2 Peter 3:7
Verse
Context
Sermons
Thaddeus Barnum
T. Austin-Sparks
Andrew Murray
Jonathan Edwards
John Gill
Samuel DaviesSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But the heavens and the earth, which are now - The present earth and its atmosphere, which are liable to the same destruction, because the same means still exist, (for there is still water enough to drown the earth, and there is iniquity enough to induce God to destroy it and its inhabitants), are nevertheless kept in store, τεθησαυρισμενοι, treasured up, kept in God's storehouse, to be destroyed, not by water, but by fire at the day of judgment. From all this it appears that those mockers affected to be ignorant of the Mosaic account of the formation of the earth, and of its destruction by the waters of the deluge; and indeed this is implied in their stating that all things continued as they were from the creation. But St. Peter calls them back to the Mosaic account, to prove that this was false; for the earth, etc., which were then formed, had perished by the flood; and that the present earth, etc., which were formed out of the preceding, should, at the day of judgment, perish by the fire of God's wrath.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Job 28:5, end). which are now--"the postdiluvian visible world." In contrast to "that then was," Pe2 3:6. the same--Other oldest manuscripts read, "His" (God's). kept in store--Greek, "treasured up." reserved--"kept." It is only God's constantly watchful providence which holds together the present state of things till His time for ending it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But the heavens and the earth which are now,.... In being, in distinction from, and opposition to the heavens that were of old, and the earth standing in and out of the water, and the world that then was when the waters of the flood overflowed it: by the same word are kept in store; that is, by the word of God, as in Pe2 3:5; and the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, "by his word"; by the same word that the heavens and the earth were made of old, or in the beginning, are they kept, preserved, and upheld in their being; or "are treasured up"; the heavens and the earth are a rich treasure, they are full of the riches God, as the God of nature and providence; and they are kept with care, as a treasure is, not to be touched or meddled with at present, but must continue in the same position and use; or they are laid up in the stores, and scaled up among the treasures of divine wrath and vengeance, and will be brought out another day, and made use of, to the destruction of the ungodly inhabitants of the world, and to aggravate and increase their misery and ruin: for it is further said of them, that they are reserved unto fire; for though the world is, and has been preserved a long time without any visible alteration in it, yet it will not be always so preserved: and though it is, and will be kept from being drowned by water again, through the promise and power of God, yet it is kept and reserved for a general conflagration; see Pe2 3:10. And as the old world was put into a natural situation, so as to be drowned by water, there are now preparations making in nature, in the present world, for the burning of it; witness the fiery meteors, blazing stars, and burning comets in the heavens, and the subterraneous fires in the bowels of the earth, which in some places have already broke out: there are now many volcanos, burning mountains and islands, particularly in Sicily, Italy, and the parts adjacent, the seat of the beast, and where it is very likely the universal conflagration will begin, as Aetna, Vesuvius, Strombilo, and other volcanos; and even in our own island we have some symptoms and appearances of these fires under ground, as fiery eruptions in some places, and the hot waters at the Bath, and elsewhere, show; from all which it is plain that the heavens and earth, that now are, are not as they always were, and will be, but are reserved and prepared for burning; and that things are ripening apace, as men's sins also are, for the general conflagration. Josephus (w) relates, that Adam foretold that there would be a destruction of all things, once by the force of fire, and once by the power and multitude of water; and it is certain the Jews had knowledge of the destruction of the earth by fire, as by water: they say (x), "that when the law was given to Israel, his (God's) voice went from one end of the world to the other, and trembling laid hold on all the nations of the world in their temples, and they said a song, as it is said, Psa 29:9, "and in his temple doth everyone speak of his glory": all of them gathered together to wicked Balaam, and said to him, what is the voice of the multitude which we hear, perhaps a flood is coming upon the world? he said unto them, "the Lord sitteth upon the flood, yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever", Psa 29:10. Thus hath the Lord swore, that he will not bring a flood upon the world; they replied to him, a flood of water he will not bring, but , "a flood of fire" he will bring, as it is said, Isa 66:16, "for by fire will the Lord plead",'' or judge: and hence they speak (y) of the wicked being judged with two sorts of, judgments, by water, and by fire: and, according to our apostle, the heavens and earth are kept and reserved to fire, against the day of judgment, and perdition of ungodly men; the time when God will judge the world is fixed, though it is not known; and it is called a "day", because of the evidence and light in which things will appear, and the quick dispatch of business in it; and the "judgment" spoken of is the future judgment, and which is certain, and will be universal, righteous, and eternal, and when wicked and ungodly men will be punished with everlasting destruction: the bodies of those that will be alive at the general conflagration will be burnt in it, though not annihilated, and will be raised again, and both soul and body will be destroyed in hell. (w) Antiqu. Jud. l. 1. c. 2. sect. 3. (x) T. Bab. Zebachim, fol. 116. 1. (y) Zohar in Gen. fol. 50. 4. & 51. 1.
