Even as we praise God for his mercy and delay in bringing judgment, we must realize that Jesus will return and thus judgment of sin is inevitable. God’s patience is not indefinite, it has an expiry date that no one knows.
Peter warns believers that Christ’s return will be sudden, like a thief in the night. A thief never announces his coming, he wants to catch you unaware and unprepared. Likewise Christ’s return will come suddenly, we do not know when it will happen. It could take place tomorrow, next week, next year, or even 100 years (or more) from today. We simply do not know.
Peter also confirms that when Christ comes there will be big changes. The heavens and earth will be purified by fire, sin will be removed, remade to be a place where God’s people can live without fear of death or sin.
Having confirmed that Christ is coming at an unknown time, that there will be a judgment, and that all deeds of evil will be exposed, the implication is that we should not put off godliness but be reconciled to Christ. If we should persevere in sin and unbelief, we will not be ready when Christ comes. If we put off repentance until we are old, it will be too late. We are not in control of time, we do not know how many years we have remaining on earth, nor do we know when Christ will come.
Given the fact that Christ is delaying his return so that there is time for sinners to repent, we must use this time wisely. Those who belong to him and live in relationship with him can look forward to a rich welcome when Christ returns. Christians have nothing to fear. Those who abuse God’s patience for selfish ends, justifying their actions by denying the reality of judgment, their deeds will most certainly be exposed and they will face God’s wrath when he comes.
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.