David Lawrence - Lipscomb - Predestination One

David Lawrence, of David Lipscomb College writes: "surely, if that were the case, the mighty will of God, of which Paul says in Romans 9:19 that no one can resist, would prevail, and we would have universal salvation. [Quicky review]

Sorry, but I simply cannot keep up with requested reviews and research requests. I will feed you the raw data and and move on. Health light at the end of the tunnel?

You are Here: # 1: David Lawrence of David Lipscomb on predestinaion Number One.

# 2: A Look at Galatians 3 on PREDESTINATION to a system of FAITH like Abraham who was justified because he obeyed all of God's commands and decrees.

#3: David Lawrence: Predestination Acts 11:8 and 2 Timothy 2

David Lawrence: This passage from 2 Peter 3:9 is often used by those who wish to make the point that God does not have His chosen people,

but rather that He impersonally prefers the salvation of all, but that salvation is left up to them.

If we take a careful look at the passage and its context, we find that it is one of the most assuring verses in all Scripture, offering great hope and encouragement to the child of God.

First, note that Peter says at the beginning of the chapter that this is the second letter he has written to these same people.

If we note who those people were from the first letter, we find that Peter addresses it "to God's elect, strangers in the world.who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father."

God Knew Before the tiny Jewish Remnant who had not bowed to Baal: that instrumental forced act of worship.

Thus, the second letter is also addressed to the elect of God who have been chosen by God. Also, in 2 Peter 3:1 and 8 he calls them "dear friends," which is translated "beloved" in the King James Version.

We may be assured then that when Peter uses the pronoun "you" in verse 9 ("us" in KJV, and it would make no difference whether the first or second person is used), it is referring to the readers who are the elect of God.

Then, what is Peter saying? He is not saying that God is not willing that any human being who has ever lived perish but that all human beings who have ever lived come to repentance.

Surely, if that were the case, the mighty will of God, of which Paul says in Romans 9:19 that no one can resist, would prevail, and we would have universal salvation.

No, what Peter is saying is that the mighty, decretive will of God has ruled and ordained that none of His elect, his precious chosen ones, his beloved children through Christ, none of them shall perish, but that all of them, all of us, shall come to repentance.

That's true but only those who have been baptized INTO Christ are added to the ekklesia and are the ELECT.
Christ in Isaiah promises a tiny remnant reserved or preserved by Grace.
Paul in Hebrews says that these were people who had not bowed to Baal.
God elects or invites or calls out everyone. However, those who are baptized into Christ as His provision of Grace aqre "added to the church" or ekklesia: a School of the Word.

We have reviewed Galatians 3 here.

We have reviewed Acts 11 and 2 Timothy here.

We must never forget that repentance is itself a gift from God (Acts 11:18, 2 Tim. 2:25), and God will use this gift of His grace to bring all His children to repentance.

We should find this promise from God so assuring and personally comforting. After all, our hope rests on the promise of God (Heb. 6:17-20)!

David Lawrence's Agenda: Now this reformed once recalcitrant legalist has the opportunity to reach thousands through the various avenues of this ministry and by personal interaction with university students to help others to see the really good news of a gospel of joy and assurance.

The Second Great American Awakening had a big show at Cane Ridge Kentucky. The most miserable and unassured people in the world were Calvinists. The problem was that people under the horrors of Calvinism RARELY had the supernatural experience which was necessary to ASSURE both them and the church that you were fit to be a member. This included many Baptists. The charismatic revivals in the dark woods and peering eyes manipulated the people to have some EXPERIENCE such as growling like dogs and fighting over the garbage. This was the PROOF that one had been predestinated and effectively thumbed their noses at the Presbyterians.

Barton Stone, the culprit deep into the CHURCH GROWTH CULT, changed his mind when the experience died and old Joe couldn't make it past Duncan's Tavern. Once he grasped that he had been made a fool of he never darkened the door of church again. Stone concluded that God COULDN'T just offer His grace at one time and then disappear to let Satan come charging back in the form of fractured churches.

Therefore, it is a big joke to claim that the false dogma of predestination gives one any assurance. The historical effect has been that the rare ones who fell sucker to the bait were freed to FLAUNT the unholiness of sin and to deliberately violate the taboos or DOCTRINES of the Bible-based believers whom they dubbed as legalists. The ONLY thing which brings real confidence rather than the ability to "whistle through the cemetary" is Baptism which is the ONLY proof God looks for to see whether we accept or "REJECT THE COUNSEL OF GOD FOR OUR LIVES."

