Peter says “scoffers” will come in the last days, following their own sinful desires. They question the promise of Christ’s coming by saying everything continues as it has “from the beginning of creation.” Peter responds by pointing to creation, the flood, and future judgment. See 2 Peter 3:3–7.
In 2 Peter 3:3–7, the writer warns that in “the last days” people will mock the idea of the promised “coming,” arguing that history shows no real change: everything continues as it always has. The writer replies that this argument depends on a chosen forgetfulness. This unit sits inside the letter’s closing push to steady the audience against misleading voices and to keep their memory anchored in what was previously taught.
The passage assumes a promised future “coming” and says some people will openly mock that promise (verses 3–4). Their argument is basically, “People have been dying for generations, and the world looks the same as ever, so nothing decisive is coming.” The author replies that this confidence depends on selective memory (verse 5).
A common mistake is to treat this as trivia. Names, places, numbers, and sequence details often carry memory, covenant identity, or narrative movement in the biblical story.
Start with 2 Peter 3:3-7, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
3knowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after their own lusts,
4and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming?" For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5For this they willfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth formed out of water and amid water, by the word of God;
6by which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.
7But the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.