Question:  Dear Greg,

            In Ephesians 1 we learn that some people are predestined to be saved.  In 2 Peter 3:9 we are told it is not God’s will that anyone should perish.  My question is, are some predestined to be lost?  Do they have a choice?

            Floyd

Answer:  Dear Floyd,

            The passage in 2 Peter 3:9 says that God is “not wanting anyone to perish, but to come to repentance.”

1.      This passage does not therefore imply that God wills everyone to be saved, regardless.  The verse uses the word, “wanting”.

2.      The passage also speaks of repentance, something that is a part of salvation.

Some Christians believe that some are predestined to be saved, while others believe that some are predestined to be saved and some are predestined to be lost.  PTM believes that salvation is by God’s grace, but the decision about accepting God’s grace rests with us— God does not force anyone to be saved.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht