“Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” (2 Peter 3:11-14)
In these days of fake news these days of fake news, pandemic chaos, and media bias, there are numerous people who have set themselves up as judges and arbiters of morality and righteousness. Yet many of these reject the word of the Lord as the only source of wisdom, reject Jesus the Son of God. In fact, many deny the very existence of almighty God, proclaiming themselves or politicians or celebrities as demigods. Consequently, they proclaim a worldview that condones selfishness, sexual immorality, greed, and ungodliness. Even many so-called Christians have adopted such an unbiblical worldview.
The Apostle Peter focused on such a concern as he reminded us that the Lord is returning to judge and dissolve the current world order. Yet there are those who scoff at the idea of Christ’s return cast doubt upon on God’s existence and His promises and call Him a liar. At the same time, under the guise of worldly righteousness they work to deprive needy people of hope, eternal reward, and justice. They reject the need for obedience and godly righteousness while placing great value on material possessions and satisfying the appetites of the flesh. They reason that since Christ is not returning they can live as they please.
Peter reminds us that God is true to His word. We recall this great truth every Christmas. God promised Adam and Eve He would send a redeemer to atone for their sin and nullify its consequences: death, sickness, and pain. The Lord reaffirmed His promise to His servants Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, and the people of Israel down through the millennia. And 2000 years ago, He fulfilled that promise with a baby born to a virgin in a manger in Bethlehem. Therefore, we have no reason to doubt that He is coming again, this time to destroy the wicked in a worldwide cataclysmic upheaval from which only the faithful will be saved. As we wait for that day we can be at peace knowing that amidst all the chaos, violence and turmoil of our troubled times, the Lord will judge the wicked, establish justice, and set all things right. We should be living in the light of that certainty.