2 Peter 3

2 Peter 3:1-18

WHAT MANNER OF PERSONS OUGHT WE TO BE? 2 Peter 3:1-18. THIS is the subject of the third chapter of this Second Epistle.The Apostle’s objective in this chapter is easily evident. He is forced to the defensive by critics! He would stir up “the minds of his brethren by way of remembrance” and that which he would have them recall is the Word of holy Prophet and Apostles, arid, also of the Lord and Saviour, about the Second Coming.Peter was not only ail Apostle, but also a Prophet—a Seer. God, who is a “Revealer of Secrets”, had brought the future within the Apostle’s vision. Even the last days were to him like the open pages of a book, and looking into them, he saw “the scoffers” who would come. The words he puts into their mouths: “Where is the promise of His coming”? his arguments against their infidelity, and his positive declaration of Divine Truth, might, each and all, be considered under three suggestions.In this discussion, permit us to fellowship with Peter’s convictions and express these three points in the possessive case: Our Creed, Our Conduct, Our Christ.OUR CREED The time has come when thinking churchmen recognize the fact that the Second Coming of Christ is creating and completing a definite fellowship. The men who entertain “the Blessed Hope” are bound together in a peculiar brotherhood: a brotherhood of increasing sweetness and deepening strength. No single denomination of the many that go to make up modern Protestantism, is as definite in its fellowship and as distinct in its doctrinal teaching as is the brotherhood of premillennialism.In consequence of that fact, permit us to make three remarks, and then elaborate each in turn.The Second Coming is now being especially emphasized. Whether we have come to the last days or not, no man can dispute the fact that we have come to the days when the number of biblically instructed men and women who entertain what the Apostle Paul called “That Blessed Hope” is enormous and is rapidly increasing.The most marked religious movement of the twentieth century is the revival of Chiliasm. The Bible Training School is its educational expression; the Bible Conference, now indefinitely multiplied in numbers, is its expression in assembly; the thousands of pulpits interpreting the Scriptures from this standpoint, and the increasing wealth of literature devoted wholly to the definition and defense of this doctrine are the effective media of this propaganda!While denying the charge that “the movement is heavily financed” and resenting, with the contempt it deserves, the indictment of disloyalty to the interests of human government, we frankly confess our deliberate determination to employ voice, pen, press, in fact every agency at our command to make known the greatest doctrine of all Scripture, namely, the Coming of our Lord.No longer shall this precious Truth be left to the erratic and the irresponsible! Through the lips of sane men, and by the pens of the most scholarly the Church of God knows, and by the lives of the most saintly, “this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations” (Matthew 24:14).The only apology the advocates of this faith have to present to the public is one of tardiness.

It is nothing short of amazing when a woman, in middle life, born and brought up in a Christian house and, for twenty-five years, living as the wife of a Christian minister of national reputation, asks, in all guilelessness, as one such recently asked the speaker, “What is this doctrine about the Second Coming, and what is the word employed, ‘premillennialism’—or something of that kind?”Before a question like that the advocates of this great hope ought to hang their heads for shame and determine, once for all, that God shall no longer be compelled to wink at the times of such ignorance.When the dean of a theological seminary, known by both office and name, in more than one continent, attempts to discuss the subject, “Will Christ Come Again?” and reveals in multiplied sentences an utter ignorance of the premillennialist’s position, the advocates of this Blessed Hope should not so much blame him as blame themselves. Too long have we been silent on the one theme to which more of sacred Scripture is devoted than to any other subject about which inspired men ever employed tongues or pens!But the thousands that waited upon the great Philadelphia Conference, the throngs that packed and overflowed the Moody Church, requiring at times three additional assembly rooms to accommodate them, when a few years since the Prophetic Conferences were held in Philadelphia and Chicago, the literal millions who attend upon the multiplied Bible assemblies and churches to hear the men who know this Truth, the sudden rise and unprecedented growth of Bible Training Schools, these all indicate the final awakening of ministers and laymen alike to that most precious and long neglected teaching, the Second Coming of Christ.

