2 Peter 2:9: if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.
Peter finally comes to the “then” clause of the rather complex thought. It may be helpful to summarize the meaning of “if this is so”:
- If fallen angels will be judged
- If Noah’s generation was judged
- If Sodom and Gomorrah were judged
- If God rescued Lot from his depraved environment
Then God can both judge the wicked today and can rescue the godly from their trials. In other words, all we need to do is look back in history (especially as recorded in the Bible) to see how God responds to both the righteous and the wicked. The “godly” are those who are taking on the nature of God described in ch. 1. They are growing in their faith and developing lives of love. They endure trials which results in the deepening and strengthening of their character. They are becoming more like Jesus. Our faith is based on the promises of the Bible, that God will indeed vindicate our struggles. In God’s providence and sovereignty, God may also rescue us from trials in this life, but not always. There may be greater reasons for our suffering than what we can understand. Just like the Lord Jesus, we too must be prepared for suffering for righteousness sake (Matthew 5:10-12). The unrighteous, however, will face sure judgment for their behavior. The warning has been given. People may choose to ignore the warnings God gives through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, the witness of believers, the history of humanity, and divine logic. Ignoring something does not make it go away. People are blinded and deceived into thinking that God does not exist, their actions do not matter, and this life is all there is. They do not live in the fear of God. Sadly, they will face judgment fully accountable for their actions.
For older posts, click here.