A Warning In The Bible From Peter

The third chapter of 2 Peter in the Bible contains a warning. False teachers were distorting the truth of the end time. To help his case, Peter referred to some of Paul’s godly wisdom.

Some of his comments are hard to understand. And those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different. Just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction. 2 Peter 3:16

Peter and Paul each experienced the salvation of the Lord in two entirely different settings. They both repented of their sins and received Jesus into their lives. The same as we need to do today.

They both received a personal invitation from Jesus. When Jesus walked on the earth He called Peter to follow Him. Paul on the other hand heard the voice of the Lord from a blinding light.

Just because we haven’t seen Jesus face to face as Peter did. Or we didn’t have a dramatic salvation experience as Paul did. Each of our salvation experiences are just as personal.

Both of these apostles preached salvation and the second coming of the Lord. Their warning signs dealing with the end times are written throughout the pages of the Bible.

Peter reminded his readers that he gave this warning in both of the books that he wrote the Bible. Our chapter for today begins with the following verses.

I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles. 2 Peter 3:1-2

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Warning about Scoffers

His first warning in this chapter dealt with the many false Bible teachers who tried to infiltrate the church. He called them scoffers and reminded the church to expect them.

Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 2 Peter 3:3

They used the same tactic Satan used way back in the Garden of Eden. Just like he enticed Eve to question God, these scoffers did the same thing.

They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 2 Peter 3:4

The biggest argument of these scoffers revolved around the fact that Christ hadn’t come back yet. Even though we measure by time, God doesn’t. Unlike us, time doesn’t bind Him

Peter said that these scoffers deliberately forgot that God made the heavens by the word of his command. And that He also brought forth the earth. Then he said the following.

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 2 Peter 3:8

Peter understood and we should too, that God does everything according to His will and for our benefit. What some described as the Lord moving too slowly, Peter revealed as God’s patience.

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9

The Day of the Lord

Then in the next few Bible verses, Peter’s warning included a short dissertation on the end times. He called it the day of the Lord.

The day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief.
Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise,
And the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.
On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames.
We can look forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised,
Because it will be a world filled with God’s righteousness. 2 Peter 3:10-13

Then he followed this great end-time proclamation with some instructions. He told his readers and us how we should live while waiting for the Lord’s return.

And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. 2 Peter 3:14

Peter Backed Up this Warning in the Bible in Paul’s Writings

Peter then took a moment to recognize the apostolic calling of Paul and his teaching on the end times. He also confirmed the end-time warning Paul included in his writings in the Bible.

And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him. 2 Peter 3:15

Peter reminded his readers by saying “You already know these things, dear friends.” Then at the close of this important writing of the Bible, he added to his warning an exhortation.

So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 2 Peter 3:17

Lord, thank you for the many gifted teachers you supply us with. Through the Holy Spirit give us clear insight into your Word. Also, let us discern your warning signs when a scoffer attempts to teach us a twisted version of the Bible.

Checkout out these two related posts on warning.