—bringing swift destruction on themselves.
Summary: Once again we are confronted by the duality of the physical and the spiritual. In physical terms “swift” means “now.” In spiritual terms, “swift” might simply mean “suddenly.”
As we continue with Peter’s letter, he spends a lot of time on today’s topic: the destruction of those who teach false doctrine. In this passage, he begins with how that destruction comes about. Peter describes it as “swift destruction.”
This might seem to be a bit of a conundrum for us. After all, there are many people out there teaching what appears to be false doctrine. How come God does not just wipe them out? What is he waiting for?
God has his reasons.
We need to remember that God’s perception of time is very different from ours. Psalm 90:4 explains that to God, the passage of a thousand years might seem like a few hours in the night to us. God’s purposes are loving, too. He wants “all people to be saved” (1 Timothy 2: 4). In the parable of the “Wheat and the Tares” (Matthew 13: 24-30) Jesus explains that there is a danger to removing the weeds while the wheat is still growing. Yet, there is no danger of God failing to redeem those he has chosen for eternal life (Romans 14:4).
So what does “swift destruction” mean?
Just a few days before writing this, I attended my youngest son’s wedding. After the ceremony, at the reception, I had the privilege of offering a toast to the newlyweds. The schedule allowed five minutes for this task. Five minutes was enough time to share several thoughts with the newly married couple and those in attendance.
I felt good about the words I had written. Words about family, friends, and faith, and the importance of each. I had more words about wedding arches and the symbolism of the arch itself. I felt ready.
The wedding ceremony was beautiful and joyful. I think my son, who was getting married, was calmer and more collected than I was. Afterward, at the reception, I relaxed and enjoyed sharing stories with the other people at our table.
When the wedding planner tapped me on the shoulder and said it was time for my toast, I was not nervous. We were among friends and family. I felt very much at home.
Then it happened.
I stood next to my son and his bride and looked out over the smiling faces looking back at me. I smiled, glanced down at my notes, and began to speak.
Swiftly, emotions that I had not prepared for nor expected welled up in my throat. I had only spoken a few words when my voice cracked and I choked up. All I could think to do was try to breathe.
I forced myself to take a breath and made a joke out of breathing. I forged ahead. Three more times I had to stop, breathe, and wait for a moment to recover. My son, my little one, the kid who never seemed to grow up, had suddenly grown up! All of his friends were grown, too! My entire worldview was changing under my feet as I tried to act “normal” and smile through my talk.
I survived, and so did everyone else. They were all very kind and understanding. Perhaps they could relate.
Yet, what amazed me was the swiftness of being overtaken by the reality of the moment. Imagine what it will be like for the false teacher! Instead of being overwhelmed by joy, the realization of what they have done will overwhelm them. Maybe, like me, their confidence will carry them right up to where they are standing in front of their audience. In their case, it will be God sitting in His judgment seat. When they open their mouths to proclaim their righteousness before God, reality will come upon them swiftly. Destruction will be their reward.
Application: Humility before God is an essential part of avoiding this trap!
Food for Thought: What kinds of things might the false teacher realize when they stand before God’s judgment seat?
Thank you for sharing the story about your son’s wedding. It is a great example of swiftness.
We do get a glimpse in Scripture of what at least some false teachers will realize. Matthew 7: 15 – 23 is about false prophets who realize that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” and prophesies in His name will be accepted by Jesus. One must know Jesus, not just talk about Him.
Thank you, Rich!
The passage you reference is a great example of what we are talking about.
I was about so say something similar to Pastor Rich. Those false teachers might not know who the Judge is, how they will be judged, or any of the punishments. I’m just blessed to be able to know the Judges Son.
Thank you, Mr. T!
We are very blessed to know the Son. As Rich points out, the ‘false teachers’ also claim to know him, but Jesus is not fooled by words. He knows each heart. We can trust his judgment will be true and just.
10-20-2021, 2 Peter 2:1d, What kinds of things might the false teacher realize when they stand before God’s judgment seat?
In the human heart there are many compartments, rooms with locking doors which contain the truth of all we are. Some doors are left open for all to see, some are locked for private access only while others are locked tight and never or rarely visited. If we’re going to really live the Christian life, we need to choose to surrender all of our heart to God. Every room in our “house” must be opened for cleaning as God asks us to surrender to His revealed will over our own. We need to get excited, as we are convicted, and let go of our junk knowing something greater is coming.
“The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.” To prepare is to set in order (b’seder in Hebrew), to get ready, make oneself ready. For believers, intent on following Jesus, we must PREPARE OUR HEART TO AGREE WITH GOD, rather than getting God to agree with what we have already decided to do!
Proverbs 16:1, Romans 2:14-15
“Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God?” Have we responded to His conviction and welcomed Him into our hearts with free access to all rooms???
1 Corinthians 6:19, John 16:8-12
The false teacher has MANY locked doors, but they are not locked to God. My image of the day of Judgement is all who have willingly declared war on Christ, will stand before God who will open every door for all to see. There will be great wailing and gnashing of teeth as sins of the unrepentant are revealed to all.
Ron,
What powerful imagery! I agree with your analysis. The only thing I would imagine differently is that instead of the doors to locked closets being opened, I think the whole roof of the house will be lifted off. There will not be a hallway, or closet, or room that remains hidden, which, of course, is what you said. 🙂
Thank you, my friend, for sharing your thoughts today.
I like your image. there is something about ripping the roof off the building that fits. Why mess with doors?
I can think of one reason…
It is more a-door-able.
🙂
The empty worthlessness of the words they spoke to others,..and realizing the words they should have used instead,..they will realize that they have not one single crown to cast at the feet of Jesus,..they may realize how wrong they were and actually repent before stepping through the gates of heaven,..then again they may realize that they aren’t going to get to pass through because of their hardened hearts,..I am sure they will find out that they are really not that a-door-able,..
Well said, John.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5: 15-16.
They will realize how evil the days were and how many opportunities were missed.