2 Peter 3

Lord and Saviour

That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 2 Peter 3:2

The apostles speak for the Lord and Saviour, and their words stand beside those of the holy prophets.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

Second Coming

And 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. 2 Peter 3:4

Peter prophesies that in the last days scoffers will mock the promise that Christ will return.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Matthew 24:48 — the evil servant says, 'My lord delayeth his coming'
• alluded to by D&C 45:26 — 'they will say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth'

Creation by the Word

For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 2 Peter 3:5

The heavens and earth were made by the word of God. John identifies that creating Word as Christ, through whom all things were made.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to John 1:3 — 'All things were made by him'

The Lord's Patience Before His Coming

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. 2 Peter 3:8–9

The Lord's timing is not ours. His coming seems delayed only because He patiently wants every person to repent and not perish.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Psalm 90:4 — 'a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday'
• alludes to Abraham 3:4 — one day with the Lord is a thousand years

Day of the Lord

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. 2 Peter 3:10–12

Christ will come suddenly, like a thief at night, and the earth will be purified by fire. The faithful live holy lives while they look forward to that day.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in 1 Thessalonians 5:2 — 'the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night'
• the same event in Revelation 16:15 — 'Behold, I come as a thief'
• the same event in D&C 106:4 — the coming of the Lord 'overtaketh the world as a thief in the night'
• the same event in D&C 101:25 — the elements shall melt with fervent heat; all things become new

New Heavens and New Earth

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2 Peter 3:13–14

The Lord promises a renewed earth where righteousness lives, and the Saints prepare to be found by Him at His coming clean and at peace.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Isaiah 65:17 — 'I create new heavens and a new earth'
• the same event in Articles of Faith 1:10 — the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory when Christ reigns personally

Our Lord's Longsuffering

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 2 Peter 3:15

The Lord's patience in delaying His coming is itself salvation: it gives more people time to repent.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

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. 2 Peter 3:18

Peter's last written words: keep growing in grace and in knowing Jesus Christ, and give Him glory forever.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him