"The earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." (2 Peter 3:10). So wrote Peter by Divine inspiration nearly 2,000 years ago. His words were not the first century version of the pseudo-science of global warming though. In fact, his words are quite the opposite. While "scientists" seek to frighten us with their undocumented theories of man's destruction of the world, the Bible tells us that, while the world will indeed be annihilated, this destruction will come at the hand of God Almighty and will go hand in hand with eternal judgment. In 2 Peter 3:11 Peter wrote, "Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness." Rather than promote global warming, these verses plus many others like them throughout God's Word present to us a global WARNING to prepare ourselves for eternity.
We could fill page after page with Bible passages that tell of eternal judgment, but let's hone in on Peter's words in 2 Peter 3. In the context, Peter was dealing with those who questioned such judgment. Mockingly they declared, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." (2 Peter 3:4). Peter then cited the flood of Noah's day as proof that God DOES judge and God DOES destroy and God DOES punish the disobedient (2 Peter 3:5-6). He followed these facts with the affirmation that "the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." (2 Peter 3:7). Verses eight and nine of 2 Peter 3 answer the scoffers who doubted God's judgment by explaining that, while said judgment would surely come, God's longsuffering to mankind was the reason as to why it had not come by that time.
Now read 2 Peter 3:10-12. These verses are set up by those just considered. "Why hasn't God come by now?" the scoffers asked. "Surely He is NOT coming and He's not going to destroy anything or anyone either," they concluded. Peter replied, in essence, "Don't mistake God's patience for weakness or lack of commitment to His promise of judgment and destruction. The day of the Lord WILL come. The heavens SHALL pass away. The elements SHALL melt. The earth and its works SHALL be burned up." It is a global WARNING as clear as day.
Were it not for the mercy of God, we would be left with the fearful specter of this dire warning. Because of the mercy of God, however, Peter indicated in the ensuing verses that we could prepare ourselves for this day to end all days. The destruction of the earth will come but we can live on in eternity with our Lord. We need to consider our lives and be holy and Godly (2 Peter 3:11), without spot and blameless (2 Peter 3:14), and on our guard against falling away from the path of righteousness (2 Peter 3:17). How can we do this? "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18). Said growth comes through a diligent study of the Word of God (Romans 10:17; 1 Peter 2:2).
The warning is real. The events are certain. Our preparation is a must.