Adam Clark

Verse 2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God] If the apostle had directed his letter to persons elected to eternal life,

no one, as Drs. Lardner and Macknight properly argue, could have received such a letter, because no one could have been sure of his election in this way till he had arrived in heaven.

But the persons to whom the apostle wrote were all, with propriety, said to be elect according to the foreknowledge of God;

"because, agreeably to the original purpose of God, discovered in the prophetical writings,

"Jews and Gentiles, indiscriminately, were called to be the visible Church, and entitled to all the privileges of the people of God, on their believing the Gospel. In this sense the word elected is used in other places of Scripture; see 1 Thessalonians i. 4,

"But the doctrine of predestination is entirely changed from what it formerly was: now it implies neither faith, peace, nor purity; it is something that will do without them all. Faith is no longer, according to the modern predestination scheme, a Divine evidence of things not seen wrought in the soul by the immediate power of the Holy Ghost; not an evidence at all, but a mere notion:
"neither is faith made any longer a means of holiness, but something that will do without it.

Christ is no more a saviour from sin, but a defense and a countenancer of it.

He is no more a fountain of spiritual life in the souls of believers, but leaves his elect inwardly dry, and outwardly unfruitful;

"and is made little more than a refuge from the image of the heavenly, even from righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

Through sanctification of the Spirit - through the renewing and purifying influences of his Spirit on their souls, unto obedience - to engage and enable them to yield themselves up to all holy obedience, the foundation of all which is the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ - the atoning blood of Jesus Christ which was typified by the sprinkling of the blood of sacrifices under the law, in allusion to which it is called the blood of sprinkling.

John Wesley

"Throughout every part of this appointment of God, promise and duty go hand in hand. All is free gift; and yet,

"such is the gift, that it depends in the final issue on our future obedience to the heavenly call.

"But other predestination than this, either to life or death eternal, the Scripture knows not of: moreover,

1. It is cruel respect of persons; an unjust regard of one, and an unjust disregard of another: it is mere creature partiality, and not infinite justice.

2. It is not plain Scripture doctrine, (if true,) but rather inconsistent with the express written word that speaks of God's universal offers of grace; his invitations, promises, threatenings, being all general.

3. We are bid to choose life, and reprehended for not doing it.

4. It is inconsistent with a state of probation in those that must be saved, or must be lost.

5. It is of fatal consequence; all men being ready, on very slight grounds, to fancy themselves of the elect number.

David Lawrence:

This passage from 2 Peter 3:9 is often used by those who wish to make the point that God does not have His chosen people,

but rather that He impersonally prefers the salvation of all,

but that salvation is left up to them.

If we take a careful look at the passage and its context, we find that it is one of the most assuring verses in all Scripture, offering great hope and encouragement to the child of God.

This is what Peter said:

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness;

but is longsuffering to usward,

not willing that any should perish,

but that all should come to repentance 2 Peter 3:9

David Lawrence, however, has a however.

David Lawrence: First, note that Peter says at the beginning of the chapter that this is the second letter he has written to these same people.

If we note who those people were from the first letter, we find that Peter addresses it "to God's elect, strangers in the world...who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father..."

Thus, the second letter is also addressed to the elect of God who have been chosen by God. Also, in 2 Peter 3:1 and 8 he calls them "dear friends," which is translated "beloved" in the King James Version.

David Lawrence then says that ALL does not mean ALL but ONLY the elect: this is raw quotation from John Calvin:

No, what Peter is saying is that the mighty, decretive will of God has ruled and ordained that none of His elect, his precious chosen ones, his beloved children through Christ, none of them shall perish, but that all of them, all of us, shall come to repentance.

Elsewhere, David Lawrence says that we cannot repent: repentance must be GRANTED by God.

It i s certain that Peter consoles his audience as Paul consoled the Roman Gentiles who were always caused to doubt by the Jews who believe that only THEY had been predestinated to be able to repent (from Judaism or Gentile Natural religions). In the fourth chapter Peter did not speak of eternal security to those who did not themselves choose to be secure:

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Pet 4:17

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 1 Pet 4:18

What is this nonsense that they CANNOT obey when Scripture keeps preaching that we repent and obey day by day?

Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:19

What is this nonesense when, according to Calvinism, they CANNOT commit their souls to Him in well doing? What if they DO NOT keep on faithfully committing their souls?

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 2 Pet 1:10

God marks baptized believers with a SEAL and no one can cause God's guarantee to fail. However, the message of the Word is that we have to COMMIT our souls to him continually.

Foreknowledge is not predestination: Peter does not use the word PREDESTINATION of individuals.

Prognosis (g4268) prog'-no-sis; from 4267; forethought: - foreknowledge.

Proginsko (g4267) prog-in-oce'-ko; from 4253 and 1097; to know beforehand, i.e. foresee: - foreknow (ordain), know (before).

Most of the people had a lack of assurance in the promises of Christ because they wanted some immediate results--although they had no such promises. Peter in 3:9 assured the people that the elect had no reason to worry. They had received the MARK or SEAL of a renewed mind or spirit and God WOULD NOT forget them.

PETER, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered thoughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1 Peter 1:1

Elect according to the FOREKNOWLEDGE of God the Father,

How are they ELECTED?

> through sanctification of the Spirit,

> unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 1 Pet 1:2

Giving believers A holy or sanctified spirit happens only at Baptism. The Pharisees and Doctors of the Law rejected God's PRECOUNSEL for ther lives. Therefore, foreknowledge of God meant that He had a plan to ELECT people to be added to the body of Christ which is called THE ELECT LADY.

The WORD of God which is Spirit and Life (John 6:63) is the SEED. By turning and listening sincerely to the WORD of God there is an initial conception which is an initian revival of the human spirit. However, only by growth to the point of birth or baptism are we ADDED TO THE church or Body of Christ. The alien hears the word and believes or does not believe. However, the birth in a spiritual sense is a DELIBERATE accepting or rejecting the counsel or predestinated plan of God for our lives.

God's PREDESTINATED PLAN was that whosoever will might REQUEST a clear conscience or A holy spirit. What was God's foreknown plan to ELECT people who had their own vote: It was through asking God to cleanse their spirit by obeying His PREDESTINATED plan of being baptized where FAITH is FAITH IN THE OPERATION OF GOD when He raised Jesus from the Dead.

Sanctification is:

Hagiasmos (g38) hag-ee-as-mos'; from 37; prop. purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concr. (by Hebr.) a purifier: - holiness, sanctification.

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and

> be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,

> and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38

A holy spirit or clear conscience means to give us UNDERSTANDING. This does not mean to reveal new truth but to read the Words of God with our eyes unveiled.

And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.1 JOHN 5:19

> And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath GIVEN us an UNDERSTANDING, that we may know him that is true,

> and we are IN him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 1 JOHN 5:20

And the only way Scripture shows as a way to get INTO Christ is through baptism:

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:26

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal 3:27

God predestinated an promised to cleanse His people and give them a living spirit. Jesus commanded His predestinated will in the Great Commission and the Apostles carried out the predestinated plan. Those who believed and obeyed were given a new Spirit, added to the church or the ELECT LADY.

Walter Scott would say A holy spirit. Remission of sins gives one A holy spirit which is the SANCTIFICATION or MADE HOLY Spirit.

Holy means sanctified or consecrated:

Hagios (g40) hag'-ee-os; from hagos , (an awful thing) [comp. 53, 2282]; sacred (phys. pure, mor. blameless or religious, cer. consecrated): - (most) holy (one, thing), saint

Other than of God Who is pure or "wholly" Spirit, the Greek speaks of the condition of the human spirit:

Pneuma (g4151) pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by anal. or fig. a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by impl.) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, doemon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit: - ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Comp. 5590.

Therefore, a sanctification of the Spirit is to give one a HOLY spirit or innermost man.

Once cannot invent a PERSON called Holy Spirit: holy means consecrated implying that one has been UN sanctified or holy.

This same Peter connected that to Baptism:

The like figure (anti-type) whereunto even baptism doth also now save us

> (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh,

> but the answer of (Request For) a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 1 Pet 3:21

A good conscience gives one a clear consiousness which is defined as a co-perception. By having A holy spirit we are able to come boldly before the throne of Grace.

