2 Peter 3:11

‘Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy manner of living and godliness,'

And what should be the response of believers to these facts? They are to live in the light of its reality by concentrating all their efforts on holy living and godliness. For holy living and godliness are things which will not be part of the heavens and the earth and the works, which will be ‘dissolved' (luow - ‘set free, break down, demolish, destroy'). They will survive the holocaust. But the works of earth will be ‘laid bare' or ‘burned up' (2 Peter 3:12). They will no longer be found in their original environment on earth. They will await the judgment. That is why we are to lay up our treasures in heaven and not on earth (Matthew 6:19).

‘In holy manner of living and godliness.' Compare 1 Peter 1:15. Here the idea is of a life devoted to God and to eternal things:

1) In terms of the excellencies that he has described in 2 Peter 1:5; compare also 1 Peter 5:5..

2) In terms of good works which will bring glory to the Father (1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 4:8; Matthew 5:16; Matthew 6:19), which are in contrast with the works which will be burned up (2 Peter 3:10).

3) In terms of constant prayer (1 Peter 3:12; 1 Peter 4:7; 1 Peter 5:7; Luke 18:7; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) and feeding on the word (1 Peter 2:2; Eph 5:26; 1 Corinthians 3:1; Hebrews 5:12).

4) In terms of faithful testimony to Christ (1 Peter 3:15).