waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The idea of "hastening" God's coming day might sound strange, as if we can speed up His perfect plan! But in the original language, it carries a sense of eagerness and active anticipation, like a runner straining forward, not forcing the finish line, but longing for it and living in a way that aligns with its imminent arrival. It challenges us to consider if our lives reflect a genuine hope for Christ's return, or just a passive waiting.
waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is addressing scoffers who deny Christ's return, pointing out their hypocrisy and ignorance of God's past judgments. He urges believers to live holy lives in light of the coming Day of the Lord, a fiery, purifying event that will usher in new heavens and a new earth. This isn't a day to be feared, but one to be longed for as God's ultimate plan of redemption unfolds.
Peter tells believers to be 'waiting for and hastening' the day of God. What does it mean to actively 'hasten' Christ's return?
The original Greek words Peter uses here for 'waiting for' and 'hastening' paint a picture of eager anticipation and active involvement. It's not a passive wish, but a passionate longing that drives our actions.
An Eager Expectation
Think about waiting for a loved one to arrive. You don't just sit there; you might prepare the house, set the table, and keep an eye on the clock. Peter encourages a similar eager expectation for Jesus' return.
Hastening Through Living
How do we 'hasten' it? By living in a way that reflects the coming reality. Every act of faithfulness, every moment of obedience, every witness to the Gospel brings God's kingdom closer. It's about aligning our lives with God's ultimate purposes, making His future reign a present reality in our choices.
The verse speaks of a day when the heavens are set ablaze and elements melt. What does this intense imagery reveal about God's final justice?
Peter doesn't shy away from the dramatic and powerful imagery of the Day of the Lord. This isn't just a gentle fading away; it's a decisive, fiery culmination.
A Cosmic Cleansing
The imagery of fire and melting elements points to a complete and absolute purification. Everything that is opposed to God will be utterly consumed, making way for a new heaven and a new earth. It's a powerful reminder that God's justice is thorough and irreversible.
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Undeniable Reality
This isn't symbolic language for 'things getting a bit tough.' It's a stark declaration of a future, definitive judgment. The intensity of the description underscores the certainty and the profound significance of God's final reckoning with sin and rebellion.
Understand the original words
parousian · Greek Noun
The appearing or presence of God or Christ. It refers to the final, visible manifestation of the Lord at the end of the age to judge and to establish His eternal kingdom.
This passage echoes the idea of a 'day of the Lord' where everything will be revealed and tested by fire, highlighting the purifying aspect of God's judgment.
Revelation 21:1While 2 Peter speaks of destruction by fire, Revelation offers a powerful contrast, showing the creation of a new heaven and a new earth after the old has passed away, fulfilling the ultimate hope.
Hebrews 12:26This verse directly relates to the shaking of creation and the coming judgment, emphasizing that God's voice will once again shake not only the earth but also the heavens.
Mark 13:31-32Jesus himself speaks of the urgency of watching and being ready for the end times, connecting the passing of heavens and earth to the certainty of his return and the importance of living faithfully.
The idea of "hastening" God's coming day might sound strange, as if we can speed up His perfect plan! But in the original language, it carries a sense of eagerness and active anticipation, like a runner straining forward, not forcing the finish line, but longing for it and living in a way that aligns with its imminent arrival. It challenges us to consider if our lives reflect a genuine hope for Christ's return, or just a passive waiting.
Peter is addressing scoffers who deny Christ's return, pointing out their hypocrisy and ignorance of God's past judgments. He urges believers to live holy lives in light of the coming Day of the Lord, a fiery, purifying event that will usher in new heavens and a new earth. This isn't a day to be feared, but one to be longed for as God's ultimate plan of redemption unfolds.
Peter is addressing scoffers who deny Christ's return, pointing out their hypocrisy and ignorance of God's past judgments. He urges believers to live holy lives in light of the coming Day of the Lord, a fiery, purifying event that will usher in new heavens and a new earth. This isn't a day to be feared, but one to be longed for as God's ultimate plan of redemption unfolds.
"waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!" — The idea of "hastening" God's coming day might sound strange, as if we can speed up His perfect plan! But in the original language, it carries a sense of eagerness and active anticipation, like a run…
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Last reviewed October 2026