Peter explains that the apparent delay in judgment is due to God’s merciful nature and not any inability on his part. The delay is apparent because we do not view time the same way God does and thus we cannot sit in judgment over him pretending as if he is slow. To do so is arrogant and wrong. However, delay should not make us think that judgment has indefinitely been put off. Suddenly and unexpectedly, Christ will return in glory and the heavens and earth will be changed. All deeds will then be exposed, sinners will be judged, and only those who are united to Christ through faith will be spared.
8 Mais il est une chose, bien-aimés, que vous ne devez pas ignorer, c'est que, devant le Seigneur, un jour est comme mille ans, et mille ans sont comme un jour.