Like a Thief

But the day of the Lord will come like a 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. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:10,17-18

"The day of the Lord " in Bible terminology is an extended period of time, beginning with the rapture of the Church, including the 2nd Advent of Christ and the millennial Kingdom. The early Church knew what Peter meant by this. All the apostles were teaching it. In those days, thieves would burst unexpectedly into the home of a sleeping family and snatch away their belongings, suddenly and without any warning. This will be the manner of our Lord's return to claim His own out of the earth. The warning is: don't be complacent. Be ready. Spiritual laziness and worldliness will lull you into a stupor. The wolves are waiting to take advantage of your weakness and apathy. Biblical stupidity is unbecoming of a believer in Jesus Christ, and it leaves us confused and vulnerable to false doctrine. We have been equipped to face the future and today with confidence, because we have God's Word in writing. We grow in grace by learning it. God the Holy Spirit indwells us to enable our understanding and application of His perfect Word of Truth. We need to know what to believe, about whom, why, and by what methods we can communicate with Him. We need to know what is acceptable conduct for His people. We need to have accurate information to share with others in our earthly surroundings. Grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ are the nourishment of the Church. Take it in and grow.