Today it is in the ascendant, and for the first time since Daniel Whitby diverted men from this truth, it is accorded deserved emphasis.Along with this new emphasis there has risen a passionate opposition. Peter’s prophecy is finding a literal fulfilment, and opponents are saying, “Where is the promise of His Coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation”.One opponent of this truth, apparently troubled by the consciousness of his own choleric spirit, introduces his discussion with an apology to the feelings of the good people he intends to hurt. In a single city, recently, on three great public occasions, the chosen speaker of the hour, discussing in each instance a subject altogether aside, turned from his theme long enough to hold the Second Coming to scorn.Go to the book-stores and ask for volumes on the Millennial Hope and when the salesman shall have stacked up twenty or more before your face, you will find that well-nigh one half of them are written from the standpoint of opposition; and while in most instances the titles would lead you to expect a sane and spiritual discussion of the subject, quite often the sub-title is a scoff, as, for instance “The Millennial Hope—A Phase of War-Time Thinking.”The most amazing fact in this connection is found in the circumstance that the line of argument against the Lord’s re-appearance has as perfectly paralleled Peter’s prophecy as though the writers had either never heard of this apostolic prediction, or knowing it, feared not in the least to take the part assigned them. In illustration, think of a statement like this, “A modern man has various reasons for doubting the validity of present-day reconstructions of millennial hopes. In the first place mistrust is aroused by the utter failure of all past millennial programs to produce promised results. The apocalyptic visionary was never privileged to see his impending Kingdom of Heaven established upon earth.

All early Christians’ millennial expectations have similarly miscarried. * * And yet even today some Christians continue to pursue the millennial mirage, vainly looking for a catastrophic end of the world instead of throwing themselves heart and soul into the task of improving the existing order, whose permanence is attested by centuries of disappointed millennial hopes.”Who could longer dispute Peter’s inspiration? If Daniel was granted a vision of empires to come, and so described them that now, at the end of more than 2500 years, the greater part of his prophecy has become history, certainly Peter was permitted to see the day, these two thousand years distant, when men should rise saying, “Where is the promise of His Coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. * * But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day”.

Children must have promises made them, speedily fulfilled; mature men can wait and keep the spirit of expectancy.The extent to which opposition to this truth may yet be carried we little dream. When the suggestion is made that the Government “investigate the teachings of the premillennialists” with a view to lodge, if possible, some indictment of disloyalty, it is not difficult to imagine the day when another portion of Gospel Word shall find fulfilment, “And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child”, and God’s saints shall have another opportunity to suffer with Him who suffered for them.But all this only gives pith and point to my third remark concerning our creed.The Second Coming of Christ is as sure as the promise of God.“The Lord is not slack concerning His Promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should Come to repentance. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up”. Peter’s whole appeal rests upon the plain declaration of Divine Scriptures. We would base our contention upon nothing else; we would bring our judgment from no other source! It is Peter’s conviction we share; the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it; we verily believe it will stand fast. What if men do scoff? What if passers-by wag their heads and say, “Aha! Aha!” Noah met all that, and yet went on building the ark.

One hundred and twenty years is a long time to wait and watch for a flood that shall deluge the earth and destroy unbelievers. Scoffing against his prophecy must have seemed the safest of all procedures and the scoff itself came to sound like the only sanity; and yet, unless the tradition of every nation is mistaken and our sacred literature utterly misleading, Noah’s prophecy was fulfilled and a drowned world demonstrated the dependableness of the Divine Word.For hundreds of years the Prophets continually asserted the first coming of Christ, but history was so slow in running into that mould of inspiration, childish men ceased to regard what the inspired Prophets had spoken. When it eventually found fulfilment, one could count on the fingers of a single hand all the expectant of the earth.Let the past prepare us against the days that are ahead and remind us of a truth often enough illustrated; namely, that “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18). The minor sentences concerning His first appearance were never overlooked of God, forgotten, or fulfilled after some spiritual and unexpected way, but literally, accurately, exactly. So will it be again! “His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives”, and “The Law shall go forth of Zion”, and His scepter “shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth”. This is our creed!But our creed, if it is worth anything to us, or has any value for the world, must eventuate in conduct. What then ought to beOUR CONDUCT? “Seeing then that all these things shall he dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and Godliness, “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God”. If it were permissible to change the phrasing of Holy Writ, I would like to write this text, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and Godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:11-12). In the judgment of Peter, premillennialism contains in itself a definite, spiritual appeal. If we follow him to the end of the argument in this matter, we will find that he expects this teaching to eventuate in definite and desirable practice. He thinks the hope of the Second Coming should eventuate in sanctity. He argues that this hope is to voice itself in sacrificial service, and he maintains that this hope should establish both mind and soul.The hope of the Second Coming should eventuate in sanctity.“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and Godliness, “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God”. Truth is important to the individual holding it, or to the people hearing it, in proportion as it is translated into practice. The times upon which we have fallen exhibit a turning away from “sound doctrine”; but even this defection from the faith is not so serious a hindrance to the cause of Christ as is the present-day defection in conduct. The worst heresy possible is not one of creed, but rather of character. That there is an intimate relation between false thinking and false living, no man questions; and if we are to impress the world with the value of the “Second Coming” propaganda, we will only do so by a diviner practice.Upon this subject the Scriptures leave us in no uncertainty. We are enjoined to “sincerity” in view of the Second Appearance, “that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10).We are enjoined to sobriety in view of the Second Appearance, since the day of the Lord cometh “as a thief in the night”, “let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6).We are enjoined to “purity” in view of the Second Appearance, “‘And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).We are enjoined even to the “mortification of fleshly lusts” in view of the Second Appearance, “When Christ, who is our Life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in Glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth” (Colossians 3:4-5). We are enjoined to holy conversation and Godliness in view of the Second Coming (2 Peter 3:11-13). In the language of the inspired Apostle, “time would fail” me to tell of the victories that are related to this doctrine, as conclusions are related to premise, as result to cause.But I recommend the reading of W. E. Blackstone’s book on “Jesus is Coming” where you will find a catalogue of forty practical doctrines that rest with the Coming of Christ.Historically, sanctity has commonly been a consequence of this faith! Ignatius of Antioch was a holy man. He entertained this hope. Polycarp, the disciple of John, was a holy man. He entertained this hope.

