2 Peter

Delay of the Parousia

Dearly beloved, this is the second letter I write to you. In both of them, I have aimed to remind you of sound doctrine.

Do not forget the words of the holy prophets and the teachings of our Lord and Savior, as you heard them through his apostles. 

Remember, above all, that in the last days, scoffers will appear, their mockery serving their evil desires. 

And they will say, ‘What has become of his promised coming? Since our ancestors in faith died, everything still continues as it was from the beginning of the world.’ 

Indeed, they deliberately ignore that, initially, the heavens existed first, and the earth emerged from the water, taking its shape through the word of God, 

through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished. 

But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire; they are preserved for the day of judgment and of destruction of the godless. 

Remember, beloved, that with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 

The Lord doesn’t delay in keeping his promise, even though some say otherwise; instead, he gives you time because he doesn’t want anyone to perish but that everyone may come to repentance. 

The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief. Then the heavens will be torn apart with a loud noise; the elements will melt away with fire, and the earth, along with everything on it will be disclosed.

Since everything is destined to vanish, your way of life must be very holy and devout

as you await the day of God and long for its arrival, when the heavens will dissolve in fire, and the elements will melt with fire. 

But we look forward to a new heaven and a new earth where justice will reign as God has promised.

Therefore, beloved, as you wait in anticipation for this, strive to ensure that God finds you rooted in peace, without blemish or fault. 

And remember that God’s patience is for our salvation, as our beloved brother Paul wrote to you with the wisdom given to him. 

He discusses these matters in all his letters. However, some points are difficult to understand and are often twisted by ignorant and immature people in their faith, just as they do with the rest of the scriptures, leading to their own destruction. 

So then, dearly loved, as you have been warned, be careful, lest those who have gone astray deceive you and lead you astray, causing you to stumble and ultimately fall away.

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; to him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.