BUT THE PRESENT HEAVENS AND EARTH BY HIS WORD ARE BEING RESERVED FOR FIRE : Hoi de nun ouranoi kai te ge to auto logo tethesaurismenoi (RPPMSN) eisin (3PPAI) puri: (See articles on fire -  Easton's Bible Dict, ISBE, Torrey's Topic "Fire") (2 Peter 3:10; Ps 50:3; 102:26; Is 51:6; Zep 3:8; Mt 24:35; 25:41; 2Th 1:8; Rev 20:11; 21:1)

Remember that Peter is addressing the mockers who say that things will never change. He has presented the historical truths they willfully ignore that by the Word of God two great past cataclysmic events have occurred -- the Creation of the heavens and the earth and the destruction of the world by the Genesis flood.

But (1161) (de) contrasts the flood judgment with the fire judgment (see discussion on importance of terms of contrast in the observation phase of Inductive Bible Study) The fact that one cataclysmic judgment has taken place in history is clear indication that God can intervene again with fire if He so chooses. It is interesting that although other passages allude to the fiery demise of planet earth,  2 Peter provides the only specific NT description of this future event (see notes 2 Peter 3:7; 10; 12).

Robertson says Paul contrasts the "now heavens" over against the "then world' of verse 6.

The present (3568) (nun = now) heavens (3772) and (1093) earth" points to the present cosmic system as we know it today and which has existed since the Genesis flood. Prior to the flood, the cosmos was different, as testified by the long life span (~900 years) of pre-flood man compared to post-flood man (~70 years).

By His Word (3056) -- God made the earth and "by His Word" he sustains the heavens and earth we now live in until He determines it is time to intervene with fire the final cataclysmic event. Here Peter says the Word which created, now keeps the heavens and earth stored up for this fire. Clearly Peter wants his readers to understand that the world and all that is within it from beginning to end is dependent upon the omnipotent Word of God. Jesus presented a similar prophecy when He said

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away. (Mt 24:35)

Luke reminds us that

no Word from God shall be void of power (Lu 1:37 AV).

This prophetic word is sure (1:19) so we can be sure that this prophesied fiery destruction will come, but not until God say's "Let it come."

The writer of Hebrews says Jesus holds all things together by the Word of His power.  (Heb 1:3, cf Col 1:17)

Do you really believe that God's Word is this certain,
this powerful and this effective?
Do you show it by treasuring it in your heart
so that you may not sin against Him
(Ps 119:9,11)?

There is no fear of judgment for the one who judges himself or herself according to the Word of God.

Being reserved (2343)  (theaurizo from thesaurós = treasure, deposit = place where something is kept = treasure box, chest, storehouse, storeroom. English = thesaurus, a treasury of words) means to lay away, to to amass or reserve, to store up or treasure up goods for future use. It can mean to hoard. The idea is to lay up or store up something to keep it safe. Most of the uses in Scripture are literal storing up but there are some uses that are figurative such as storing up of wrath (see note Romans 2:5)

The root word thesauros in secular Greek means: a treasure chamber, a storage room, granary, strong-box or a treasure per se. Even at a very early period temples were built with treasure chambers, where gifts and taxes in kind and money could be stored. The practice appears to have spread from Egypt to Greece. Collecting boxes were also known (cf. 2Ki 12:10).

NIDNTT writes that the root word

thesauros is found from Hesiod onwards. Its etymology is uncertain, and it is probably a technical loan-word. It means:

(a) a treasure chamber, a storage room, granary, strong-box;

(b) treasure. Even at a very early period temples were built with treasure chambers, where gifts and taxes in kind and money could be stored. The practice appears to have spread from Egypt to Greece. Collecting boxes were also known (cf. 2 Ki 12:10).

Thesaurizo is used similarly in the sense of storing up treasure, or putting it in safe keeping.

Mandaean Gnostic literature made use of the concepts of the treasure-house and the treasure of life and light from which the soul takes its rise, and to which it may return after it has experienced salvation (cf. W. Foerster, Gnosis: A Selection of Gnostic Texts)...

In later Judaism good works, e.g. alms giving, are a treasure which is stored up as a reward in the world to come, while the interest is enjoyed in this world as well (cf. Tob. 4:8ff.; 2 Esd. 6:5ff.; 7:77; Tosefta Peah 4:18; SB I 430). “All that Israel lays up in the form of fulfilments of the Law and good works, it lays up for its Father in heaven” (Deut. R. 1 on Deut. 1:1; cf. F. Hauck, TDNT III 137; SB I 431).

