God's Wish For Repentance

The Apostle Peter tells us in his second book “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). This verse teaches us two very important things. First, this statement was made to a group of Christians with the aim of reminding them that God will remember the good works they had done in his name. The Hebrew writer likewise states in Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do.” God has promised a home in heaven to all his faithful workers that obey his commands.

Second, this statement shows that God does not only wish to save those who obey him, but that He wishes to save everyone. God is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance”. It is God’s desire that every person repent and humbly come to him for salvation. Without this repentance, however, salvation is not possible. Jesus stated, “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Unless every person repents of sin in their life, God says that they will perish. Even though God does not “wish” it to happen, people will perish because they refuse to repent.

The Apostle Paul stated in Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” God is willing to save everyone, and accepting the Gospel terms will bring this salvation. The Apostle Peter likewise stated, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35). In order to be acceptable to God and partake of His saving power found in the Gospel, every person must fear God and do the righteous works that God has commanded. The Old Testament prophet Solomon stated the same words when he said “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12.13).

Salvation is made available to every person. Paul stated “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people” (Titus 2:11). Every person that does what God requires in order to be saved will have the promise of salvation. Are you saved? Have you obeyed the commands given to us by God? Jesus stated, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

Through study of the Bible we can learn to obey God in all things, and receive the home of Heaven.