His friend and companion, Papias, not only taught this truth, but lived as became a man who entertained it. In fact, the Church Fathers, with few exceptions, were men known by two outstanding characteristics—namely, their confident expectation of the Return of the Lord and the holy, spiritual character of the lives they led.That the relationship of doctrine to practice is not destroyed by the progress of time, becomes evident when one recalls the names of John Bunyan, Richard Baxter, John Jewel, John Knox, John Milton, Samuel Rutherford and Thomas Chalmers, Paul Gerhardt and Michael Hahn, and in later time, of Horatius Bonar, George Whitfield, while with the modern school of Chiliasts, successors in this faith might be illustrated from the lives of such men as Charles Spurgeon, George Mueller, Andrew Murray, J. Hudson Taylor, Arthur T. Pierson, Dwight L. Moody, and A. J.

Gordon.We are confident that other pastors could bear an exact testimony with Dr. James M.

Gray of Chicago, who declares that in his experience as a pastor he had found the members of his church who knew this truth to live spiritual lives and to be devoted to spiritual things. They also made up the most intelligent of his Bible students, manifested special power in prayer, exercised self-denial in giving, were most deeply interested in home and foreign missions, understood the great truths concerning the Holy Spirit and lived altogether the most consistent lives.We may wisely hold Bible Conferences for the propagation of this precious Truth, but we should well know that after all, the practice of Godliness on the part of those who entertain and teach it, will be the finally effective power in rendering it popular in the Church of God.Once more then, in the language of Peter, “What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and Godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God”.This hope should voice itself in sacrificial service.“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:13-14). The opponents of this precious truth have tried to make it appear that it paralyzes the individual endeavors of men, converting them into lazy lookers for a catastrophic end of the present social order and an easy introduction of the Utopian dream. But upon this matter, history has a right to be heard, and its pages are replete with answers to such an argument.I speak not alone for my own denomination, but from a somewhat wide knowledge of the pastors and outstanding churches of other denominations, and I affirm it to be my observation in several countries and upon at least three continents that the most diligent service to the King of kings and the most self-sacrificing spirit in His behalf are found in those pulpits and pews where this precious hope is known. The denominational annuals would be a positive proof of this fact, and the statement would obtain not alone with reference to the larger gifts to home and foreign missions and the establishment of desirable Christian institutions; but even in the realm of social service—such as giving to the poor, providing for the hungry, clothing the cold, visiting the sick, sympathizing with the soldier, with the bereaved, showing brotherhood to the imprisoned and love for the social outcast, the advocates of premillennialism have never been surpassed.It is an illustration worthy of mention that one man in my church who holds this doctrine most intelligently and advocates it most ardently, lives sixty miles distant and owns a little farm of eighteen acres worth not more than $5,000. He is a keeper of bees and of royally bred chickens. He comes to church about four times a year, namely, at conference or special meeting times, and remains a week at a stretch. When ten years ago I baptized him he amazed me by sending the treasurer $300.00 to be used for special missionaries on foreign fields, and with each returning season, he increases my amazement.

