Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Peter 3:11-18

"Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in [all] holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote unto you; as also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; wherein are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstedfast wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, knowing [these things] beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] the glory both now and for ever. Amen." — 2 Peter 3:11-18 (ASV)

From the doctrine of Christ's second coming, we are exhorted to purity and godliness. This is the effect of real knowledge. Very exact and universal holiness is enjoined, not resting in any low measure or degree. True Christians look for new heavens and a new earth, freed from the vanity to which present things are subject, and the sin with which they are polluted. Only those who are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, and sanctified by the Holy Ghost, shall be admitted to dwell in this holy place.

He who has promised is faithful. Those whose sins are pardoned, and their peace made with God, are the only safe and happy people. Therefore, pursue peace with all people, and pursue holiness as well as peace. Never expect to be found in peace on that day of God if you are lazy and idle in this your day, in which we must finish the work given us to do. Only the diligent Christian will be the happy Christian in the day of the Lord.

Our Lord will suddenly come to us, or shortly call us to him; and will he find us idle? Learn to make a right use of the patience of our Lord, who still delays his coming. Proud, carnal, and corrupt people seek to distort some things into a seeming agreement with their wicked doctrines. But this is no reason why Saint Paul's epistles, or any other part of the Scriptures, should be set aside, for people, left to themselves, pervert every gift of God.

Then let us seek to have our minds prepared for receiving things that are hard to understand, by putting into practice things that are easier to understand. But there must be self-denial, suspicion of ourselves, and submission to the authority of Christ Jesus before we can heartily receive all the truths of the gospel; therefore, we are in great danger of rejecting the truth. And whatever opinions and thoughts of people are not according to the law of God, and warranted by it, the believer disclaims and abhors.

Those who are led away by error fall from their own steadfastness. So that we may avoid being led away, we must seek to grow in all grace, in faith, virtue, and knowledge. Strive to know Christ more clearly and more fully; to know him so as to be more like him and to love him better. This is the knowledge of Christ, which the apostle Paul strove for and desired to attain. Those who taste this effect of the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will, upon receiving such grace from him, give thanks and praise him, and join in ascribing glory to him now, in the full assurance of doing the same hereafter, forever.