2 Peter is attempting to convince its readers that the Day of the Lord is indeed coming. That the reality of Christ’s coming in glory, and the attending transfiguration of the world is indeed real. How does Peter argue for this? With the transfiguration of Christ (1: 16-18).
The hope and reality of the final judgment and vindication is tied up in the transfigured flesh of Jesus. Its reality, which was seen, firsthand by the disciples is the evidence, the assurance that the day of the Lord is indeed sure and certain.
This sheds new light on Matt 16:28 in which Jesus claims that some “will not taste death” before seeing the coming of the Son of Man in his glory. The final apocalyptic transfiguration of the world and the historical event of Christ’s transfiguration are so intimately connected that the transfiguration assures, promises, and anticipates the final consummation. It is so central for 2 Peter that it is the only historical event in Christ’s life that figures in his argument.
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