³ Above all, be aware of this: Scoffers will come in the last days^(A) scoffing and following their own evil desires, ⁴ saying, “Where is his ‘coming’ that he promised?^(B) Ever since our ancestors fell asleep,^(C) all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation.” ⁵ They deliberately overlook this: By the word of God^(D) the heavens came into being long ago and the earth was brought about from water and through water.^{(E) 6} Through these the world of that time perished when it was flooded.^{(F) 7} By the same word,^(G) the present heavens and earth are stored up for fire, being kept for the day of judgment^(H) and destruction of the ungodly.