2nd Peter 3:1-5 PURE MINDS It is evidence of a true shepherd of God's people that he knows who they are and where they are in their spiritual life and development. He genuinely cares for them and is not afraid to let them know it. When in the first of four "beloved" statements in chapter three Peter writes, "Beloved --- be mindful," he knows there is a battle for the minds of young and old believers alike. He had assured them of who they are in the eyes of God at the beginning of the letter. They have been called and chosen by the Lord. He had warned them of those who were among the people of God who are not what they claimed to be, teachers of the Christian lifestyle, but are rather false teachers in the same category of Old Testament false prophets. Now in chapter three, as a faithful shepherd should, he is giving more instruction in view of where they are living in the historical context of God's dealings with mankind and what is coming in the future.
"Pure minds" are not mixed up by vain speculation of vain men, but are sincere and wholesome, without the flaws and cracks in the character of opinionated people. Peter let those early saints know his opinion of them as well as his expectation of them. In contrast to the subtle but eloquent words of false prophets are the "words spoken by holy prophets." Also, the "commandments given by the apostles" were equally inspired words "God breathed" by the Holy Spirit of God. The people of God are as important to us today as they were to Peter. The Lord's people are beloved by God and by those who "love the brethren." One who truly cares for them, wants to not only protect them from deceivers, but to see them mature and act in faith based on the word of God.
Many of the prophecies Old testament prophets made were fulfilled during the time our Lord was here. Those predictions were made hundreds of years before they were fulfilled just as the prophets said. That authenticated the fact that it was God speaking through them. Those men were not false prophets. The commands of the apostles are also stated as ways God's truth is transmitted to His people. Both the prophets and apostles had the right to speak with knowledge and authority as those through whom God speaks to us. In fact, there are a number of references to the word of God in this chapter to confirm what the people of God believe, compared to the spurious opinions of the false teachers who were among them.
The first reference to the word of God is that it is an "epistle." It is a personal communication from God to them along with the first letter they had received. They had a personal, written message from God. The "spoken" words of the prophets to God's people were from "holy men of old" who were moved by the Holy Spirit to write the words. "The commandments" from the apostles who were in the foundation of the church, were divinely given instructions to men who had been selected by the Lord to take His word to the world as were those who followed their commands. "His promise" regarding the coming of the Lord and events in the future, is also the word of God. What a different promise this is compared to the promise of "liberty" the false teachers gave. "The word of God" created the world and the heavens before there were apostles and prophets. Creation hadn't even started when God spoke things into existence by His word. It is the same word of God that brought about the flood and renewed the earth afterward. The writings of Paul are mentioned and they too are the word of God, both equal to and supportive of all other words of scripture.
"Last days" is a reference to the period of time between the incarnation of Christ and the glorious appearing of our Lord when He comes in "power and glory." Those who scoffed were denying the truths taught by the prophets and apostles - and even the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. Peter had explained the unity between the writers of scripture, contrasted with those arrogant teachers who with cynicism promoted themselves. The prophets, the Lord and the apostles all warned about those coming who were false prophets and teachers. They warned there would be an increase in their number in the last of the "last days." They gave descriptions of their lifestyle and license, and their mockery of God through His writers. Their mockery and open opposition had been predicted and Peter was adding his words of warning to those who had gone before him.
Last days mockers and false teachers mocked the Lord then and now. "He" promised to return and it hasn't happened they would say with disdain. They are deliberately limited in their wicked minds to what they see, what they think, their own timetable of events and their own opinions. Not only do mockers say you can't rely on what the Lord Jesus promised, but because nothing has changed in creation since it began, nothing will change. Some teach today that the evolutionary process is still going on but so slowly it cannot be observed. Others who believe the theory of uniformitarianism believe nothing is changing and never will. In all of the areas of study people seem to believe people and things are getting better and better with only a few minor setbacks. Those who the mockers called "fathers" may refer to those in the generation before them who passed away or the ancestors from the beginning of man's history. Typically, people today say, "If I can't see it, I won't believe it." By choice they reject the prophetic warnings the prophets, the Lord and the apostles gave relating to political, religious and natural disorder.
When people deliberately close their minds to the truth and their eyes to events happening around them in the world, we know that under whatever cloak they are wearing: religious, business, friendliness, education - that person is not to be trusted. They want proof of the Lord's coming but close their eyes to prophetic facts. They are blinded by their own choice to be blind. Such persons doubt God's word and deny His promises to come again and claim they are unreliable. They assume because things seem to be the same as they were awhile ago that nothing fundamental is going to change. They willingly close their minds to the word of God and so remain ignorant of the facts. There have been great changes and there will be again. Since human history began the earth has been cursed because of man's sin so that not only good fruit is in the earth but also useless plants. It that useless plant life is left out of control it hinders the good. There has been a world- wide flood that has changed the topography of the earth as well as changing the climate on earth.
Peter's simple easily understood statement quotes the facts as they can be seen. He did not go into complicated scientific explanations as to how things came to be. By faith we accept the truth of what he wrote and understand the value of the scriptures making things plain to us who have faith in the written word of God. When we trust the light of God's word that shines on a matter giving us understanding, we can assume those of pure minds will believe the fulfilled prophecies of the past to be true. When we understand the character of those who mock; when we know the day of Christ relates to the rapture, the day of the Lord is when Christ returns to earth and the day of God is the glorious future; then we can quietly rest in faith, labor with enthusiasm and wait for Him with patience. 2Peter 3:1. “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance.” BELOVED, BE… BELOVED, listen and be mindful to these words – For no matter what men say, The days in which we live right now, Will surely pass away.
The scoffers talk, and the mockers mock, Each trying to out-do the other. But the prophets and apostles taught Of the coming of the Savior.
BELOVED, be not ignorant as the years pass by, Because He’s not yet come. He’s been held back, but is not slack – He’s waiting to save some.
But when He comes and we are gone – Then, world, you’d best learn now, That all will burn that’s polluted here- The heavens and earth starts anew.
BELOVED, be diligent – look ahead. Live in peace and without blame. Our Lord has left us here on earth, And given authority by His name.
To the mockers and the scoffers,
And when we see the world’s events – Then teach the Word of God out clear; It is for this reason we are sent.
BELOVED, beware: because in each one of us, Is a susceptibility to sin. Be careful you’re not led astray – We are not yet at journey’s end.
But grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord – Be sure you’re not in darkness but in light. Give all glory to the Lord, All lasting honor is His right.
“Thanks O Father, for not leaving us without warnings of the end times. I can see evidence all around of the changing of the times and increasing of the darkness. I am arming myself from day to day, to be ready to act on Thy direction, even though the end draws near. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”