October 2025
There are two teachings which have taken the fundamentalist churches by storm. Both have their roots in two oft quoted verses. One is based on John 3:16 and the other on 2 Peter 3:9. It was a blessing to read the commentary in Wisconsin Christian News by Marion Sailing in the most recent issues. I cannot improve on what Marion explained on John 3:16, but on 2 Peter 3:9 and often profaned and curiously explained, I would wish to add the following and also suggest that my fellow believers get an old Bible Commentary — Pre twentieth century, perhaps by Spurgeon, Thomas Brooks, Edwards, or Matthew Henry. J.C. Ryle is also excellent and read what the old timers have to say about 2 Peter 3:9.
My first observation is that most today have a belief system built on the fallacy of Christ’s atonement being universal in its application. In 2 Peter 3:9 we must first look at who Peter is addressing. In 1 Peter 1:1-2 we find he is writing to the elect according to the foreknowledge of God. That would not include every Tom, Dick, and Harry as the universalists would have us believe. More often than not, most universalists conveniently leave “but is long-suffering to usward” out of the verse. This is patently wrong as those who are the “usward” are God’s elected sheep. See John chapter 10, “And I ...
