But 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.
God treasures up these heavens and earth as He treasures up His wrath, sealed in His stores until the day He brings them out for the destruction of the ungodly. The world seems stable now, but nature itself is making preparations: fiery meteors, blazing stars, burning comets, and subterranean fires all testify that conflagration is coming.
AI summary
A single word from God, a mere breath of command from One over whom we have no control, would spread universal desolation. The laws of nature have no stability apart from His will. Creation depends on Him as entirely as if no laws existed at all; He can suspend them when He pleases.
AI summary
(Compare Job 28:5, end). which are now--"the postdiluvian visible world." In contrast to "that then was," Pe2 3:6. the same--Other oldest manuscripts read, "His" (God's). kept in store--Greek, "treasured up." reserved--"kept." It is only God's constantly watchful providence which holds together the present state of things till His time for ending it.