There are some Bible passages about the end times that are particularly helpful in telling us what sort of lives we should live,
and what sort of people we should be, as we wait for God's Son from heaven, in the light of the things that are coming upon the earth. Some of the verses relate to (1) His glorious appearing (Titus 2:13), and others to (2) the catastrophic events that will usher in the new heavens and the new earth at the end of the age.
2 Peter 3:1-4 reminds us that in the last days scoffers will come mocking, following their own sinful desires, and saying: "Why hasn't he shown up yet like he promised? Things are exactly the same since the beginning of creation." (paraphrase)
But 2 Pet 3:5-7 suggests here's where they are wrong: "Just because the things promised haven't happened yet, doesn't mean they are not going to happen. After all, God created all things by the power of his Word, and the flood happened in the same way. And by that same Word, all things are held in reserve for the fire that is to come on the day of judgment and destruction -- The Day of the Lord" (paraphrase)
And why is God holding up fulfilling his promises about wrath and judgment against wicked men? 2 Pet 3:9 tells us "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some people consider slowness, but is very patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but that all should come to repentance."
Finally in this passage, Peter comes to the place where he tells us how we as believers should live:
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a great roar, and the heavenly bodies (or, the very elements themselves) will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and its works will be burned up.
"Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of people you ought to be living lives of holiness and godliness, 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 (or elements) will melt as they burn. But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
"Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these things, be diligent to be found in him without any spot or blemish, and at peace." (2 Pet 3:10-14)
And Peter adds in 2 Pet 3:18, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever, to the day of eternity. Amen."
In short, because of the wrath and judgment coming upon the earth, we should live our lives in holiness and godliness.
But the scriptures also tell us that because of the coming glorious appearing of Jesus which we wait for, we should live life in the very same way:
"Beloved, we are now God's children. And while it is not clear what we will be like when he appears, we know this: that we will be like him, because we will (finally) see him as he is! And all those who have this hope within them, purify themselves just as he is pure!" (1 John 3:2-3)
And finally, 2 Corinthians ch 6 gives believers many promises about the relationship that God the Father will have with us when we live obediently. He adds in 2 Cor 7:1,
"Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
Brothers and sisters, let us commit ourselves to these things!
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