knowing that the laying aside of this earthly tent of mine is imminent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.

So we have the prophetic word made more certain. You do well to pay [close] attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and light breaks through the gloom and the morning star arises in your hearts.

First of all, know [without any doubt] that mockers will come in the last days with their mocking, following after their own human desires

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will vanish with a [mighty and thunderous] roar, and the [material] elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and the works that are on it will be burned up.