3 Above all, be aware of this: Scoffers will come in the last daysz scoffing and following their own evil desires, 4 saying, “Where is his ‘coming’ that he promised?aa Ever since our ancestors fell asleep,ab all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation.” 5 They deliberately overlook this: By the word of Godac the heavens came into being long ago and the earth was brought about from water and through water.ad 6 Through these the world of that time perished when it was flooded.ae 7 By the same word,af the present heavens and earth are stored up for fire, being kept for the day of judgmentag and destruction of the ungodly.

8 Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.ah 9 The Lord does not delay his promise,ai as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting anyaj to perishak but all to come to repentance.al

10 But the day of the Lordam will come like a thief;I,an on that day the heavens will pass awayao with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved,ap and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed.J,K