by the means whereof are given unto us excellent and most great promises; that by the help of them ye should be partakers of the godly nature, in that ye flee the corruption of worldly lust.

And for this very reason, you people should make every effort to develop goodness along with your faith,

Wherefore rather, brethren, be earnest to have your calling and selection made firm: for doing these, ye should not once stumble:

but I will use diligence, that after my departure ye should have also, at any time, in your power to call to mind these things.

And we have the word of prophecy more confirmed, to which ye do well that ye take heed, as to a lamp that shone in a dark place, till the day should dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts:

First of all, you should know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation,

and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, having made them an example unto those that should live ungodly;

that ye should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of the Lord and Saviour through your apostles:

First of all, you should understand that, in the final days, mockers with evil desires will come [to you] saying, mockingly,

But beloved, this one thing you should not ignore, that one day with Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Since then this whole system is to be destroyed, how holy should your conduct be, and how ardent your piety?

Therefore, [let me warn you] beloved, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men [who distort doctrine] and fall from your own steadfastness [of mind, knowledge, truth, and faith],