5. For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that the heavens existed long ago and the earth held together out of water and through water by the word of God,
6. by means of which things the world that existed at that time was destroyed by being inundated with water.
7. But by the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly people.
8. Now, dear friends, do not let this one thing escape your notice, that one day with the Lord is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day.
9. The Lord is not delaying the promise, as some consider slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not want any to perish, but all to come to repentance.