When, one February, I was ready to enter my pulpit to make the annual appeal for foreign missions, the treasurer stole softly into my study and said, “Pardon me, but I thought this little bit of paper might be an inspiration,” and he handed me a check for $846.00, which, at a later time, was increased to the thousand mark. If this hope “cuts the nerve of missions,” would God that every man in my church had his nerve cut in the same manner.

For a long time faithful folk have been praying that God would put it into the heart of some millionaire to give millions for foreign missions. Not long ago the prayer was answered and an honored citizen of Pennsylvania, later of California, turned over several million dollars to be used for foreign missions. He was an ardent premillennialist. Yes, Peter, “diligence” in the service of our God should be the result of this Blessed Hope.But Peter finds a third result which should be always and everywhere manifested.This Hope should establish the mind and the heart. He writes,“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness”. (2 Peter 3:17). This statement is to be interpreted in the light of the context, for in the sixteenth verse Peter speaks of those who stumble from this doctrine because there are some things hard to be understood in it, and being unlearned about it, and unstable, wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction as they do also other Scripture.Have you ever thought of the point of Paul’s reasoning in the fifteenth of First Corinthians? It is after he has elaborated “the Blessed Hope”, the resurrection of the believer’s body and the consequent fellowship of all saints that he says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord”.Steadfastness of faith, immutability and creed, the Apostle claims as natural consequences of the great Second Coming truth, and we have reason today to thank God that church history is giving proof that advocates of that faith are not even failing in this evil time. In forty years in the ministry I have not known a single man who entertained at one and the same time the Blessed Hope of the Lord’s Return and yet called into question the Deity of Jesus Christ, the inspiration of the Book, or the final and utter authority of either.Dr. B. H. Carroll, of Texas, the real founder of the public school system of that state, the moving spirit in the establishment of the great Waco or Baylor University, the father and founder of the Southwestern Theological Seminary, the most matchless preacher it has ever been my privilege to hear open his mouth in the Name of the Lord, was commonly counted a postmillennialist, and so esteemed himself. The last time it was my privilege to look upon his dear face he held my hand, and with trembling voice said, “Riley, we have never seen eye to eye concerning the millennial period, but I want to say to you again as I said to you some years ago, that I hold in unfailing affection the premillennial brethren; and I declare it my conviction that in loyalty to the Word of God as well as to the Deity of Christ, they are not equalled by any company of men the world has known!” Yes, it stabilizes both mind and soul!But ere I conclude, let me join again with the great Apostle in a brief tribute toOUR CHRIST He, after all, is the basis of our creed and He alone is the adequate inspiration of conduct!I. regret the necessity of abbreviating when I speak of Him. Peter does not conclude this argument until he pays tribute to Him; but he knows how to unite his praise to Christ with an appeal to Christians! “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen”. How rich the suggestions which we may bring from this verse! But it clearly involves the necessity of our spiritual growth.Of Christ’s grace we should have an increased experience.

Regeneration is essential to spiritual existence, but it is only the beginning. The “grace that is in Christ” is equal to much more than a mere beginning. The mother who brings the babe to birth has in her own body the infant’s sustenance, and the Christ who, by the Holy Ghost, begets us into a new life, has in Himself all spiritual sufficiency. Our ascended Lord has “gifts” for men, and a Christian who anticipates His descent should utilize those gifts and mark growth for himself.This growth is extended by increasing knowledge of Him. In the judgment of the Apostle, to the experience of His grace we should add the acquisition of His “knowledge”. In fact, Peter aforetime said,“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, “According as His Divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and Godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:2-3). Finally, to His Name we should bring expressions of never-ending glory.“To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen”. It is impossible to dwell upon the riches of His grace, and increase in the knowledge of Him, without coming to the point where one is compelled to glorify Him. Matthew Bridges, reflecting upon what Christ has been, what He is, and what He is to become, calls upon men to break forth into praises. Shall we not join him as he voices himself after this manner?“Crown Him with many crowns, The Lamb upon the throne; Hark, how the Heavily anthem drowns All music but its own! Awake, my soul, and sing Of Him who died for thee, And hail Him as thy matchless King Through all eternity. “Crown Him the Lord of years, The Potentate of time, Creator of the rolling spheres, Ineffably sublime! Crown Him the Lord of Love; Behold His hands and side, Where wounds yet visible above, In beauty glorified. “No angel in the sky Can fully bear that sight, But downward bends his burning eye At mysteries so bright. Glassed in a sea of light Whose everlasting waves Reflect His form—the Infinite Who lives and loves and saves.”