Salvation Tense: All Three Tenses
2 Peter 3:8–9 — “But don’t forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
═══ OPORD ═══
WHO: God — who operates outside of human time constraints. His patience is purposeful, not passive.
WHAT: Peter corrects the scoffers’ timeline: God does not operate on your clock. A thousand years is like a single day to Him. What humans call “delay” is actually divine patience (makrothumei — long-suffering). And the reason for the patience? God does not wish that anyone should perish (apollumi — be destroyed) but that all should come to repentance (metanoia — a complete change of mind). This verse beautifully connects all three tenses: God’s patience extends the window for justification (so more may be saved), sustains the period of sanctification (so believers can grow), and delays glorification/judgment (so mercy has full effect).
WHERE: Across all of human history. Every day that passes without Christ’s return is another day of God’s mercy.
WHEN: Right now. Today is a day of God’s patience — a day someone could repent and be saved.
WHY: Because God’s heart is for redemption, not destruction. He is not slow — He is merciful. Every day of apparent “delay” is another day of grace. This should shape how we live: with urgency (the day IS coming), with gratitude (for His patience), and with mission (to bring others to repentance while there is still time).
═══ PRAYER ═══
Lord, Your patience is breathtaking. You are not slow — You are merciful. Thank You for every day of grace You give this world. Thank You for being patient with me. Use me today as an instrument of Your patience — help me to share the Gospel, extend grace, and point others toward repentance while there is still time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
═══ DAILY CHALLENGES ═══
Challenge 1: Thank God specifically for His patience with you. Name one area of your life where His patience has been on display.
Challenge 2: Pray by name for one person you know who has not yet repented and come to Christ. Ask God to extend His patience toward them — and use you to reach them.