’s sight, and that 1,000 years are like a day. It is a humbling biblical insight that reminds us of how qualitatively different God is from us. Small, finite, time-bound creatures should be slow to judge the actions of a big, infinite, timeless God. When he does not operate according to our timetable—whether in the matter of the Lord’s return or a response to some prayer, remember his perspective.
Scoffers Overlook God’s Plan (3:9–10)
Why has God delayed the return of Jesus? Not because he is unable, unfaithful, or unconcerned with judgment. He is just so patient. At Christ’s appearing, God will put a final end to sin and evil in his world. All who defy his rule will be swept away, as in the days of Noah’s flood. God’s goodness requires this as much as his holiness does! At the same time, God is not itching to execute judgment on this rebellious creation. He does not delight in the death of the wicked. God would rather show mercy! Through the costly death of his Son, God has opened a window of mercy for sinners to repent. He daily holds out mercy to those who ignore and despise him. When even one sinner does repent, God throws a party in heaven (Luke 15:7)! That is God’s true heart. His kindness and forbearance should lead you to repentance (Rom 2:4).
Has his patience toward you softened your heart?
Has his patience toward you softened your heart?
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Article by Eric Smith
Senior Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church
Senior Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church
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