The rabbis sometimes spoke of the treasure from which the scribe draws and of the treasure house of eternal life, i.e. the place where the souls of the dead are stored up, or the “bundle” in which they are “bound” (cf. 1 Sam. 15:29; F. Hauck, ibid.; SB II 268; III 803). (Brown, Colin, Editor. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. 1986. Zondervan) 

The verb thesaurizo is used similarly in the sense of storing up treasure or putting it in safe keeping.

John MacArthur adds that...

The Greek also carries the connotation of stacking or laying out horizontally, as one stacks coins. In the context of this passage the idea is that of stockpiling or hoarding, and therefore pictures wealth that is not being used. The money or other wealth is simply stored for safekeeping; it is kept for the keeping’s sake to make a show of wealth or to create an environment of lazy overindulgence (cf. Luke 12:16-21). (MacArthur, J: Matthew 1-7 Macarthur New Testament Commentary Chicago: Moody Press)

God is holding the earth "by His Word" on a divine "layaway plan" so to speak.

The perfect tense speaks of the duration or permanence of this divine "reservation".  It is as if this "reservation" was made at some point in time in the past and is still "reserved", under girding the truth that it will come to pass in God's perfect timing regardless of how much unbelievers scoff at its delay.

Paul uses thesaurizo in (Ro 2:5) to describe men "storing up wrath" for themselves. Peter says that God is storing up the world for revelation of His righteous wrath. Peter explains "reserved for fire" in the following passages (v10-13) (remember that the golden rule of accurate interpretation is context rules).

There are 8 uses of thesaurizo in the NT...

Matthew 6:19 (see note) "Do not lay up (present imperative + a negative = command to stop action already in process) for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. (The saying is true...You can't take it with you!)

Matthew 6:20 (note)  "But lay up (present imperative =  make this the habit of your life! Don't be stingy!) for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal

Luke 12:21 So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Romans 2:5 (note) But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God (Comment: The one who remains unrepentant is steadily storing up wrath. There is an interesting ironic contrast for on one hand Paul has just referred to the riches of God's kindness, forbearance and patience [see note Romans 2:4] on which the Jew is in fact presuming, and, on the other hand, with the Jewish conception of treasure stored up in the world to come as a reward for good works - see the preceding discussion in the NIDNTT re Judaism and "works".)

1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. (These instructions on storing up refer to the collection for the poor of Jerusalem)

2 Corinthians 12:14 Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. (In context Paul is speaking of his forthcoming visit and his determination not to be a burden to them. He regards himself as their father, and hence is under obligation to support them and not vice versa.)

James 5:3 Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! (Comment: James speaks of judgment which awaits those who are preoccupied with temporal, earthly treasures. The irony is that while these people thought that they were storing up treasure, they were, in fact, storing up wrath as described in Romans 2:5)

2 Peter 3:7 (note) But the present heavens and earth by His word are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

The Septuagint (LXX) has 9 uses of thesaurizo  (2 Ki. 20:17; Ps. 39:6; Prov. 1:18; 2:7; 13:22; 16:27; Amos 3:10; Mic. 6:10; Zech. 9:3; Matt. 6:19f; Lk. 12:21; Rom. 2:5; 1 Co. 16:2; 2 Co. 12:14; Jas. 5:3; 2 Pet. 3:7) and is used both literally and figuratively.

2 Kings 20:17 'Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and all that your fathers have laid up in store to this day shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left,' says the LORD.

Proverbs 2:7 He stores up (Hebrew = tsaphan = hide, treasure, store up; Lxx = thesaurizo) sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

Amos 3:10 "But they do not know how to do what is right," declares the LORD, "these who hoard up (Hebrew = 'atsar = store up, save, lay up; Lxx = thesaurizo) violence and devastation in their citadels."

Fire (4442) (pur) as Peter uses it refers to literal combustion of flammable materials and thus pictures a radical purging of the heavens and earth of sin and the ungodly. No wonder they mock their frightening future fate as "fiction".

Easton's Dictionary states that...

Figuratively, fire is a symbol of Jehovah's presence and the instrument of his power (Exodus 14:19; Numbers 11:1,3; Judges 13:20; 1 Kings 18:38; 2Kings 1:10,12; 2:11; Isaiah 6:4; Ezek. 1:4; Revelation 1:14, etc.).(cf Ge15:17-18). (Click ISBE article)

There could not be a better metaphor for Jehovah than fire, which is immaterial, mysterious, but visible, warming, cheering, comforting, and finally also terrible and consuming. God for example is described as a "consuming fire" (Ex 24:17 Dt 4:24 see note Hebrews 12:29, cf note Hebrews 10:27).

Numerous references to fire in the Bible emphasize God’s judgment on wickedness and unbelief.

