When we think about the end times, our minds often go to the signs of Christ’s return—the heavens passing away, the earth melting with fervent heat, and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth. Peter certainly points to these truths in 2 Peter 3. But tucked into these verses is a phrase so simple and so powerful that it changes how we see everything: “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation.”
In these final verses of his letter, Peter reminds believers not to lose sight of the main thing. While it’s easy to wonder why Christ hasn’t returned yet, the answer isn’t complicated—He’s waiting because of His mercy. Every moment of delay is another opportunity for salvation. God’s patience is not weakness; it is love. His desire is that no one should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Peter writes, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Peter also acknowledges that some truths of Scripture are “hard to be understood.” But rather than twisting what we don’t grasp, we must hold fast to what we do know: God’s patience means salvation. Every sunrise we see, every day we live, is another chance for someone to come to Christ.
Let’s look at three powerful truths from this passage.
1. Perhaps This Is the Day of Your Salvation
Peter’s message begins personally. God’s delay in sending Christ back might be for you. Perhaps today—right now—is the day of your salvation. The Bible says, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Pastor Howell reminded us that salvation is not something to be postponed. The devil’s greatest lie is not necessarily “There is no God,” but “You can wait until tomorrow.” But tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Each of us must respond to the message of salvation while there’s still time.
Sin separates every human being from God. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). No amount of effort, goodness, or religion can bridge that gap. Salvation is only possible because “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ alone. If you’ve never trusted Him as your Savior, this could be the very reason God has not yet returned—He is patiently waiting for you.
2. Perhaps Today Is the Day to Prioritize Your Salvation
For those who are already saved, Peter’s reminder still speaks loudly. Salvation is not only something we receive—it’s something we live out daily. Many believers, as Pastor Howell said, are “gospel sprinkled,” not “gospel centered.” They know they’re saved, but live as though salvation is an accessory instead of the anchor of their life.
To prioritize your salvation means to let it shape every decision, every habit, every relationship. Your finances, your future, your thoughts, and your actions should all flow from who you are in Christ. The same God who saved you from the penalty of sin also empowers you to live free from its power. Romans 6:17–18 declares, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
You are under new management. Christ is your Lord, not just your rescuer. If you belong to Him, your life should show it. Maybe God has delayed His coming not only so that others might be saved, but so that you might start living your salvation fully, right now.
3. Perhaps Today Is the Day to Proclaim Salvation
Peter’s reminder that “the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation” doesn’t just call us to receive salvation or live outsalvation—it calls us to proclaim it. God’s patience means that there is still time for others to hear the gospel and respond. Every sunrise is another chance for someone to be rescued from darkness and brought into God’s marvelous light.
As believers, we must recognize that the delay of Christ’s return is not wasted time—it’s mission time. The Lord has left us here for a reason: to be His witnesses. Acts 1:8 says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” God has entrusted His church with the responsibility to make Christ known. The gospel didn’t stop with us; it’s supposed to spread through us.
Too often, Christians live as if the Great Commission were a great suggestion. We say we love Jesus, yet we seldom talk about Him to others. We’re quick to discuss politics, sports, or the weather—but hesitant to share the only message that can save a soul from hell. Silence in the face of lostness is not compassion—it’s neglect. If we truly believe that eternity is real, that heaven and hell are real, and that Christ is coming soon, then proclaiming salvation becomes our most urgent calling.
Every believer can play a part. You don’t have to be a preacher or missionary to share Christ. You can start by praying for specific people, handing out a gospel tract, inviting someone to church, or simply telling your story of how Jesus saved you. The gospel message is not complicated—it’s powerful because it points to a Savior who died, was buried, and rose again for our sins. Romans 1:16 declares, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”
Imagine if every Christian lived each day with eternity in view. Imagine if we saw every conversation as a divine opportunity, every coworker or neighbor as an eternal soul, and every delay in Christ’s return as an act of mercy. The world would see a church on fire for the mission of God, a people who cannot stay silent about the salvation they’ve received.
God’s patience is not permission for us to be passive—it’s an invitation for us to be passionate. As long as Jesus delays His coming, there is work to be done, souls to be won, and the gospel to be proclaimed.
Conclusion
When Peter says, “account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation,” he’s inviting us to see God’s patience not as delay, but as divine mercy. Every passing day is proof of His love—for the lost who still need saving and for the believer who still needs to live in obedience.
If you’re not saved, don’t wait another moment. And if you are, let the reality of your salvation transform how you live and inspire you to share Christ with others.
Reflection Question:If Christ were to return tomorrow, would you be ready—and could you say you’ve truly lived and shared the salvation He’s given you today?
