2 Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slow 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.
In the past, perhaps through the centuries, Christians painted a poor [often horrible!] picture of God. Without concern for the context of the incidents, we focused people on some dire incidents of men/women enduring the consequences of long term rebellion against God. These dire incidents often were an effort to try to terrify people into yielding to God. The underlying concept: "If we scare people enough, they will obey God."
We should never attempt to remove the disastrous consequences of rebelling against God. We should never suggest in any way that human decisions and behavior occur without eternal implications. We should never suggest that disobedience to God is without consequence. Yet, neither should we use the consequences of spiritual failure to mask God's patience. Never must we create the impression that God derives as sense of pleasure from destroying people.
Ezekiel told the first Jewish exiles in Babylon that (1) their exile would not be brief [unwelcome words!] and (2) Jerusalem [their beloved capital at home] would be destroyed. He declared God called them to repentance through the horrible consequences they suffered. Consider a striking statement God made through him as he urged the exiles to turn to God.
Ezekiel 18:23 Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked," declares the Lord God, "rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?"
Ezekiel 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies," declares the Lord God. "Therefore, repent and live."
Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them, 'As I live!' declares the Lord God, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?'
God clearly stated even in matters as dire as exile and the fall of Jerusalem [the result of generations of great wickedness in Judah], God took no pleasure in the wicked's destruction!
Ezekiel's emphasis in these statements is verified repeatedly. Though Eve clearly understood rebellion against God's instruction would result in death (Genesis 3:3), the gracious, patient God did not kill them. Though people's total inner wickedness rejected God, He was sorrowful and grieved in His heart. Rather than destroying all people, He began anew with Noah (Genesis 6:5-8). Abraham failed God in hiding the fact that Sarah was his wife (Genesis 20). Isaac failed God in the manner he favored Esau (Genesis 27). Jacob failed God by being a deceiver (consider Genesis 27). The sons of Jacob failed God in their revenge of Dinah (Genesis 34) and their treatment of Joseph (Genesis 37). Israel frequently failed God in the wilderness and in Canaan (consider Exodus 32 and Judges). Yet, though deeply offended, patiently God responded with grace, not wrath.
If God found pleasure in destroying the wicked, He surely missed many opportunities for experiencing divine pleasure!
God's investment in redeeming people and again establishing His sovereignty over humanity is astounding! Consider His patience before Israel was delivered from Egypt, and His patience with Israel in Canaan. Consider His love in allowing Jesus to come as a human! Consider His agony in watching His son endure unjust rejection and suffering! God's desire to forgive and save surpasses our comprehension of the incredible! His love for rebellious humanity surpasses the most compassionate human heart! Consider Ephesians 1:3,4 and stand amazed!
When Peter wrote 2 Peter [likely the mid or late 60's], conditions were rapidly declining for early Christians. What began with a burst of popularity in Jerusalem (Acts 2:47) and had a significant impact on the Roman world (Acts 16:19-21; 17:6, 7) was growing increasingly unpopular. Apostles died. Jewish, Roman, social, and idolatrous forces united in opposition to this "dangerous heresy" that threatened beliefs and social order.
The Christian movement that once saw itself as invincible began to see itself as vulnerable. Failed expectations quickly become anxiety! Peter said, first, they needed to realize that nothing was occurring that God had not indicated would happen. Second, they needed to realize that Jesus Christ's prompt return did not fulfill God's purposes. Third, they needed to realize that counting of time is important to humans, but not to God. Fourth, they needed to realize that God was not being hesitant.
Then how were they to understand the fact that the resurrected Jesus had not returned? They were to see God's patience. They were to see that God found no pleasure in destroying the wicked. They were to see God's enormous yearning for all to repent.
Please note: Peter stressed repentance, not baptism. Those who repent are led to baptism. Those who do not repent do not commit to God when baptized. The principal difference between those converted to the resurrected Jesus and those who merely submit "to a religious rite" is repentance. God wants those willing to be baptized to be people committed to turning their lives around. God does not want an unrepentant world to be baptized. God wants a repentant world to be baptized. God can build a kingdom from people committed to turning their lives around in Jesus Christ. God can build nothing from people who refuse to repent--whether baptized or unbaptized! People who repent become what God always wanted--a people belonging only to Him (Exodus 19:3-6; Deuteronomy 4:20; 7:6; 14:2; 26:18; Titus 2:14).
Thought questions:
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Lesson 12