When you know something big is coming, it changes the way you live. You clean the house when company’s on the way. You study harder when exams are near. You work differently when the boss is visiting. In 2 Peter 3, Peter reminds believers that the next great event in world history is the return of Jesus Christ—and that truth ought to change how we live every day.
Peter writes, “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14). The coming of Christ isn’t meant to fill us with fear but with focus. If we truly believe He could come at any moment, it should affect how we speak, how we serve, and how we walk with God. Peter’s closing challenge is simple: Because you know what’s coming, live ready.
Let’s look at three calls Peter gives in this verse that help us become more like Christ.
1. The Call of Love
Before Peter commands us to do anything, he reminds us who we are: “Wherefore, beloved.” That word beloved is rich with meaning—it speaks of those who are deeply loved by God. Before we ever labor for Christ, we must first rest in His love for us. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
God’s love is not just a doctrine to know; it’s an identity to live from. If you are saved, you are not merely another face in the crowd—you are a child of the King. You are loved when you are unlovable, accepted when you fail, and secure when the world feels uncertain. And if you have never trusted Christ, this love is offered freely to you through faith in Jesus.
Too often, Christians forget who they are. We chase other identities—our job, our failures, our successes—and neglect the truth that we are beloved of God. Peter begins here because everything else flows from this. If you want to become more like Christ, start by remembering that you are loved by Christ. His love is not just the starting point of salvation; it is the sustaining power of sanctification.
2. The Call of Labor
Peter continues, “Be diligent.” In other words, don’t live casually—live carefully. This is a call to exert spiritual effort, not in earning salvation, but in expressing it. Peter doesn’t say, “Relax and wait for heaven.” He says, “Work faithfully while you wait.”
The Christian life isn’t a spectator sport; it’s a race that demands focus, endurance, and effort. While only God can forgive sins and transform hearts, He calls us to do our part: to pray, obey, serve, and pursue holiness. There’s a partnership between divine grace and human diligence.
When Jesus returns, Peter asks us to consider: Will He find you distracted or devoted? Many Christians have been “hit by the 20-ton bus of life.” Trials, disappointments, and pain can make us want to quit. But just as a marathon runner presses through the pain to finish the race, so must we continue faithfully for Christ. God gives the grace—we must give the effort.
3. The Call of Purity
Finally, Peter says we should “be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” This is not about perfection but direction. As we live in anticipation of Christ’s return, our goal should be to walk in purity and peace with God.
To be “without spot” means living free from the stains of sin that hinder our testimony. To be “blameless” means living with a clear conscience before God and others. And to live “in peace” means resting in God’s control while striving to reflect His character.
Becoming like Christ is not just believing in His return—it’s behaving in a way that’s ready for it. When we love as He loves, labor as He labored, and live as He lived, we will be ready to meet Him unashamed.
Conclusion
The next great event on God’s calendar is not a political change or personal milestone—it’s the return of Jesus Christ. And because we know He is coming, we must live ready. The call of love reminds us who we are. The call of labor challenges us to stay diligent. The call of purity points us toward holiness.
When Christ returns, will He find you distracted—or devoted?