2 Peter 3:7
The Coming Judgment
6through which the world of that time perished in the flood.7And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Day of the Lord
By Thaddeus Barnum14331:39Christian LifeGEN 1:3GEN 6:13ISA 66:15ROM 13:12ROM 13:142CO 5:102PE 3:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unimaginable sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity by taking on the justice that was due to us. He quotes John 5:24, which states that whoever hears the word of Jesus and believes in the one who sent him will have eternal life and will not face judgment. The preacher then shifts to the topic of the second coming of Jesus, highlighting its significance and urging the audience to pay attention to it. He quotes Romans, emphasizing that salvation is closer than ever and encourages Christians to live in a way that reflects their longing for the day of the Lord's appearing. The sermon concludes with a reminder that everyone will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be recompensed for their deeds, whether good or bad. The preacher also mentions John the Baptist as a preacher of the second coming, referencing Isaiah 66:15.
The Beginning of a New Humanity
By T. Austin-Sparks0New HumanitySpiritual TransformationJHN 3:3ROM 8:291CO 15:45GAL 6:15EPH 2:15EPH 4:13COL 3:102PE 3:72PE 3:10REV 21:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the entrance of Jesus Christ into creation marks the beginning of a new humanity, where Christ serves as the Horizon of all things, both in the present and in the future. He discusses the significance of human history, the meaning of Christ and Christianity, the true Church of God, and the essence of spiritual experience, all centered around the person of Christ. Sparks highlights that humanity's misuse of free will has led to frustration and despair, yet through Christ, believers can experience peace, purpose, and hope. Ultimately, he asserts that God is actively forming a new humanity, characterized by spiritual transformation and dependence on Him.
The Branch
By Andrew Murray0ISA 44:18ROM 1:29ROM 4:5ROM 5:6EPH 2:11TI 1:91PE 4:182PE 2:52PE 3:7JUD 1:4The preacher delves into the meaning of 'ungodly' (asebes), describing it as a lack of interest in God and a lifestyle inconsistent with reverence for Him. The term is used in various contexts in the Bible to highlight the behavior of those who live as if God does not exist. The sermon emphasizes the contrast between the godly and ungodly, pointing out that the ungodly lack reverence and piety towards God, denying His existence and authority. Despite the ungodly nature of humanity, there is hope through faith in Christ, as He died for the ungodly, offering righteousness through belief.
The Final Judgment
By Jonathan Edwards0MAT 25:31ACT 17:311CO 15:242PE 3:7REV 19:7Jonathan Edwards preaches about the Final Judgment, emphasizing the righteousness of Jesus Christ as the appointed Judge. He explains how the judgment will be conducted, with the world judged according to works, leading to eternal punishment for the wicked and eternal life for the righteous. Edwards highlights the increase in misery for the wicked and happiness for the saints after judgment, culminating in the dissolution of the world by fire and the eternal glory of the redeemed.
2 Peter 3:7
By John Gill0Divine JudgmentPreservation of CreationPSA 29:9ISA 66:162PE 3:72PE 3:10John Gill emphasizes the significance of 2 Peter 3:7, explaining that the current heavens and earth are preserved by God's word, awaiting a future judgment by fire. He contrasts this preservation with the past destruction by water, highlighting that the world is being prepared for a final conflagration as a consequence of human sin. Gill notes that the natural world shows signs of this impending judgment through various fiery phenomena. He stresses the certainty of God's judgment, which will be universal and eternal, leading to the destruction of the ungodly. The sermon serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment.
