The expression “the day of God” in 2 Peter 3:12 refers to the eternal state. In the millennial reign of Christ, righteousness “reigns,” but in the eternal state, righteousness “dwells.” (See 2 Peter 3:13.)
First Corinthians 15:28 refers to the eternal state when Christ, as Son of Man, is head over all things.
Revelation 21:18 refers also to the eternal state—the first 5 verses, the state of the blessed; verses 6-7, the call in view of this; and verse 8, the awful state of the unbelieving.
First John 3:8 tells us that “for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy [“undo,” JND] the works of the devil.” This will be the eternal state when all evil will be done away from the new creation.
The wicked are under the judgment of God still evil in their nature. In Revelation 22:11, they are unable to enter the new creation of manifested glory. The solemn, awful thought given of the Lord Himself is this: “The wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).
Paul could find no words to convey the blessedness of coming glory for the believer, but the awful future of the unsaved is very solemn eternal punishment (Matt. 25:46).
The Lord’s Coming in Judgment
Every Old Testament scripture that speaks of the Lord’s coming reveals judgment. The prophetic page of Scripture is full of such warnings. The Lord in His ministry while on earth often referred to these coming judgments. This can be seen from Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 17 and 20. He will then purge out of His earthly kingdom all things that offend and those who do iniquity (Matt. 13:41). Then earthly Jerusalem will be the center of government and the witness of righteousness and glory (Jer. 3:17; Ezek. 48:35; Joel 3:20-21; Amos 9:15).
Psalm 99:14 tells of the righteous judgment on the earth in that day. This will be the beginning of the day of the Lord, and its fruit will be millennial rest for a thousand years.
The New Jerusalem of Revelation 21 must not be confounded with the above. It is the “heavenly bride” and comes down from God out of heaven. It is seen above the earth not on it. This heavenly city is the church with Christ in glory the “better thing” of Hebrews 11:40.
H. E. Hayhoe