2 Peter 3:9 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,[a] not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. Now I agree the simplest explanation is usually the best. We must know what is the simplest that does not contradict scriptures. However by stating this text alone we miss the why and who it is sent to. Let me see if I can add clarity since taking this out of context implies one of two things Universalism or Gods incompetence(inability, lack of control.) 2 Peter 3:1 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. Now we know this is a second letter. We also know who he is writing to beloved and why scoffers. But lets try chapter one just so we know who the beloved are. 2 Peter 1To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: Who are these people? How did they obtain? Well lets see if Peter gives us more clues(lol pretty sure he just answered some of these questions) in his first letter. 1 Peter 1,2 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. So now we have dispersed Universalism(which we know scripture doesnt support. If it did why Hell?) We also see God is not incompetent but instead has purpose for his delay. It isnt he cant save people. It is that he has others he has elected to come to saving faith through Christ by his grace whom he knew in his very active foreknowledge of his own people.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 17:56:20 +0000