The Universal Judgment
By Samuel Davies0ISA 33:14MAT 25:46ACT 17:301CO 2:91TH 4:172PE 3:7Samuel Davies preaches about the solemn, tremendous, and glorious scene of the universal judgment, where all people will be commanded to repent as God has set a day for the world to be judged with justice. The righteous will receive eternal life in a kingdom prepared for them, while the ungodly will face eternal punishment in a fire prepared for the devil and his angels. The sermon vividly describes the separation of the righteous and the wicked, the trial of every hidden thing, the passing of final sentences, and the destruction of the present heavens and earth by fire, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of repentance before the impending judgment day.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But the heavens and the earth, which are now - The present earth and its atmosphere, which are liable to the same destruction, because the same means still exist, (for there is still water enough to drown the earth, and there is iniquity enough to induce God to destroy it and its inhabitants), are nevertheless kept in store, τεθησαυρισμενοι, treasured up, kept in God's storehouse, to be destroyed, not by water, but by fire at the day of judgment. From all this it appears that those mockers affected to be ignorant of the Mosaic account of the formation of the earth, and of its destruction by the waters of the deluge; and indeed this is implied in their stating that all things continued as they were from the creation. But St. Peter calls them back to the Mosaic account, to prove that this was false; for the earth, etc., which were then formed, had perished by the flood; and that the present earth, etc., which were formed out of the preceding, should, at the day of judgment, perish by the fire of God's wrath.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Job 28:5, end). which are now--"the postdiluvian visible world." In contrast to "that then was," Pe2 3:6. the same--Other oldest manuscripts read, "His" (God's). kept in store--Greek, "treasured up." reserved--"kept." It is only God's constantly watchful providence which holds together the present state of things till His time for ending it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But the heavens and the earth which are now,.... In being, in distinction from, and opposition to the heavens that were of old, and the earth standing in and out of the water, and the world that then was when the waters of the flood overflowed it: by the same word are kept in store; that is, by the word of God, as in Pe2 3:5; and the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, "by his word"; by the same word that the heavens and the earth were made of old, or in the beginning, are they kept, preserved, and upheld in their being; or "are treasured up"; the heavens and the earth are a rich treasure, they are full of the riches God, as the God of nature and providence; and they are kept with care, as a treasure is, not to be touched or meddled with at present, but must continue in the same position and use; or they are laid up in the stores, and scaled up among the treasures of divine wrath and vengeance, and will be brought out another day, and made use of, to the destruction of the ungodly inhabitants of the world, and to aggravate and increase their misery and ruin: for it is further said of them, that they are reserved unto fire; for though the world is, and has been preserved a long time without any visible alteration in it, yet it will not be always so preserved: and though it is, and will be kept from being drowned by water again, through the promise and power of God, yet it is kept and reserved for a general conflagration; see Pe2 3:10. And as the old world was put into a natural situation, so as to be drowned by water, there are now preparations making in nature, in the present world, for the burning of it; witness the fiery meteors, blazing stars, and burning comets in the heavens, and the subterraneous fires in the bowels of the earth, which in some places have already broke out: there are now many volcanos, burning mountains and islands, particularly in Sicily, Italy, and the parts adjacent, the seat of the beast, and where it is very likely the universal conflagration will begin, as Aetna, Vesuvius, Strombilo, and other volcanos; and even in our own island we have some symptoms and appearances of these fires under ground, as fiery eruptions in some places, and the hot waters at the Bath, and elsewhere, show; from all which it is plain that the heavens and earth, that now are, are not as they always were, and will be, but are reserved and prepared for burning; and that things are ripening apace, as men's sins also are, for the general conflagration. Josephus (w) relates, that Adam foretold that there would be a destruction of all things, once by the force of fire, and once by the power and multitude of water; and it is certain the Jews had knowledge of the destruction of the earth by fire, as by water: they say (x), "that when the law was given to Israel, his (God's) voice went from one end of the world to the other, and trembling laid hold on all the nations of the world in their temples, and they said a song, as it is said, Psa 29:9, "and in his temple doth everyone speak of his glory": all of them gathered together to wicked Balaam, and said to him, what is the voice of the multitude which we hear, perhaps a flood is coming upon the world? he said unto them, "the Lord sitteth upon the flood, yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever", Psa 29:10. Thus hath the Lord swore, that he will not bring a flood upon the world; they replied to him, a flood of water he will not bring, but , "a flood of fire" he will bring, as it is said, Isa 66:16, "for by fire will the Lord plead",'' or judge: and hence they speak (y) of the wicked being judged with two sorts of, judgments, by water, and by fire: and, according to our apostle, the heavens and earth are kept and reserved to fire, against the day of judgment, and perdition of ungodly men; the time when God will judge the world is fixed, though it is not known; and it is called a "day", because of the evidence and light in which things will appear, and the quick dispatch of business in it; and the "judgment" spoken of is the future judgment, and which is certain, and will be universal, righteous, and eternal, and when wicked and ungodly men will be punished with everlasting destruction: the bodies of those that will be alive at the general conflagration will be burnt in it, though not annihilated, and will be raised again, and both soul and body will be destroyed in hell. (w) Antiqu. Jud. l. 1. c. 2. sect. 3. (x) T. Bab. Zebachim, fol. 116. 1. (y) Zohar in Gen. fol. 50. 4. & 51. 1.