2 Peter 2:9: Then The Lord Knows How To Rescue The Godly From Trials, And To Keep The Unrighteous Under Punishment Until The Day Of Judgment

2 Peter 2:9

[9] Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, (ESV)

Any verse that starts with word, "then," it must be preceded by the word, "if," somewhere in the text. In this case, we see the word "if" in verses 4, 5, 6, and 7. The theme in all of the examples given by the Apostle Peter is godly people who were rescued from the sinful environment around them. This point is made in the overall context of false teachers who appear to be getting away with their sin.

In verse 4, Peter uses the example of angels who sinned against God. They were chained in gloomy darkness, awaiting certain judgment. In verse 5, he uses the example of the ancient world that was judged by God by a flood, sparing Noah and his family. In verses 6 and 7, the Apostle references the judgment God brought against sinful Sodom and Gomorrah, while sparing Lot.

All of these examples make it clear that God will ultimately rescue the godly from trials, while keeping the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment. We sometimes view God as being aloof when we do not see the sinful punished in quick fashion. God is desirous that the wicked repent, but he will punish eternally those who choose to rebel against him.

We also feel as if God should bring us to our ultimate rescue in a more timely fashion. All of the examples that the Apostle Peter gives should encourage our hearts. We may wait for God's deliverance, but we can know that it is certain. God sees all that we are going through. He is not unaware. He is using our trials to make us better servants for his kingdom. He will also bring us through to victory.

Are you struggling with God's timing in bringing deliverance to you? Or judgment to your enemies? Trust him. His track record is solid. He will deliver the righteous. He will judge the unrighteous.