Christians in the first century believed Christ’s return was imminent. Peter wanted his brothers and sisters in the faith to understand how they could live their earthly lives with the hope of heaven while they waited for their eternal lives to begin. What can we learn from Peter’s words today, centuries later?

Peter said, “The end of all things is at hand.” He believed Jesus would come back in his lifetime. Centuries later, we know that Jesus returned throughout Peter’s lifetime, and every generation that followed. Jesus was preparing his disciples for his death when he told them, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” 

There will be a final return of Christ, as promised in Revelation. Until that day, Jesus will return again and again, to guide God’s children to their eternity to dwell with him. Every time a Christian breathes their last breath on earth, Jesus comes for them and their next breath is in heaven. 

Tradition says that Peter asked the Roman soldiers to crucify him upside down because he wasn’t worthy to share the same death as Jesus. It is impossible to understand the strength of Peter’s faith in that moment, apart from the certain hope he had of Christ’s return for him. He died knowing he was about to see Jesus again, face-to-face.

Heaven is the very real promise of Scripture and the hope God wants us to live with each day. Until Jesus returns, or returns at our death, we know how to live. 

Peter taught God’s children to be “self-controlled,” which is better translated as having our “self” remain controlled by God’s Spirit. A Spirit-led life is “sober-minded” or solemnly focused on God's presence and priorities. That focus will help us to pray in God’s will and for his purpose in our lives. 

Then Peter taught that “above all” we should love one another, our fellow Christians, earnestly. God has given us his agape love so that we can share his love with others, especially with our Christian brothers and sisters. When our intentions are driven by the love of God, our actions will be controlled by God and keep us from a “multitude of sins.”

Good advice and careful instruction provide wisdom. Peter advised us to wait for Christ’s return with the hope of heaven and live each day led by God’s Spirit and filled with God’s love. The end of all things is at hand. Live ready to see Jesus as Peter did and you will live well.