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This author has a particular point of view as a Calvinist, which we understand, but simply pronounces his belief as self-evidently true. His interpretation of the subject verse is pulled out of thin air, without regard for the words used or the thought being communicated.
Through this passage Peter is talking about scoffers [2Pe. 3:3]. They were mocking the idea of Jesus coming again [2Pe. 3:4]. He then notes the eternal nature of God's existence [2Pe. 3:8], which means God is not slow in keeping His promise [2Pe. 3:9].
It is important to note that God is waiting for something, which brings us to the subject verse.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” [2 Peter 3:9]
1) If it was God’s will that absolutely no one at all should perish, then none would perish. Period. (This is only true if one is a Calvinist. The Calvinist has a particular view of God's sovereignty, i.e., that God chooses those who will be saved [the "elect"]. So "God's will" is absolute regarding those people.
With this assertion the author is going to correct our understanding, yet he will offer absolutely no documentation that his interpretation is correct.)
Many Christians erroneously interpret 2 Peter 3:9. This verse actually says that He is long-suffering towards US or “us-ward” (in the original Greek). The “us” is those for whom Jesus Christ died – God’s elect. DID YOU GET THAT? The “us” mentioned in 2 Peter 3:9 is referring to those for whom Jesus Christ died, the sheep, not the goats – the elect, not the reprobate – the redeemed, not those who die in their sins. End of story! (The author makes a strong declarative statement, asserting that the verse refers to the elect. Then he walks away, as if simply writing these words is proof enough. Well, it isn't.
Many Christians erroneously interpret 2 Peter 3:9. This verse actually says that He is long-suffering towards US or “us-ward” (in the original Greek). The “us” is those for whom Jesus Christ died – God’s elect. DID YOU GET THAT? The “us” mentioned in 2 Peter 3:9 is referring to those for whom Jesus Christ died, the sheep, not the goats – the elect, not the reprobate – the redeemed, not those who die in their sins. End of story! (The author makes a strong declarative statement, asserting that the verse refers to the elect. Then he walks away, as if simply writing these words is proof enough. Well, it isn't.
Most obviously, if the verse refers to the elect, then how could any of them be in peril of perishing? He is longsuffering to us-ward. This conveys the exact opposite concept of Calvinism.
"All:" [all should come...]:
makrothumeó ...spoken of God deferring the punishment of sin: εἰς τινα, toward one, 2 Peter 3:9
God is delaying the Second Coming for an important purpose.
"Willing:" [not willing that any...]:
boúlomai – to plan with full resolve (determination). See 1012 (boulē).
boúlomai ("resolutely plan") is a strong term that underlines the predetermined (and determined) intention driving the planning (wishing, resolving).
God is planning an important purpose with resolve and determination. It is a strong term.
"All:" [all should come...]:
pás ("each, every") means "all" in the sense of "each (every) part that applies." The emphasis of the total picture then is on "one piece at a time."
God has the total picture, every part of humanity in view with particular attention to individuals.
Let's put it together.
- Jesus is coming again.
- It may seem like a long time, but it isn't.
- He has chosen to be patient
- because He strongly desires
- that no one would face destruction.
- "But," [but, except, however, otherwise, on the other hand.]
- instead of them perishing,
- He wants every person to repent.
Ac. 17:30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.)
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