The Beginning

Prologue

1 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave^(A) him to show his servants what must soon take place.^(B) He made it known by sending his angel^(C) to his servant John,^(D)

¹⁸ I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll:^(A) If anyone adds anything to them,^(B) God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.^{(C) 19} And if anyone takes words away^(D) from this scroll of prophecy,^(E) God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life^(F) and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

³ Above all, you must understand that in the last days^(A) scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.^{(B) 4} They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?^(C) Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”^{(D) 5} But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word^(E) the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water.^{(F) 6} By these waters also the world of that time^(G) was deluged and destroyed.^{(H) 7} By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire,^(I) being kept for the day of judgment^(J) 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.^{(K) 9} The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise,^(L) as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient^(M) with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.^(N)

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