Talk:2nd Peter Chapter 3

From The Open Bible Project

The idea of coming catastrophic physical destruction is often associated with the passage in Peter and Matthew. One word which is often mistakenly taken literally in Peter is the word stoichion for “elements”. This word is used in Galations: we were in bondage under these “elements”, Paul questions why we might turn to them again. (4:3,9) Also the Hebrews seemed to need to be taught these first “principles” again. Colossians 2:8,20 says that we shouldn’t be deceived by these “rudiments” of the world, and that we are in Christ dead to them. This "salvation by works" religion was exactly what was nailed to the cross, and was to be destroyed - this is what Peter is saying. Full New Covenant creation (new heavens) is accompanied by full Old Covenant destruction.