In the Bible, at 2 Peter chapter three.

It is claimed that the Bible supports this view when, in speaking of the “last days,” it says: “The heavens and the earth that are now are stored up for fire and are being reserved to the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men.” (2 Pet. 3:3-7)

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In his concluding chapter 3, Peter further champions God’s truth by exposing the falseness of the ridiculers’ claim that ever since ancient times things have continued in the same way.

They do not want to change their way of life but want to continue giving in to their selfish desires. (2 Pet. 3:3-7)

7. How and where does Peter show the Scriptural use of the word “world”?

⁷ At 2 Peter, chapter three, the apostle shows very clearly that in the Bible usage of the word “world” it is made up of a symbolic heavens and earth.

Will you be among those described in 2 Peter 3:3-7 (NW)?

“That there were heavens from of old and an earth standing compactly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; and by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was deluged with water.” (2 Peter 3:5, 6)

For, according to their wish, this fact escapes their notice, that there were heavens from of old and an earth standing compactly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; and by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was deluged with water.”​—2 Pet. 2:4-9; 3:5, 6.

He explains that there was “an earth standing compactly out of water and in the midst of water,” and that “by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was deluged with water.”—2 Pet. 3:5, 6.

Yes, but comparatively few, even as was the case in Noah’s day.—2 Pet. 3:6, 7; Rev. 18:2.

However, in Second Peter chapter three the apostle focused attention on the destruction that will come during Christ’s second presence.

Peter afterward describes the condition just prior to that flood when he writes: “There were heavens in ancient times and an earth standing compactly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; and by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was deluged with water.”—2 Pet. 3:5, 6.

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In 2Pe 3 verses 5 and 6 Peter speaks about the Flood of Noah’s day and likens it, in 2Pe 3 verse 7, to the destruction to come on “the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”

This will mean the end of this unrighteous world, thus making way for one world, one government​—God’s Kingdom government.​—2 Pet. 3:5-7; 1 John 2:17.

5. (a) What hope of a future does 2 Peter 3:6, 7 indicate for those who died in the Flood? (b) In the fulfillment of Revelation 20:11-13, will death give up such ones?

⁵ Speaking of Noah’s day, 2 Peter 3:6, 7 says: “The world of that time suffered destruction when it was deluged with water.

11. (a) Is there an Almighty God? (b) Does he have a name?

¹¹ Just as some people have scoffed about the Bible, others scoff about there being an Almighty God. (2 Pet. 3:3-5)

It will be on a global scale, similar in magnitude to the flood of Noah’s day.—Jer. 25:31-34; 2 Pet. 3:5-7, 10.

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Actually, when properly understood they are not.—2 Pet. 3:7; Eccl. 1:4.

Referring to the attitude of scoffers in the last days, 2 Peter 3:5-7 (NW) says: “For, according to their wish, this fact escapes their notice, that there were heavens in ancient times and an earth standing compactly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God, and by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was deluged with water.

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But the masses of people remain ignorant “according to their wish”. (2 Pet. 3:5, NW)

Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a hissing noise, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be discovered. . . . the heavens being on fire will be dissolved and the elements being intensely hot will melt.” (2 Pet. 3:3-13, NW)