Yes — the purpose of God's patience is to bring people to salvation.
In 2 Peter 3:15, the longsuffering of the Lord is called salvation itself. God is not willing that any should perish, and the whole Bible, as Les Feldick teaches, centers on bringing fallen humanity to salvation.
2 Peter 3:15 — This is the key verse that directly states the longsuffering of the Lord is salvation.
2 Peter 3:9 — This verse shows God's longsuffering is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
In 2 Peter 3:15, Peter directly states what the purpose of God's patience is: "And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you." The preceding verse, 2 Peter 3:9, explains that God is "longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." Together these verses reveal that God's patience is not an aimless delay; it is a purposeful time in which people can be saved. 2 Timothy 1:9 further grounds this in God's eternal purpose: "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began."
Les Feldick teaches that the whole Bible, from Genesis to the end, is God's means of bringing about the salvation of a fallen human race. He points to 2 Peter 3:15 and says the longsuffering of the Lord is salvation, calling this "the whole theme of this Book." He emphasizes that God is not willing that any should perish, and that this plan of salvation has been unfolding from the very beginning. Les also highlights that Peter wrote these words near the end of his life, just before he was martyred, and that even though Peter had a hard time fully understanding Paul's gospel, he could still declare that the Lord's patience is salvation. Les further notes that Peter called Paul "our beloved brother" and recognized Paul's epistles as Scripture, showing the consistency of the salvation message.
Les Feldick explains that Peter wrote 2 Peter 3:15 near the end of his life, shortly before his martyrdom. Peter declared that the long-suffering of the Lord is salvation, and Les says this is the whole theme of the Bible. The verse is not an isolated statement; it sums up what God has been doing throughout Scripture — patiently offering salvation to a fallen human race.
Les teaches that from the time man fell in Genesis chapter 3, the Bible has been trying to bring about the salvation of a fallen human race. The long-suffering and patience of the Lord is salvation, and God is not willing that any should perish. This is why the Bible, from cover to cover, reveals God's patient dealing with humanity as part of His plan to save.
Les Feldick notes that in 2 Peter 3:15-16, Peter calls Paul "our beloved brother" and refers to Paul's epistles as Scripture. Les emphasizes that Paul did not attend seminary; he received his wisdom by revelation from God. This reinforces that the message of salvation — and the patience of God that leads to it — was consistently revealed through the apostles.
Why the Gospels Aren't for the Church — 2 Corinthians 5
in fine linen, white and clean. Compare that with the other verse. Who are they? The saints. See? So sure we're going to be coming with Him, but He couldn't reveal that back in His earthly ministry. That was part of the secret. And so you'll find that throughout all the Gospel account, there's never a reference to the body of Christ, the saved of the Gentiles.
Bible's Salvation Purpose
Les explains that the whole Bible is God's means to bring fallen humanity to salvation, and that the longsuffering of the Lord is salvation itself.
Longsuffering Is Salvation
Les ties 2 Peter 3:15 to the Bible's overarching plan: from Genesis on, God has been offering salvation, and His longsuffering is that salvation.
Peter's Final Testimony
Les emphasizes that Peter wrote this near the end of his life, just before martyrdom, and that this verse captures the whole theme of the Bible.
Eternal Purpose to Save
Les teaches that before creation, the triune God set up the plan of salvation, showing that God's patience is part of an eternal purpose to save.
God's Word Brings Salvation
Les says the whole purpose of the Bible is to bring every person to the point of salvation, and God does everything He can to keep people from condemnation.
Paul's Revealed Wisdom
Les points out that Peter referred to Paul as a beloved brother and recognized Paul's epistles as Scripture, reinforcing that the longsuffering of the Lord is salvation.
Romans 5:1-2 Explained — Peace With God Through Faith Alone
But you see, they cannot understand that we have simply responded to an extended love. And that's why he went to the cross. It was love. All right, now what's the final purpose? Now you gotta turn on over to 1 Timothy. Paul really doesn't tell us what the eternal purpose is here in Ephesians chapter 3. But you come on over to Timothy. Chapter 1 of 2 Timothy. 2 Timothy. Chapter 1. 2 Timothy.
2 Peter 3:15: And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
This is the central verse directly stating that the purpose of God's patience is salvation.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
This verse explains that God's longsuffering is motivated by His desire that none perish and all come to repentance.
2 Timothy 1:9: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
This verse shows that salvation is rooted in God's eternal purpose, not human works.
The purpose of God's patience is salvation. 2 Peter 3:15 says the longsuffering of the Lord is salvation, and 2 Peter 3:9 says God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
No. God's patience is not slowness or indifference; it is a deliberate time in which people can come to repentance and be saved. 2 Peter 3:9 and 3:15 show that His patience is directed toward salvation.
Les teaches that Peter wrote this near the end of his life, that the whole theme of the Bible is salvation, and that the Lord's longsuffering is exactly that — salvation.
Watch the Teaching: Why the Gospels Aren't for the Church — 2 Corinthians 5