attaining to the full knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9)But he
that lacks these things is blind, not seeing afar off, having
forgotten the cleansing away of his old sins.

(10)Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your
calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never
fall. (11)For so shall be richly ministered to you the entrance into
the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

(12)Wherefore, I will not neglect to put you always in remembrance of
these things, though ye know them, and are established in the truth
that is with you. (13)But I think it right, so long as I am in this
tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; (14)knowing
that I must soon put off my tabernacle[1:14], as also our Lord Jesus
Christ showed me. (15)Moreover I will endeavor that at all times ye
may be able after my departure to call these things to mind.

(16)For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known
to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but had been
eye-witnesses of his majesty. (17)For he received from God the Father
honor and glory, when such a voice was borne to him from the excellent
glory: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; (18)and this
voice we heard borne from heaven, being with him in the holy mount.
(19)And we have more sure the prophetic word; to which ye do well that
ye take heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day
dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts; (20)knowing this first,
that no prophecy of the Scripture comes of private interpretation;
(21)for prophecy was never brought by the will of man; but moved by
the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.

II.

BUT there were false prophets also among the people, as there will be
false teachers among you also, who stealthily will bring in
destructive factions, even denying as Master him who bought them,
bringing upon themselves swift destruction. (2)And many will follow
their dissolute ways; by reason of whom the way of truth will be evil
spoken of. (3)And in covetousness will they with feigned words make
merchandise of you; for whom the judgment from of old lingers not, and
their destruction slumbers not.

(4)For if God spared not angels, having sinned, but casting them down
to hell delivered them over to chains of darkness[2:4], reserved unto
judgment; (5)and spared not the old world, but kept Noah the eighth
person, a preacher