His Grace and kindness are seen in His Longsuffering, 2Pe 3:9 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. He is not slack concerning His promise. That would be the promise of His coming.
“[1]slack means slow, tardy, late; exceeding the due time, as though that time already came. Heb_10:37, “will not tarry: For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. His coming is waiting in the Longsuffering of God!
his promise which the scoffers quibble at. 2Pe_3:4,[ And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.] as if He is not aware of His promise. (2Pe_3:13). Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. We know He will come according to His Promise. What is that which determines His Coming? Answer: He is not willing that any should perish = His longsuffering
Mankind says He is slack because He has not come as if He has forgotten but it is His Longsuffering that has delayed His Coming. What does Longsuffering mean? The Lord is not slow I 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. He has long patience’s to us
some — the “scoffers.” count — His promise delayed the result of “slackness” (tardiness) but it is not but rather His S.C. is held up in His longsuffering toward us.
long-suffering — (2Pe_3:15) shall be completed. He delays His coming so that more people can be saved. Not willing that any perish either eternal condemnation or suffer as a believer out of fellowship.
[2]God wishes for all people to come to faith and be saved. Within the context of v. 9, this phrase indicates that Jesus has not returned yet because God desires that none be lost (or perish). Every day before Jesus returns is a day of grace and represents the possibility of more people turning to Him and receiving eternal life (compare John 3:16–17).
2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; Even our salvation is found in His Longsuffering. I challenge you today to return to the shepherd and bishop of your soul. To be counted as the one He left the ninety and nine for. And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
His longsuffering is toward us = to us-ward — The oldest manuscripts, Vulgate, Syriac, etc., read, “towards YOU.” any — not desiring that any, yea, even that the scoffers, should perish.
{As long as there is sufficient repentance in the world He will not come – That is my opinion]
come — the Greek implies there is room for their coming to repentance. You remember the Old Song, “There is room at the cross for you”. Though millions have come there is still room for you. This is not only about the cross to be saved but He is speaking to believers to come to Him in repentance and He is saying there is still room for you. Psalms 103:8-18, i.e. v8,9 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. “Chide” Means He will not always strive with us but will in His time bring judgment.
Luke 15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. Luk 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. Luk 15:3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, Luk 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he finds it? Luk 15:5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. Luk 15:6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. Luk 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
He delays His coming because He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Today is the day of salvation: for the unbeliever to believe in Jesus for eternal life and for the believer to get right with their Saviour. The story of the Ninety and nine is so beautiful – He goes, He Finds and He brings home. He says to a wayward child, there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents more than ninety and nine just that need no repentance.
We are living in His Long-suffering and now is the time to come home! Psa 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
1] J.F.B. E sword Software
[2] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (2 Pe 3:9). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.[2]
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