2 Peter 3:5-7
What is written? (ESV)
For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
What does it say?
[Scoffers in the last days] will intentionally overlook the fact that the heavens existed long ago, and that the earth that was formed out of and through water by God’s word perished by these same things. It will be by the same word, this time with fire, that the heavens and earth will be consumed on the day of judgment along with the destruction of the ungodly.
What is its immediate context?
As in his first letter, Peter warns of false teachers in his second letter. In this context not only does he remind them their presence is evidence that they are in the “last days”, but he encourages them of what comes next — the “day of the Lord” (vs 10).
How 2 Peter 3:5-7 is applied across Bible answers
Top 3: Why ‘Old Testament vs. New Testament’ isn’t the best approach?
Peter points all the way back to Creation (Genesis 1) and Noah (Genesis 11) to make a point about awaiting Jesus' return.
What is the effect of God’s word?
God's word (with water) destoyed the world once due to wickedness, and will again (with fire) on the day of judgment.
