The Day of the Lord

(Zephaniah 1:7–18; Malachi 4:1–6; 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11)

8 Beloved, {do} not {let} [this] one thing escape your notice: With [the] Lord a day [is] like a thousand years, and a thousand years [are] like a day.[fn] 9 The Lord is not slow [in keeping] [His] promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

10 But [the] Day of [the] Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, [the] elements will be destroyed[fn] by fire, and [the] earth and [its] works will be laid bare.[fn]

11 [Since] everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of [people] ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness 12 as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when [the] heavens will be destroyed by fire and [the] elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with [God’s] promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.