^{3 Ref} knowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after their own lusts,

^{4 Ref} and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation."

^{5 Ref} For this they willfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth formed out of water and amid water, by the word of God;

^{6 Ref} by which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.

^{7 Ref} But the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

^{8 Ref} But don't forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

^{9 Ref} The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

^{10 Ref} But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.