Does II Peter 3:9 Teach That God Desires to Save Absolutely Everybody?
Rev. Angus Stewart defends the Reformed doctrine of unconditional election and reprobation by exegeting II Peter 3:9, arguing that Arminians misinterpret the verse's reference to God's willingness that "any" should perish. Stewart contends that the verse refers to God's will toward the elect within the specific context of Peter's eschatological argument, not a universal desire to save all people, and demonstrates that a truly sovereign God accomplishes His purposes without impediment.
Rev. Angus Stewart 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 (II Peter 3:9). II Peter 3:9 is often (ab)used by Arminians against God’s eternal reprobation. Many half-quote and misapply this verse, in preaching, in discussion and even in prayer. They tell God that He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (thinking...