The word ELECT in Greek usage is like an ELECTION. "God votes for us, Satan votes against us and we decide the election. " The PRE-PURPOSE for the Pharisees was rejected when they rejected baptism. Baptism is the MARK of assurance and they should not lose assurance because God has marked them. Paul wrote the same thing to the scattered Jews. God MARKS us with a purified spirit which gives us confidence only at baptism:

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,

> having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience,
> and our bodies washed with pure water. Heb.10:22

A true heart is to be made a new man or a man of victory:

Apeleutheros (g558) ap-el-yoo'-ther-os; from 575 and 1658; one freed away, i.e. a freedman: - freeman.

Only God can sprinkle, purify, sanctify or make holy our immaterial, innermost man.

As a result they are ADDED TO THE BODY or the "ELECT LADY" and are ELECT of God only because Christ is ELECT.

John came as forerunner for GOD'S PREDESTINATED or FOREKNOWN plan:

This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Luke 7:27

For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Luke 7:28

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans,

> justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. Luke 7:29

> But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. Luke 7:30

They, in effect, called God a liar. This repudiatted His eternal plan to save all types of people.

Counsel is God's predestinated goal for all mankind:

Boule (g1012) boo-lay'; from 1014; volition, i.e. (obj.) advice, or (by impl.) purpose: - / advise, counsel, will.

One becomes ELECT to an inheritance by accepting GOD'S COUNSEL. Jesus shed His blood to give redemption. Did Jesus die only for the PREDESTINATED?

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Eph 1:7

What was that predestinated plan?

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Eph 1:10

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance,

being predestinated

> according to the purpose of him

> who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: Ep.1:11

But, the Pharisees and Doctors of the Law had the power to reject God's predestinated plan or counsel for their lives. God works His predestinated will: that those who do not believe will not be baptized because their lack of faith DAMNED them already will continued to be damned.

It is God's PREDESTINATED PLAN which cannot fail. Therefore, when people FAIL they cannot blame it on God:

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: Heb 6:17

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation,

who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Heb 6:18

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Heb 6:19

Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Heb 6:20

God CANNOT fail us but we can still fail His purpose, counsel or plan for our lives.

This does not LIMIT God because He has not gambled His Power on our willingness to obey:

Now, when we look at the second epistle we should note that the chapter has a verse 1:

THIS second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 Peter 3:1

That ye may be mindful of the words which were

spoken before by the holy prophets,

and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 2 Peter 3:2

The prophets promised that we would be WASHED and God would give us a NEW SPIRIT.

The Lord Jesus commanded that all be baptized to have their sins remitted. Simply by SWEEPING out the old house, our minds are ready for God to live by faith to the extent we become disciples.

The Apostles, including Paul, commanded that people be baptized IF they believed the prophet the Enuch was reading when Philip began explaining it. The enuch's response was wanting to be baptized. He had FAITH in the prophetic promise and therefore WAS NOT HINDERED from being baptized.

Just back in Peter's first letter he had assured them that GOD'S WILL is that God has them saved in the ELECT LADY or church whose head is the ELECT SON.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

The Spirit of Christ is smart enough to have said with David:

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to the predestinated, not willing that any predestinated should perish, but that all predestinated should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

This same Peter wrote:

Nevertheless we, according to his promise (self-committal: predestination), look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2 Pet 3:13

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 2 Pet 3:14

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; 2 Pet 3:15

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 2 Pet 3:17

The Spirit of Christ breathed His PREDESTINATED PLAN to the prophets but they didn't understand. Therefore, they were

Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 1 Pet 1:11

Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. 1 Pet 1:12

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Pet 1:13

> As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 1 Pet 1:14

> But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 1 Pet 1:15

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Pet 1:16

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every mans work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 1 Pet 1:17

> James makes respect of person convicted by the Law.

But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. Ja.2:9

> Predestination would make God a RESPECTOR OF PERSONS.

> Therefore, Calvinism convicts God of violating the entire Law.

Again, John Wesley

"But other predestination than this, either to life or death eternal, the Scripture knows not of: moreover,

1. It is cruel respect of persons; an unjust regard of one, and an unjust disregard of another: it is mere creature partiality, and not infinite justice.