The prophet Amos warned Israel

Seek the Lord and live, lest He break out like a fire in the house of Joseph and devour it (Amos 5:6)

In the NT, eternal damnation is pictured as an everlasting fire (see note Revelation 21:8). Fire from heaven is described as an instrument of God’s wrath to crush the satanic rebellion (see notes Revelation 20:9; 20:10).

The prophet Malachi describes the return of the Lord Jesus in terms of fire

But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap (Mal 3:2)

Although this event (His second coming) is 1000 years prior to the fiery destruction of the universe that will occur at the end of the Messiah's 1000 year reign on earth (according to a literal interpretation of  the chronology of the events in Rev 20-21). God put the rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenantal promise that He would never destroy the world again by water (Ge 9:13). Peter says that in the future, God will destroy the heavens and the earth by fire (cf. Da 7:9,10; Mic 1:4; Mal 4:1;Ps 97:3)

KEPT FOR THE DAY OF JUDGMENT AND DESTRUCTION OF UNGODLY MEN: teroumenoi (PPPMPN) eis hemeran kriseos kai apoleias ton asebon anthropon: (Torrey's Topic Day of Judgment)  (2:9; Mt 10:15; 11:22,24; 12:36; Mk 6:11; 1 Jn4:17) (Ro 2:5; Php 1:28; 2Th 2:3; 1Ti 6:9; Rev 17:8, Rev 17:11)

Kept (5083) (tereo) (Click study of tereo) means to keep in view, watch over, guard.

Tereo is used 4 times in 2 Peter, each time in connection with the judgment of the ungodly (2Peter 2:4, 2:9, 2:17, 3:7). But as the water of the pre-flood world was under the control of God, so the fire of the present age is kept preserved (in restraint) by that same word.

Day of Judgment - When does this day occur? Comparing other Scriptures it is clear that the present order of things (physical and spiritual) will be forever destroyed at the end of the 1000 year reign of Christ, which will also mark the end of the period known as the Day of the Lord which will be more fully discussed in the notes below on (2 Peter 3:10 [note]). Judgement  (see krisis below) as in most of the Scriptural uses refers to a distinction made between good and evil, right and wrong. Peter is referring to a "day" when the world will be destroyed (and separated) by a "judgment of fire".

Judgment (2920) (krisis)  refers to a distinction, a separation or a discrimination. This root is seen in many English words, including "crisis" (a decisive time when judgment must be made) and "critical" (a decisive point at which judgment is seen). In early Greek krisis was related to the supposed activities of the gods, who were guardians of rights and customs. They judged those actions which conflicted with their rights or customs. If people violated these basic rules of life, it was believed that the gods would punish (or judge) either the violators or their children. When the word was taken up in the Septuagint Greek OT it took on a Hebrew flavor. In the OT it was Jehovah God Who judged between right and wrong using His holy law handed down at Sinai as the standard for judgment. The NT uses the noun and verb forms referring to judgment about 150 times.

From the table below summarizing the major end time judgments it is clear (maybe it's not that clear to you initially but study the Scriptures and it will become quite clear) that the present heavens and earth will "flee away", John writing...

And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them.   (see note Revelation 20:11)

Note that this chart is based upon a literal interpretation of the Scriptures, including acceptance of a future 7 year period corresponding to the "70th Week of Daniel" (see notes Daniel 9:24 Daniel 9:25 Daniel 9:26 Daniel 9:27), commonly referred to as the "Tribulation". Note that Scripture never specifically designates this 7 year time period as the "tribulation". Jesus however did indicate that the last three and one-half years of this 7 year period would be a time of Great Tribulation (Mt 24:21). Note that this last 3.5 years also corresponds to the OT reference by Jeremiah to the "Time of Jacob's Trouble" (Jer30:7, cf Da 12:1-2).

The Day of Judgment is both comforting and discomforting. It comforts those who know that God will make all wrongs right. On the other hand the Day of Judgment should be terribly discomforting to those who engage in wanton sins such as Peter described in Chapter 2 and surely they must know that one day they will pay for their dastardly deeds.

The famous preacher Robert G. Lee once delivered what has come to be one of the most famous sermons of the 20th Century entitled Payday Someday (or listen to the Mp3) and in each of literally thousands of times he preached this truth around the world, many turned to Christ.

If you are reading these notes and you do not know Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, I would encourage you to read (or listen to) Dr. Lee's sermon at the above link and then if you're still unconvinced to follow that "appetizer" with Jonathan Edward's "entree" at the following link. God used Jonathan Edward's to ignite revival in his church and throughout New England with the famous sermon entitled Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.

Peter would have this solemn sure (by His Word) truth about judgment cause all saints to discipline themselves to live godly and holy lives until the Lord shall come again. My brother, my sister, how are you doing?