[1] This is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and
in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you; [2] that you
should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets,
and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior: [3]
knowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after
their own lusts, [4] 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] 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] by which means the world that then was,
being overflowed with water, perished. [7] 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]
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] The Lord is not slow
concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is longsuffering
towards us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to
repentance. [10] 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. [11] Therefore since all these things are thus to
be destroyed, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy living and
godliness, [12] looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of
God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved, and
the elements will melt with fervent heat? [13] But, according to his
promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which dwells
righteousness. [14] Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these
things, be diligent to be found in peace, without blemish and blameless in
his sight. [15] Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our
beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to
you; [16] as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things.
In those are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and
unsettled twist, as they do also to the other scriptures, to their own
destruction. [17] You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand,
beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from
your own steadfastness. [18] But grow in the grace and knowledge of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever.
Amen.
