Maybe, but I'm pretty sure this was already discussed not that long ago.

Yep, that's the quote. Thanks! All I knew was that it was in COL.

Excellent point.

In this connection, 2 Peter 3: 12 is a very interesting and exciting verse to study because it indicates that the church can "hasten" the Second Coming. By the same token, it also implies that the church can delay the Second Coming by being disobedient or rebellious. Either way, the verse seems to show that God does not have a particular time He is waiting for in order to come. It shows, as you've said, that the church has to part to play in when Christ returns.

I think it may be compared to the children of Israel's having their entrance into the Promised Land delayed by their lack of faith and rebellion. As I study Adventist history, I've come to the conclusion that we as a people are repeating the experience of ancient Israel.

NIV-- as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming....

English Standard Version-- waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God...

The word translated here as "speeding" and "hastening" can also mean to "urge on," but it is the same word that occurs as "hurrying" (NIV) in Acts 20: 16 and as "quick" (NIV) in 22: 18.

I see God as outside of time and space, but part of the incarnation was that Jesus gave that up and became like us. He's stuck inside time like us, and is therefore waiting...

I find it amazing, comforting, and assuring to know that as a member of the Godhead, Jesus the man knows what it is like to be "stuck inside time" like all of humanity is. There is a very real sense in which God the Father enters into humanity's subjective experience through Christ, so that He knows what it is like to be human in all of its aspects, including temptation.

Amen

OK so I now can see some evidence that God is waiting on us for the final events to occur. BUT there are other things to happen in the end of the world which surely have little to do with God's faithful, such as final day events to do with the Papacy, The USA and other players.

Do we have any choice in the matter? I dont want to be an angel! mel

I agree with you in two ways.

First one is that we have already seen the Second Coming of Christ. He has been to Earth far more times than twice.

Second. This verse is talking about Christ standing at the door of the church and knocking. He wants to come in and fellowship with us. But so many churches want to have their own traditions ... just like the Jews. It has come to the point that Christ is shoved out in favor of traditions.

However ... The "is this the best you can do" could be taken a little harshly.