Continuing our walk through the Epistle entitled 2 Peter, we are in Chapter 3. Here, Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is writing about the return of the Lord Jesus – ‘The Day of the Lord.’
He says, “But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.”
2 Peter 3: 13, 14 “We are looking forward.”
Looking forward to something great is always an exciting time in our lives. We look forward to special times and occasions like Weddings, the birth of a Baby, and the many things and days we enjoy celebrating.
The Lord Jesus said, He would return. He said there will be a new heaven, and a new earth over which He will be the Light. He said this new heaven and earth will be be the home of righteousness which means all things will have been made right because He, and The Father, and The Holy Spirit will have made it so.
Not knowing how these things will come to pass, or when, is like being on a trip anticipating seeing spectacular sights and doing fantastic things we have heard about, but have never seen or done before. The anticipation of when, and how, keeps us looking forward and excited. It could happen any minute.
Peter said, “Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with the One who will make these things happen.” Obviously we want to live a life that is kind, and loving. We want to help others, and do good things as we can. But in the flesh we are not always spotless, or blameless, or at peace with every one. The Good News is all of these things have been taken care of as we opened the door of our heart, and said yes to Jesus when he knocked. (Rev 3:20)
For as Paul wrote to the Galatians, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
(Galatians 1: 3-5)
Christ Jesus has given Himself for our sins, and has rescued us from the present age. It was the will of the Father that He do so because of His great love for us. Jesus took our unrighteousness and wrongs upon Himself at the cross, and clothed us with His righteousness and the desire to do right. He has put our soul, and spirit into the security and safety of the Holy Spirit within. He has declared that we shall be given a new body at His return. Because of what He has done, The Holy Spirit has put a seal upon us that says we are covered by His grace. When that day comes, and the new age arrives, we are in – body, soul, and spirit. Let us look forward to it.
May the truth of the Word encourage, and strengthen, and comfort us, God’s Beloveds.
As we look forward to things to come, let us live life abundantly in the present age in the kingdom in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) Jesus came as a Son of Man to make that a reality for us. Let us not waste that treasure.
“May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times, and in every way”, my Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus. You are greatly blessed, highly favored, and deeply loved.
Poppa B.
Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, On Line