FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Faith Essentials

thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up ” (2 Peter 3:10). Ponder this verse and see first that the sky will vanish with a “roar.” The term used for roar “is a colorful . . .word which can be used of the swish of an arrow through the air, or the rumbling of thunder, as well as the crackling of flames, the scream of the lash as it descends, the rushing of mighty waters, or the hissing of a serpent.” 2 Fire enters the picture once again by destroying the elements and burning up the earth, along with everything in it. Although the word “elements” is a bit confusing, it undoubtedly refers to the materials that make up the earth. There’s no doubt about the fact that this present planet and its structures will be completely obliterated. This is consistent with the close connection between God, fire and judgment. As Moses commanded the children of Israel before they entered Canaan, “ So watch yourselves, that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God . . . For the LORD your God is a consuming fire . . .” (Deuteronomy 4:23, 24)—a warning the writer of Hebrews borrowed when writing about the danger of refusing God (Hebrews 12:29). Peter’s writing also jibes with what John observed: “ Earth and heaven fled away, and no place was for them. The first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea ” (Revelation 20:11, 21:1). “Checkmate” is an old painting portraying the so-called triumph of the devil in a chess game. He is shown celebrating the apparent failure of his opponent. All indications are that the young man seated at the chessboard has lost. His expression exudes hopelessness and dejection. Fascinated by the painting, a famous chess player sought to see if there was any way the young man could win. He placed the pieces on his board exactly as they appeared on the canvas and studied them

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