Doing so will hasten the coming of the day of God ( 3:12). In other words, we must abandon what is temporary and embrace what is eternal. Instead, they should focus on holy conduct and godliness ( 3:11).

3:12).ģ:11-12 Since the things this world values are to be dissolved in this way, believers should stop focusing on worldly success and achievement. At the end of the tribulation, the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed (cf. Here it refers specifically to the coming great tribulation period when God will govern the affairs of man in a more direct and open way than he does at present. The phrase “day of the Lord” denotes different divine interventions in different Scripture passages. The former refers to instances when God intervenes in the affairs of man, and the latter refers to instances when sinful man appears to be in control of the world. Many are waiting on God, when God is actually waiting on them.ģ:10 The day of the Lord in Scripture is distinguished from the day of man. When we fulfill our responsibilities, we’ll see more of God’s sovereign action. The supreme example of this principle is that God delays final judgment because he does not want any to perish but all to come to repentance and believe the gospel ( 3:9). Rather, it is an opportunity for humans to fulfill their responsibilities. God’s apparent slowness to intervene on some occasions is not a delay of his promise, as some understand delay. When it seems God’s work is taking a long time, Christians should remember that God can do in one day what it would take humans a thousand years to do ( 3:8). 3:8-9 Shifting focus from the scoffers to the recipients of this letter, Peter tells his dear friends they must not overlook God’s timetable.

Hasten the day of the lord