“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 Pet. 3:9
The Bible is a wonderful book, and there are many wonderful verses and phrases that make a deep impression on us. Due to our particular need some of these are easy to remember because they address that subject. However, sometimes some of the most wonderful verses do not get the attention they deserve. I believe that’s the case with our text, where it says God “is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”.
Notice the words “not willing that any should perish“. Is that not wonderful? You could say, that’s another way of saying “God so loved the world” ( John 3:16). It is an expression of God’s loving concern for everyone’s welfare – amazing grace. Considering God’s holiness and mans sinfulness He would be perfectly justified in allowing all of us to perish, but His love will not allow Him to do so. Instead He devised a way of salvation. In Christ He has provided a means whereby we can be forgiven, escape the wrath of God, and receive eternal life.
But God doesn’t impose His will on us and force us to turn to Him. We each must come to Him. Just because God wants something to happen it doesn’t mean it always will. God wants you to be saved, is willing to save you, and is waiting to save you, but He won’t force you to be saved. We must be willing for His will to be done. Our acceptance of it is implied by the word “repentance”. That is the greatest day of a person’s life!
To see the greatness of this, consider the words “us” and “any“. That speaks of everyone and includes you. Regardless of how vile and sinful a person is God is willing to save them if they trust Christ. He receives all who receive His Son ( Eph. 1:6). As the old song says, “There’s room at the cross for you”. Those who die and go to hell cannot blame God. Jesus tasted death for every man ( Heb. 2:9), making salvation available to whosoever will. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
