"This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles. Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation." For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that... But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" 2 Peter 3:15, 8, 9.
Why has Jesus delayed His coming? No. 1 God is eternal Deut. 33:27" and so a thousand years" are but a snap of the finger to God. Why has He delayed his coming? So you and I could be saved! Awesome, isn't it? And so others "should come to repentance" vs. 9 and we could have a part and win others also to Christ that are alive now.
No. 2
"Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness" 2 Peter 3:11. This old world and all that is in it, all our possessions, shall be burned up (vs. 10) and "only what is done for Christ shall last." You and I MUST pursue "holiness and godliness."
No. 3
"Looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God" 2 Peter 3:12. "The day of the Lord" begins immediately after the rapture when we are caught up to meet the Lord in the air and the tribulation begins. We should be constantly looking for that day for we will then "purify ourselves as He is pure" 1 John 3:2. And so we won't be "ashamed before Him at His coming" 1 John 2:28 or that "the son of man" not be "ashamed of us when he cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels" Mark 8:38. Doesn''t that make sense?
O dear people, we are not going to be slapping each other on the back as we go up in the rapture and looking down our noses at those left behind. Too many will "be ashamed before Him at His coming" 1 John 2:28.. Some will shortly thereafter see all their "works burned, saved yet so as by fire" 1 Cor. 3:15:16. "Lay up treasures in heaven" Matt. 6:20. More on this later.
Prayer: Father, help us "to understand the times" and "So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom" Ps. 90:12.
"Making the most of your time, because the days are evil" Eph. 5:16. "He who is wise wins souls" Pro. 11:30. He who walks with wise men will be wise" Prov 13:20.
Dr. Charles C. Ryrie, ThD and PhD, has written over twenty books. One of the best called, "Basic Theology," dealing with all the basic doctrines of the Bible. It has been translated into a number of languages including Chinese and Russian.
He has several on prophecy. His master piece is the "Ryrie Study Bible." The notes, outlines and explanations of verses are extremely enlightening and helpful. Everyone who has heard him teach or read his books remark how clear and understandable he makes deep theological subjects to sound. You will love his article.
