The conclusion of Peter’s second letter poses a powerful question.
Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be? (3:11)
The God-breathed answer isn’t hard to find.
- Holy: claimed by God, distinct from the world, and dedicated to his service
- Godly: becoming more and more like Jesus, day by day
- Waiting: confidently expecting his triumphant return
- Hastening: anxiously anticipating the fulfillment of God’s good promises
- Diligent: faithfully serving my King as a citizen of heaven and eagerly sharing the news of his grace
- Without spot: taking the cost and responsibility of my forgiveness seriously
- At peace: with my Creator, my fellow image-bearers, and myself
- Thankful: never forgetting that I do not deserve the patience of the Lord who continues to provide time for all to repent
- On guard: against error, lawlessness, and ignorant, unstable influences
- Growing: progressing in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Savior
- Glorifying: in harmony with and honoring the will of the Creator for his creation
In light of our limited time and the promised return of Jesus, what sort of people ought we to be today? Thanks to 2 Peter 3:11-18, the answer isn’t hard to find.
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care… (2 Pet 3:17)