2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
Peter returns to the theme of Jesus’ second coming and what will happen at that time. The “day of the Lord” is a reference to his coming again. It is the time when God’s plan for creation will be fulfilled. God’s promises will be fulfilled and what the Bible claims will come to pass. Jesus’ coming will be a surprise to many people, like a thief who sneaks in and steals at night. Peter is likely remembering what Jesus said that is recorded in Matthew 24:42-44:
42 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Peter adds more information about how the earth will be burned up. and the heavens disappear. It is difficult to figure out what this means. It could be more metaphoric language describing something literal. Peter may only have a prophetic glimpse into the future without specific details. The “heavens” could refer to the sky rather than the heavens where God dwells. Destruction by fire will be a form of cleansing and renewal. A new age will begin, one that is not marked by decay, death, sin, and struggle. This is hard for us to imagine. It will be a glorious day for those who believe but it will be a day of doom and judgment for those who reject the light and love of God in Christ.
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