English
Português
Español
Français
Response
It is crucial to examine Bible verses in their context, especially with 2 Peter 3:9, which states, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (KJV). The latter part of the verse, “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance,” is often used to challenge the doctrine of election.
The context of 2 Peter 3:9 presents a scenario of scoffers who question the return of Jesus to judge the world with fire (2 Peter 3:3-7). These scoffers taunt, “Where is His coming?” (verse 4). Peter, in verses 5–6, recalls God’s past judgment through the flood in Noah’s time. In verse 7, Peter announces the impending destruction of the present heavens and earth by fire. Addressing his readers’ unspoken query about God’s apparent delay, Peter, in verse 8, asserts that God transcends time. Though it may seem like a long wait to us, to God, it is but a moment. Subsequently, in verse 9, Peter clarifies the reason for God’s perceived delay. It is out of His mercy that God postpones His judgment, granting more individuals the chance to repent. Following verse 9, Peter urges his audience to lead holy lives in anticipation of Jesus’ eventual return.
Within its context, 2 Peter 3:9 reveals that God delays His judgment to offer more opportunities for repentance. SomeOne source of confusion regarding the meaning of 2 Peter 3:9 is the phrasing of the KJV translation: “not willing that any should perish.” The term “not willing” may imply that God prevents everyone from perishing. However, in 17th-century English, “willing” conveyed more of a sense of desire than of volition. Modern English translations of 2 Peter 3:9 express the same idea as “not wanting” (NIV and CSB), “not wishing” (ESV and NASB), and “does not want” (NLT).
2 Peter 3:9 does not in any way conflict with the concept of God choosing certain individuals for salvation. Firstly, within its context, the verse does not address election. Secondly, interpreting “not willing that any should perish” as “does not allow any to perish” leads to the erroneous belief of universalism. God can “not desire” anyone to perish while still selecting only some for salvation. There is no inconsistency in this. God did not desire sin to enter the world through Adam and Eve’s fall, yet He permitted it as part of His sovereign plan. Similarly, God did not desire His Son to be betrayed, brutally tortured, and killed, but He allowed it as part of His sovereign plan.
Likewise, God does not desire anyone to perish. His desire is for all to repent. However, God acknowledges that not everyone will repent. It is certain that many will perish (Matthew 7:13-14). Rather than contradicting 2 Peter 3:9, God’s choosing and drawing of some to salvation demonstrate that He genuinely does not wish for people to perish. Without election and God’s effective calling, everyone would perish (John 6:44; Romans 8:29-30).
