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The following verse is taken from multiple translations for your reference...2 Peter 3:14
New International Version (NIV)
14So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
14Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,
14Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,
English Standard Version (ESV)
14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
Amplified Bible (AMP)
14So, beloved, since you are expecting these things, be eager to be found by Him [at His coming] without spot or blemish and at peace [in serene confidence, free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].
New Living Translation (NLT)
14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.
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People read 2 Peter 3:14 and they think it is telling them to work to remain spotless and blameless, to be without sin. Not so! But, this is especially what the NIV, ESV, AMP and NLT (for example) seem to say.
Take a look at the NASB. It is telling us to 'be found by Him in peace'. Later on, Peter encourages 'steadfastness'.
This is what drives me nuts with different translations, by the way. ...The original language was inspired by God, and I believe translators do their best, but I find that the bias of a translator / group of translators always finds a way into translation. I typically find that the NASB does the best job, precisely because they tried to keep it more literal; this also makes the NASB harder to read. ...But I'd rather have it harder to read and closer to the original meaning, than easier to read and further from the original meaning.
Takeaway
You are already spotless and blameless. And since you are spotless and blameless, God holds nothing against you. And since God holds nothing against you, you can and should feel peace. However, there is so much error out there, you may feel that you are not at peace with God. ...Fully believing, mentally and emotionally, you are spotless and blameless results in feelings of peace.
Application
It is suitable to always remember that you are spotless and blameless, no matter what teaching you hear that would say the opposite.
14So, beloved, since you are expecting these things, be eager to be found by Him [at His coming] without spot or blemish and at peace [in serene confidence, free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].
New Living Translation (NLT)
14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.
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People read 2 Peter 3:14 and they think it is telling them to work to remain spotless and blameless, to be without sin. Not so! But, this is especially what the NIV, ESV, AMP and NLT (for example) seem to say.
Take a look at the NASB. It is telling us to 'be found by Him in peace'. Later on, Peter encourages 'steadfastness'.
...Now, why wouldn't they be at peace? Peter mentions in later verses all the erroneous teaching that abounded at that time. And, what was this erroneous teaching? It would seem to be something that made a person doubt their eternal security or their 100% holy status. Erroneous teachings 'infect' our minds, but we can guard against the infection actively...and 'be found by Him in peace' instead of turmoil.
...And, why should they be at peace??? Because they are 'spotless and blameless'. This is the opposite of the erroneous teaching that is mentioned later. This is what we are meant to remain 'steadfast' about. Although, we 'ought to' live 'spotless and blameless' lives, what matters is 'His promise', His promise that we will not suffer the coming destruction.If I were to re-write the verse, it would look like this:
14Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things [since you are saved and look forward to Heaven instead of Destruction], be diligent to be found by Him in peace [in serene confidence], [because you are] spotless and blameless,
This is what drives me nuts with different translations, by the way. ...The original language was inspired by God, and I believe translators do their best, but I find that the bias of a translator / group of translators always finds a way into translation. I typically find that the NASB does the best job, precisely because they tried to keep it more literal; this also makes the NASB harder to read. ...But I'd rather have it harder to read and closer to the original meaning, than easier to read and further from the original meaning.
Takeaway
You are already spotless and blameless. And since you are spotless and blameless, God holds nothing against you. And since God holds nothing against you, you can and should feel peace. However, there is so much error out there, you may feel that you are not at peace with God. ...Fully believing, mentally and emotionally, you are spotless and blameless results in feelings of peace.
Application
It is suitable to always remember that you are spotless and blameless, no matter what teaching you hear that would say the opposite.
Amen
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