# However ... laid bare Although the Lord is being patient and wants people to repent, he will indeed return and bring judgment. # the day of the Lord will come as a thief Peter speaks of the day when God will judge everyone as if it were a thief who will come unexpectedly, and the people will be surprised when it happens. # The heavens will pass away "The heavens will disappear" # The elements will be burned with fire "God will burn the elements with fire" # The elements Possible meanings are 1) the heavenly bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars or 2) the things that make up heaven and earth, such as soil, air, fire, and water. # the earth and the deeds in it will be laid bare "God will expose the earth and everything that people have done on it"