Expectation of Future Judgment

 

"But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." 

2 Pet. 3:7

 

          Reserved in vs. 7 is the key to this portion. This word reaches back into the plans of God and unlocks His dealings with the world in the past and the purpose He expects to carry out in the future. As one looks into the past, he is im­mediately made aware that the world has deliberately closed its eyes to the record of God's Word. For there was judgment by water in the past, and, therefore, things do not continue as they were from creation. As one looks into the future, he sees that God has planned the destruction of the world by fire. All this may be observed by reading the prophets and remembering the word of the Lord. Let no one mistake the meaning of the word "reserved."