^3 (A)knowing this first of all, that ^(B)in the last days ^(C)mockers will come with their mocking, ^(D)following after their own lusts, ⁴ and saying, “^(E)Where is the promise of His ^(F)coming? For since the fathers ^(G)fell asleep, all continues just as it was ^(H)from the beginning of creation.” ⁵ For ^[a]when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that ^(I)by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was ^(J)formed out of water and by water, ⁶ through which ^(K)the world at that time was ^(L)destroyed, being deluged with water. ⁷ But by His word ^(M)the present heavens and earth are being reserved for ^(N)fire, being kept for ^(O)the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.