2 Peter 3

Scoffers in the last days; the Day of the Lord; new heavens and new earth.

Peter writes to stir up the pure minds of believers, reminding them of the words of the holy prophets and the apostles. In the last days scoffers will come, walking according to their own lusts, saying "Where is the promise of His coming?" They willfully forget that by God's word the heavens existed of old and that the world was once destroyed by water. The present heavens and earth are reserved for fire. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise — He is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. "The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night," with the heavens passing away with a great noise and the elements melting with fervent heat. In view of this dissolution, believers should live in holy conduct and godliness, looking for "new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." Peter closes by warning that some twist Paul's letters as they do other Scriptures, and exhorts: "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."