“But when the Day of God’s Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief. The sky will collapse with a thunderous bang, everything disintegrating in a huge conflagration, earth and all its works exposed to the scrutiny of Judgment.
Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life?
Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day –
but we’ll hardly notice. We’ll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness.
So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace.”
II Peter 3:10-14 The Message
The Apostle Peter is speaking about the end of this age. He is talking about a righteous God bringing righteous judgment to all humanity for all time.
Peter speaks about the “current earth” and galaxies as fuel for the final fire. It will be the end of all endings.
1—God’s judgment will come
What will God’s judgment be about? It will be about righteousness.
“I am the LORD, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already
destroyed.” Malachi 3:6 New Living Translation
God is righteous. He lives and breathes righteousness. He created the earth and humanity in righteousness. Sin disrupted righteousness on the earth, creating a separation between the creator, God, and humanity.
Jesus, God the Son, brought redemption to humanity, but they have to choose to accept or reject their redemption.
As the Old Testament prophet stated, God does not change. Humanity will be judged based on righteousness.
2—Live an “expecting” life
What does it mean to live an “expecting” life? It means living a biblically righteous life. For
the Christ-follower, it means living according to the teachings of Jesus.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from
your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24 New Living Translation
The words of the Apostle Peter have yet to happen. However, it does not mean living an unrighteous life is acceptable. God will judge in righteousness—whenever that day comes. It will happen regardless of whether you are alive when it happens or have passed away.
As the New Testament gospel writer states, turning from your selfish ways and dying to them sets you on the road to righteous living.
A close personal relationship with the triune God shows you how to live that life.
3—We will hardly notice
Consider what this means. Chaos abounds as the world climbs into the handbasket to hell,
and you hardly notice. How can that be?
“Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and
delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalms 97:4 New International Version
You will hardly notice because of your love for God and God’s love over you. A relationship, not religion, is what the Old Testament Psalmist is speaking about. You love him and draw close to him. He loves you and protects you.
4—Be the best version of you
The best version of you is not within your grasp. It is possible to have a self-righteous version
of yourself and mistakenly think it is your best version. But it will not stand the
judgment of a righteous God.
“There is a way that appears right, but in the end it leads to death.”
Proverbs 14:12 New International Version
The best version of you is found in a close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It is a lifetime journey, not a weekend retreat. It takes time, patience, and perseverance.
The best version of you is needed today because unrighteousness is spreading across the planet, blackening the skies like a Hollywood UFO darkening all of New York City.
In that kind of darkness, even the slightest flicker of light can be noticed, and when people are in darkness, they move toward the light.
Your light is needed more than ever.
A close personal relationship with the Godhead is a journey. I invite you to follow along. I hope that as you learn, you can pass it along so that I (and others) might learn. As I learn, I will pass it along so you, too, can learn.