2 Peter 3:10 10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, at which the heavens will pass away with a rushing noise, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and destroyed, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be laid bare.
Even though God is patient and delaying the day of judgment out of grace for humanity, a time will come when the promise of Jesus’ return will be fulfilled. 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. Jesus’ coming will be a surprise to many people, like a thief who sneaks in and steals at night. Jesus taught his disciples about his sudden and unexpected return and compared it to how a thief sneaks in at night when everyone is asleep and unaware (Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39; 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 4; Revelation 3:3; 16:15).
Peter adds more information about that time, including how the heavens will disappear and the earth will be burned up. The meaning of this verse is difficult to determine. The language could be metaphorical or, more likely, literal. An apocalyptic belief among Jews and early Christians was that the earth would be judged by fire (Malachi 3:2–5; 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Hebrews 10:27). Peter may have had only a partial prophetic glimpse into the future, without specific details, or he may be summarizing something Jesus stated. The word heavens often refers in Scripture to the sky rather than to 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 but glorious eternal life. It will be a glorious occasion 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. The evil deeds of the ungodly will be exposed before the righteousness of God.