² I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets^(A) and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.^(B)

³ Above all, you must understand that in the last days^(C) scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.^{(D) 4} They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?^(E) Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”^{(F) 5} But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word^(G) the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water.^{(H) 6} By these waters also the world of that time^(I) was deluged and destroyed.^{(J) 7} By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire,^(K) being kept for the day of judgment^(L) and destruction of the ungodly.

⁸ But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.^{(M) 9} The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise,^(N) as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient^(O) with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.^(P)

¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.^(Q) The heavens will disappear with a roar;^(R) the elements will be destroyed by fire,^(S) and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.^[a](T)

¹¹ Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives ¹² as you look forward^(U) to the day of God and speed its coming.^[b](V) That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.^{(W) 13} But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth,^(X) where righteousness dwells.

A New Heaven and a New Earth

21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”^[a](A) for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away,^(B) and there was no longer any sea. ² I saw the Holy City,^(C) the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,^(D) prepared as a bride^(E) beautifully dressed for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.^(F) They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.^{(G) 4} ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes.^(H) There will be no more death’^[b](I) or mourning or crying or pain,^(J) for the old order of things has passed away.”^(K)

⁵ He who was seated on the throne^(L) said, “I am making everything new!”^(M) Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”^(N)