We are not to station ourselves at the window watching and waiting for the return of Jesus. Rather, we are to live out the redemptive realities that are ours in Christ. That includes our maturity and mission in Christ. We want to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18) and seek to make His name known (1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Pet. 3:9; Acts 2:38-39).
For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead. (1 Peter 4:6, NKJV)
Peter was very much aware that we as sojourners live now in light of the life to come. He begins his letter by reminding believers of their heavenly inheritance (1:3-5) and closes by reminding them that in the big scheme of things their suffering is momentary (5:10). Temporal suffering will be swallowed up in eternal glory.
Peter brings that sweeping perspective to bear. “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” (1 Pet. 4:7). Peter is not merely speaking about the curtain coming down on human history. He is addressing the consummation of God’s redemptive plan (1:10-12; 2 Pet. 8-13). We live in a trajectory of glory, tasted in this life but feasted upon in the next.
Being partakers of God’s redemption now impacts the whole of our lives.