CLV(i)
3 knowing this first, that in the last days scoffers will be coming with scoffing, going according to their own desires"
4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His presence? For since the fathers were put to repose, all is continuing thus from the beginning of creation."
5 For they want to be oblivious of this, that there were heavens of old, and an earth cohering out of water and through water, by the word of God;"
6 through which the then world, being deluged by water, perished."
7 Yet the heavens now, and the earth, by the same word, are stored with fire, being kept for the day of the judging and destruction of irreverent men."
8 Now of this one thing you are not to be oblivious, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day."
9 The Lord is not tardy as to the promise, as some are deeming tardiness, but is patient because of you, not intending any to perish, but all to make room for repentance."
10 Now the day of the Lord will be arriving as a thief, in which the heavens shall be passing by with a booming noise, yet the elements shall be dissolved by combustion, and the earth and the works in it shall be found."
11 At these all, then, dissolving, to what manner of men must you belong in holy behavior and devoutness,
12 hoping for and hurrying the presence of God's day, because of which the heavens, being on fire, will be dissolved, and the elements decompose by combustion!"