5. They will say this because they want to forget that long ago the heavens and the earth were made at God's command. The earth came out of water and was made from water.
6. Later it was destroyed by the waters of a mighty flood.
7. But God has commanded the present heavens and earth to remain until the day of judgment. Then they will be set on fire, and ungodly people will be destroyed.
8. Dear friends, don't forget that for the Lord one day is the same as a thousand years, and a thousand years is the same as one day.
9. The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.
10. The day of the Lord's return will surprise us like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a loud noise, and the heat will melt the whole universe. Then the earth and everything on it will be seen for what they are.
11. Everything will be destroyed. So you should serve and honour God by the way you live.
12. You should look forward to the day when God judges everyone, and you should try to make it come soon. On that day the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and everything else will melt in the heat.
13. But God has promised us a new heaven and a new earth, where justice will rule. We are really looking forward to that!
14. My friends, while you are waiting, you should make certain that the Lord finds you pure, spotless, and living at peace.
15. Don't forget that the Lord is patient because he wants people to be saved. This is also what our dear friend Paul said when he wrote to you with the wisdom that God had given him.