The Closet Calvinist Podcast Episode 22: “Not Wishing That Any Should Perish” — Does 2 Peter 3:9 Refute Election?
Episode Focus: Election, God’s will, divine patience, biblical interpretation
Primary Text: 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
Audience: Christians confused by apparent tension between God’s patience and sovereign election

One of the most frequently quoted verses against the doctrine of election is 2 Peter 3:9, where Scripture says that God is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

At first glance, this verse appears to contradict the idea that God has chosen some for salvation. Many conclude that if God does not wish for anyone to perish, then election must be unbiblical.

In Episode 22 of The Closet Calvinist Podcast, we examine this passage carefully in its immediate context, biblical theology, and whole-Bible framework. Rather than contradicting election, 2 Peter 3:9 actually reveals God’s patience toward His people and His unwavering commitment to bring all of the elect to repentance.

Does 2 Peter 3:9 teach that:

• God intends to save every individual without exception?
  Or

• God is patiently ensuring that none of His chosen people perish before the final judgment?

• The context of Peter’s discussion about Christ’s delayed return

• The importance of identifying the audience (“toward you”)

• How Scripture uses words like “all” and “any” contextually

• The difference between God’s revealed will and His decretive will

• Why divine patience serves God’s saving purpose

• How this passage harmonizes with clear teachings on election

• 2 Peter 3:9 — God’s patience and desire that all reach repentance

• 2 Peter 3:1–2 — Peter writing to believers

• 2 Peter 3:8–10 — The Lord’s timing and the certainty of judgment

• Isaiah 46:9–10 — God accomplishes all His purpose

• Daniel 4:35 — God does according to His will

• Romans 9:16 — Salvation depends on God’s mercy

• Ephesians 1:4–5 — Chosen before the foundation of the world

• Romans 8:29–30 — God’s unbroken chain of salvation

• John 6:37 — All the Father gives will come to Christ

• John 6:39 — Christ loses none of those given to Him

• John 10:16 — Christ will bring all His sheep

• Acts 18:9–10 — God has many people yet to be saved

• 2 Timothy 2:10 — Enduring for the sake of the elect

• Ezekiel 18:23 — God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked

• Ezekiel 33:11 — God calls sinners to turn and live

• Matthew 23:37 — Rejected outward call and human responsibility

2 Peter 3:9 does not refute the doctrine of election.

Instead, it teaches that:

• God is patient toward His people

• Christ’s return is delayed until all the elect are brought to repentance

• God’s saving purpose cannot fail

• Divine patience is an expression of sovereign mercy

God does not lose a single one of those He has chosen.

As Jesus declares:

“This is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me.”
— John 6:39 (ESV)