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers1 Pet 1:18

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1 Pet 1:19

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 1 Pet 1:20

Who by him

> do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead,

> and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 1 Pet 1:21

Remember that the Pharisees and Doctors of the Law refused to give Christ the glory although man believed but still rejected God's predestinated purpose for electing all into the spiritual kingdom:

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans,

> justified God, [glorified God by showing Him righteous by giving even sinful people the RIGHT to be saved.]

> being baptized with the baptism of John. Luke 7:29

But the Pharisees and lawyers

> rejected the counsel of God against themselves, [Rejected is to despese, or minimize God's eternal purpose.]

> being not baptized of him. Luke 7:30

FAITH is never FAITH ONLY. Rather, saving faith is faith in the OPERATION OF GOD in resurrecting Jesus. The ONLY form of doctrine which expresses that faith is baptism:

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Col.2:12

The only thing said to make us holy is baptism. Faith only is never said to do that.

Peter continues to show how to become HOLY and therefore part of the ELECT LADY:

Seeing ye have purified your souls

> in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1 Pet 1:22

> Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Pet 1:23

Purified also means holy:

Hagnizo (g48) hag-nid'-zo; from 53; to make clean, i.e. (fig.) sanctify (cer. or mor.): - purify (self).

This purification does not come fro FAITH ONLY but by OBEYING THE TRUTH. The only COMMAND to be obeyed is baptism.

Jesus said that HIS WORDS are Spirit and Life:

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63

This same Peter connected that to Baptism:

The Flood and the Ark were PREDESTINATED types that God would save people spiritually. Peter confesses this and then says that the "figure" or anti-type is realized ONLY in baptism. Faith only does not fulfiil the TYPE.

The like figure (anti-type) whereunto

> even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh,

> but the answer of (Request For) a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 1 Pet 3:21

God CAN save us without our asking. However, God is selecting out those who do not select Satan to follow. He wants us to want to be part of the elect.

Now, continued looking at the reasons for a renewed assurance:

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 2 Peter 3:3

And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 2 Peter 3:4

For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 2 Peter 3:5

Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 2 Peter 3:6

Without exception predestination brings about an unholy looking for signs and an attempt to BRING ABOUT their imagined earthly kingdom. They say, in effect, where are His promises. However, God will make the Second Advent of Christ clear to all and He will come for the ELECT who become part of the ELECT LADY when they are baptized and added to the church by Christ. Faith Only does not make the promise of being added to a heavenly kingdom. Faith Only's baptism, instead, it to be added to an earthly kingdom.

David Lawrence: Also, in 2 Peter 3:1 and 8 he calls them "dear friends," which is translated "beloved" in the King James Version.

We may be assured then that when Peter uses the pronoun "you" in verse 9 ("us" in KJV, and it would make no difference whether the first or second person is used), it is referring to the readers who are the elect of God.

Then, what is Peter saying? He is not saying that God is not willing that any human being who has ever lived perish

but that all human beings who have ever lived come to repentance.

Well, here is how a false dogma called IRRESISTABLE GRACE allows one to flatly contradict the very clear Word of God.

While we are being impatient, the Lord wants a large number of those ELECTED to His Spiritual life in heaven:

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 Pe 3:8

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance 2 Peter 3:9

That is what the NIV, NAS, NKJ, RSV. The LIV states the fact:

He isn't really being slow about his promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But he is waiting, for the good reason that he is not willing that any should perish, and he is giving more time for sinners to repent. 2 Pet 3:9LIV

But David Lawrence seems to say that God CANNOT delay His coming to give more time for repentance. If they were PREDESTINATED to salvation, and Jesus will come when SOME have not repented, then why doesn't, in David Lawrence theology, just GRANT them repentance?

David Lawrence: Surely, if that were the case, the mighty will of God, of which Paul says in Romans 9:19 that no one can resist, would prevail, and we would have universal salvation.

But, David Lawrence has already declared that God's Will that ALL be saved, cannot mean what Scripture says.

Predestination means a pre-counsel. WILL does not speak of predestination:

Boulema (g1013) boo'-lay-mah; from 1014; a resolve: - purpose, will.

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: Heb.6:17

One who refuses to believe and be baptized is damned. God's will still prevails because His will gives mankind free will. Nevertheless, God has the last word.