What does 2 Peter 3:14 mean?
This is the beginning of the ending of Peter’s second letter. He is wrapping up everything he has talked about for three chapters. Let’s take a look at the whole verse so we can see what it says:
“Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” (2 Peter 3:14, ESV)
“Waiting for these” refers to virtually everything that has been talked about in the entire letter. In the immediate context, Peter refers “these things” to the conversation about how the Lord will destroy the heavens and the earth on the Day of the Lord, and the creation of the new heavens and new earth (2 Peter 3:10, 13).
Peter has discussed everything in this second letter for the purpose that the listeners will grow in godliness and holiness (2 Peter 3:11-12). Godliness on this earth is part of our expectant waiting on the Lord for him to return and make all things right.
It plays a large part in evangelism so that the heart of God may someday be reached (2 Peter 3:8-9). With the immediate context of looking for the new heavens and the new earth as our inheritance as Christians and the complete context of the entire epistle, Peter begins to close out the letter.
Second Peter 3:14 is the first part of Peter’s ending. Not only are we to look for the new heavens and new earth, but 2 Peter 3:15 finishes the sentence. We are also supposed to count the Lord’s patience as salvation.
This means we must evangelize while we still have time and the Lord is patient. There will be a time when salvation cannot be attained from the Lord. Make every effort to witness to your family, friends, acquaintances, and even those you don’t know.
There’s this idea in the world that Christians have their heads in heaven and are of no earthly good. But Peter tells us to do exactly the opposite. While we are looking for Christ to return and the end to finally come, we must also be witnessing about Christ here on earth. The end of the world for Christians is a catalyst to work for Jesus in the here and now.
