The third chapter of Second Peter is the final chapter of this epistle written by Peter. In it, he has several objectives, including a reminder to Christians of the coming of the scorners of promise, a review of catastrophic events that will befall the earth, and the assurance of new heaven and earth when Jesus returns.

Warning against Scoffers

The apostle Peter mentioned to his readers that there will be scoffers who will come to persecute them. As such, they should be aware of the commandments, prophecies, and the teachings of the apostles.

Peter continued to stress that such scoffers will arise and walk in their own lusts during the last days without bearing in their minds that the Lord’s Word destroyed the world before. He reminded the believers that the earth that exists now and its ungodly men are set aside for fire when the judgment and punishment day comes.

The Lord’s Day will Come

In 2 Peter Chapter 2, the apostle tells his readers that the Lord’s day will come unexpectedly, like a robber in the night, but with cataclysmic destruction. For instance, the existing heaven and earth will be dissolved via a mighty configuration.

Peter advises the reader to put more concentration on holy behavior and godliness in anticipation for the hastening day of the Lord’s Second Coming so that they may inherit the new heaven and earth along with Christ Himself.

Expecting the Lord’s Day

Peter closes the third chapter of his second epistle by advising his readers to be found in Him in peace and be blameless if they want to inherit the new heaven and earth. Believers are also advised to take advantage of the Lord’s forgiveness as an opportunity for salvation. With admonitions, Peter warns of unstable souls who have twisted God’s word to their individual destruction. He concludes this epistle with a hymn to Christ.

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2 Peter 3 (King James Version)

1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

2 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:

3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

4 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.

5 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:

6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

7 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.

8 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.

9 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.

10 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.

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

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