The False Teachers’ Denial of the Lord’s Return

3:1 Dear friends, this is already the second letter I have written1 you, in which2 I am trying to stir up3 your pure mind by way of reminder: 3:2 I want you to recall4 both5 the predictions6 foretold by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles.7 3:3 Above all, understand this:8 In the last days blatant scoffers9 will come, being propelled by their own evil urges10 3:4 and saying,11 “Where is his promised return?12 For ever since13 our ancestors14 died,15 all things have continued as they were16 from the beginning of creation.” 3:5 For they deliberately suppress this fact,17 that by the word of God18 heavens existed long ago and an earth19 was formed out of water and by means of water. 3:6 Through these things20 the world existing at that time was destroyed when it was deluged with water. 3:7 But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, by being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.21

3:8 Now, dear friends, do not let this one thing escape your notice,22 that a single day is like a thousand years with the Lord and a thousand years are like a single day. 3:9 The Lord is not slow concerning his promise,23 as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish24 for any25 to perish but for all to come to repentance.26 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; when it comes,27 the heavens will disappear28 with a horrific noise,29 and the celestial bodies30 will melt away31 in a blaze,32 and the earth and every deed done on it33 will be laid bare.34 3:11 Since all these things are to melt away35 in this manner,36 what sort of people must we37 be, conducting our lives in holiness and godliness,38 3:12 while waiting for and hastening39 the coming of the day of God?40 Because of this day,41 the heavens will be burned up and42 dissolve, and the celestial bodies43 will melt away in a blaze!44 3:13 But, according to his promise, we are waiting for45 new heavens and a new earth, in which46 righteousness truly resides.47