Study Desk

^(f)Know this first of all, that ^(g)in the last days ^(h)mockers will come with their mocking, ⁽ⁱ⁾following after their own lusts,

and saying, "^(j)Where is the promise of His ^(k)coming? For ever since the fathers ^(l)fell asleep, all continues just as it was ^(m)from the beginning of creation."

For ^[a]when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that ⁽ⁿ⁾by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was ^(o)formed out of water and by water,

through which ^(p)the world at that time was ^(q)destroyed, being flooded with water.

But by His word ^(r)the present heavens and earth are being reserved for ^(s)fire, kept for ^(t)the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, ^(u)beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and ^(v)a thousand years like one day.

^(w)The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but ^(x)is patient toward you, ^(y)not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

But ^(z)the day of the Lord ^(aa)will come like a thief, in which ^(ab)the heavens ^(ac)will pass away with a roar and the ^(ad)elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and ^(ae)the earth and ^[b]its works will be ^[c]burned up.

Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

^(af)looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which ^(ag)the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the ^(ah)elements will melt with intense heat!

But according to His ^(ai)promise we are looking for ^(aj)new heavens and a new earth, ^(ak)in which righteousness dwells.

^(al)Therefore, ^(am)beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be ^(an)found by Him in peace, ^(ao)spotless and blameless,