Destruction: This present world will come to an end. Not only planet earth but the entire created order will be destroyed. This is Peter’s message. All that currently exists will burn with “intense heat” when the day of judgment comes. Afterward, God will establish the unblemished world of righteousness (3:13; Rev. 21:1, 4, 27). Corruption pervades this present world and all that is tainted by sin must be destroyed before the new world begins (Isaiah 65:17). This means nothing in this world will remain unto the next age.[1] This has implications. We must not err like Achan, who foolishly held onto that which was meant for the pyre (Josh. 6:17-18). All of this world will indeed burn. May we wisely use the Master’s minas (Luke 19:13) for His business, to advance His gospel (Phil. 1:12, 25) and to make disciples for His glory (Matt. 28:19-20).
Anticipation: Peter repeatedly tells us (three times!) that we are to anticipate the coming of the Lord. Biblical eschatology is not merely for the knowing but for the longing. We are to fix our hope completely on the fulfillment of God’s future promises (1 Pet. 1:13). All people of faith lived this way, as strangers and exiles in this world, seeing and savoring from a distance (Heb. 11:13). Indeed, we, too, are seeking a better country, a heavenly one (Heb. 11:16), a city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God (Heb. 11:10). May our eyes turn to heaven, looking for the risen Lord who is coming again. May our ears perk up for the sounds that accompany the Lord’s descent from heaven (1 Thess. 4:16). May our mouths be filled with the cries for heaven: “Maranatha!” (1 Cor. 16:22) and “Amen. Come Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20)!