The Truth of the Scriptures

Peter said, "Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle" (2 Peter 3:1a). "Beloved" (v. 1a) shows Peter's pastoral heart, along with his genuine concern for his fellow believers. He wrote other letters, at least the two, to the same believers. Taken at face value, this likely refers to First Peter. It is possible that Peter wrote more than two letters, so this could refer to one we don't have, rather than to First Peter, but most commentators believe that the two letters mentioned are First and Second Peter. And that is where I stand.

In parenthetical form, Peter reviews the purpose of His two letters: "(in both… I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder)" (v. 1b). In both letters, Peter reminds us of certain basic doctrinal or spiritual truths. To "stir up" (v. 1b), indicates his intention to wake us up—to move us out of any complacency we may have and make us aware of the spiritual urgency of these truths. "Pure minds" (v. 1b), refers to the purified minds the Holy Spirit gave us at salvation; a mind uncontaminated by the sinful influences of the world. We have been cleansed by the blood of Christ. These reminders are meant "to stimulate you to wholesome thinking" (v. 1b, NIV).

Peter first speaks of the Old Testament prophets: "that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets" (v. 2a). This is clearly a reference to the prophets of the Old Testament speaking the Word of God. Peter tells us to "be mindful of the words which were spoken" (v. 2a) in the Old Testament. It too is God's Word, just as the New Testament is God's Word. Read the whole Bible and live by the whole counsel of God!

Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets speak often of the Day of the Lord and the final judgment of God. Isaiah said, "For behold, the LORD will come with fire and with His chariots, like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by His sword the LORD will judge all flesh; and the slain of the LORD shall be many" (Isa. 66:15-16).

And again, Malachi said, "'For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,' says the LORD of hosts, 'that will leave them neither root nor branch. But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves. You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this,' says the LORD of hosts" (Malachi 4:1-3).

From Isaiah to Malachi—the first of the books of prophecy to the last—the Day of God's wrath, the Day of God's judgment, a day often referred to as "the Day of the LORD," is prophesied often and with great detail. The phrase, "the words which were spoken before" (2 Peter 3:2a), refer not only to Old Testament prophecy, but they refer especially to the prophecies of "the Day of the Lord," in this context.

Peter then speaks of the New Testament apostles, saying, "and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior" (v. 2b). This is better rendered, "and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles" (NASB). They refer to the Second Coming of Christ some three hundred times in the New Testament. It is a doctrine, a truth, that cannot be ignored. It is one of the core doctrines of the faith.

John described Christ's return like this: "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev. 19:11-16).

Throughout the New Testament, as with the Old Testament prophets, the Return of Christ is spoken of repeatedly. The writers of Scripture make it abundantly clear that Jesus is coming again! You can take it to the bank and count on it. Peter encourages us in our walk with Christ by affirming the truth of the Scriptures. Trust the Word. Live for Christ with one eye on the sky, eagerly watching and waiting for the return of Jesus! Amen.