<p>3:13 <i>But, according to His promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness</i>- As opposed to the present earth, where &quot;the works that are <i>therein </i>shall be burnt up&quot; (:10). For Peter, therefore, the vision of the Kingdom was centred around the fact that goodness and righteous principles would so evidently abound, being almost physically manifested in this planet; it will be a &quot;new earth <i>wherein</i> dwelleth righteousness&quot;. Psalm 72 stresses the abundance of righteousness in that time, showing that David's picture of that time was similar. Likewise if we truly <i>love</i> righteousness, this is how we will perceive the Kingdom- rather than as a glorified tropical holiday.</p><p>&quot;According to His promise&quot; shows that Peter is referring to a specific Scripture- surely Is. 65:17, where a picture of the Kingdom is titled &quot;the new heavens and earth&quot;. &quot;We, according to His promise, look for new heavens...&quot; contrasts with the words of the mockers: &quot;Where is the promise of his coming?&quot; (:4). This indicates that &quot;the promise of his coming&quot; was not just the simple statement of Jesus that He would return (Jn. 14:3), but it included the details of the Kingdom which He would establish, as outlined in the promise of Is. 65:17-25. Thus the doctrines of the literal second coming and the future Kingdom on earth are inseparable. Thus the slippery slope ran: The Lord is delaying longer than I thought; maybe it isn't important that he comes: therefore the Kingdom on earth is a pipe dream. So &quot;the faith&quot; was lost. There is also a connection with Is. 66:22-24:&nbsp;&quot;The new heavens and the new earth which I will make... it shall come to pass that... they shall go forth and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched&quot;. These last phrases are quoted in Mk. 9:44 concerning the punishment of the wicked at the judgment seat. The reference to fire fits the 2 Pet. 3 context, again showing that the 'heavens and earth' which are to be destroyed with fire include the wicked believers who will be punished in Gehenna. Note that the idea of the ecclesia being ultimately purged of false teachers is presented by Peter as a <i>comfort</i> to the faithful remnant.</p>