Why We Are Sure of Christ’s Coming
2 Peter 3:3-4
By Francis Dixon

Introduction: All unfulfilled prophecy in the Word of God is bound up with the personal, bodily and visible return of Christ. The question in 2 Peter 3:3-4 is very significant; it is asked by the scoffer, but we shall ask it, and seek to answer it, so that we may realize the weight of testimony that scripture gives to the certainty of our Lord’s second coming.

Proposition: Peter tells us that the scoffers say: “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?”—and there are seven answers to this question:

I. The Promise of His Coming Is in the Old Testament

   A. In the Pentateuch (Gen. 3:15; 5:24; 22-24; 41:45; 49:10; etc.).

        1. Direct prophecy (“He will crush your head”)

        2. Through “types” (Abraham, Isaac, Joseph).

   B. In the historical books (1 Sam. 16:11; 2 Kings 2:11; etc.).

        1. The line of David.

        2. The embodiment of hope for Israel.

   C. In the poetic books (Job 19:25; Psalms 22-24; etc.)

        1. The Redeemer.

        2. Suffering prophesied by David.

   D. In the prophetic books (throughout).

        1. Isaiah to Malachi are filled with the promise.

        2. The suffering Servant—first coming (Is. 53, etc.).

        3. The glorious King—second coming (Is. 52:12-15, etc.).

II. The Promise of His Coming Is in the Gospels

   A. Jesus frequently spoke of His second coming.

        1. Matt. 16:27; 24:3, 27, 35-37, 44; 25:1-10.

        2. Mark 13:24-27.

        3. Luke 19:11-27; 21:25-28.

        4. John 14:1-3; 21:21-22.

   B. He promised His coming both in clear statements and in parables.

III. The Promise of His Coming Is in Acts

   A. The testimony of the angels (Acts. 1:9-11).

   B. The testimony of the apostles (Acts 15:14-17).

IV. The Promise of His Coming Is in the Epistles

   A. Paul (1 Cor. 4:5; 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; Titus 2:11-13).

   B. James (James 5:7-8).

   C. Peter (1 Peter 1:10-11; 5:4; 2 Peter 3:3-4).

   D. John (1 John 2:28; 3:1-2).

   E. Jude (Jude 14).

V. The Promise of His Coming Is in Revelation

   A. It only makes sense if seen as a promise of His personal return.

   B. The message is summed up in Rev. 1:7; 22:7, 12, 20. 

VI. The Promise of His Coming Is in the Lord’s Supper

   A. Its purpose is to remind us of the promise.

   B. 1 Cor. 11:23-26.

VII. The Promise of His Coming Is in the Hearts of True Believers

   A. We have the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 19:10).

   B. Our hearts thrill at the promise of His return (Rev. 22:20).

From Francis Dixon’s Study Notes
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