What kind of a Christian should you or I be in the light of what Peter has said and in the light of Christ's return? Almost anytime in the New Testament when the second coming of Christ is mentioned there is an ethical application too. First our lives must be characterized by holiness (vv. 11, 14). In contrast with the lifestyle of false teachers, a Christian's life must be patterned after Christ's holy life. Then the truth of Christ's return should bring peace to our hearts (v.14). However difficult the way may be now, when Christ comes, every problem, every difficulty for the Christian will be resolved. The Living Bible paraphrases the first part of verse15, "Remember why God is waiting. He is giving us time to get His message of salvation out to others." That brings out our responsibility while waiting for Christ's coming. Peter also goes back to his thought of holding on to the Word of Truth. He links himself with Paul and says, "Don't twist the Word of God to make it mean something it doesn't mean." The Living Bible says the result of doing so can only be disaster. His last instruction sums up what ought to be the aim of every believer, "To grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." To do so brings spiritual maturity. Paul said it so well in Philippians 3:14. His one desire and aim was to be like Christ. The Amplified Version reads, "that I might become progressively more deeply and intimately acquainted with Christ." (Philippians 3:10) Shouldn't that be the aim of each one of us? What are we doing about it? Can we ask the Holy Spirit each day to make this goal a continuing reality in our lives? |
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