2 Peter 3:5 – “But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Peter explains something important about the scoffers he mentioned earlier. They aren’t just mistaken — they are choosing to forget the truth. They are ignoring the fact that the world didn’t come about by itself. It was created by the word of God.
Peter reminds his readers that God spoke, and the heavens and earth were formed. He refers to how, in the beginning, God shaped the earth out of water and by water, as described in the creation account in Genesis. This was no accident — it was purposeful, powerful, and under God’s control.
The scoffers mock God’s promises but willfully ignore the fact that the very world they live in was created by His word.
Historical Context
In Peter’s time, just like today, people struggled with the idea of God being active in the world. Some people believed that the universe always existed and would always continue without interruption. Others doubted that God was involved in human history at all.
Peter is writing to confront this mindset. He reminds the believers that history shows God has acted in the past — specifically in creation — and therefore, He can and will act again in the future.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that God is the Creator and Ruler over all things. The world exists because He spoke it into existence. That truth means God is not distant or uninvolved. He has authority over creation and over time.
It also shows the human heart’s tendency to suppress the truth when it’s inconvenient. The scoffers are not neutral thinkers; they are deliberately rejecting facts about God’s power and history because they don’t want to submit to Him.
Literary Analysis
Peter uses clear, forceful language here. He says the scoffers deliberately forget — meaning their ignorance is a choice, not an accident. He also points back to God’s word as the active, powerful force that brought the universe into being.
The reference to water points back to Genesis 1:2 and how God brought order out of the watery chaos. This literary device reminds the reader that God is the One who shapes, controls, and rules over creation.
Cross-References
- Genesis 1:1-10 – God created the heavens and the earth, and the earth was formed out of water.
- Psalm 33:6 – “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.”
- Hebrews 11:3 – “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command.”
- Romans 1:18-21 – Paul speaks about people suppressing the truth about God, even though it is clear.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder that the world belongs to God. The same God who created everything is the One who keeps His promises and will bring history to its proper end.
It’s also a warning not to let the world’s doubts and mockery influence us. Just like the scoffers in Peter’s day, people today choose to forget or deny God’s power and authority. As believers, we must hold onto the truth of who God is and what He has done.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love because it points to the fact that He created the world with care and purpose. He didn’t leave creation to fend for itself. He spoke it into existence, and He continues to sustain it.
Even when people choose to forget Him, God continues to give them life, breath, and time to turn back to Him. That’s love — patient, persistent, and generous.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
John’s Gospel opens with the truth that Jesus was there at creation:
John 1:1-3 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Through him all things were made.”
Jesus is the living Word of God, the One through whom the heavens and earth were made. Peter’s reminder about God’s word creating the world points directly to Jesus’ authority and power.
Colossians 1:16 also says about Jesus: “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth.”
The scoffers may forget God’s creative power, but believers know that everything exists through Jesus, and He is coming again.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think people today, like the scoffers in Peter’s day, choose to forget that God created the world?
- How does remembering God as Creator strengthen your faith when others doubt or mock it?
- What does this verse teach you about the power of God’s word?
- In what ways can you remind yourself daily that the world belongs to God?
- How does knowing that Jesus was there at creation change the way you think about His return?