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