---

I. What does the apostle mean here by the expression "PERISH"? What is it to perish? This will be most appropriately answered in the words of Holy Scripture. Paul called it "Being punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power" (2 Thessalonians 1:9). "Sudden destruction" (1 Thessalonians 5:3). "Swift destruction" (chap. 2 Peter 2:1). "The vengeance of eternal fire" (Jude 1:7).

II. WHAT REASONS HAVE WE TO CONCLUDE THAT ANY WILL THUS PERISH?

I. Fallen angels have perished (Jude 1:6).

2. Sodom and Gomorrah have "suffered the vengeance of eternal fire" (Jude 1:7).

3. Other men deserve to perish. "The Scripture hath concluded all under sin."

4. That part of the punishment which consists in natural death is daily being inflicted before our eyes.

5. God has said that some characters shall perish. "He that believeth not shall be damned."

III. But WHO are thus in danger?

1. "Despisers" (Acts 13:41).

2. profane persons, and all who "forget God" (Psalm 9:17).

3. All the impenitent (Luke 13:5).

4. All unbelievers (Mark 16:16).

IV. How are we to understand the expression God is NOT WILLING that any should perish? Hell does not exist without His permission! Death is His messenger! The judgment of the great day will be held by His appointment! But then —

1. God will not punish without occasion. Nor

2. Till the guilt of man has rendered it necessary. Nor

3. Without having provided a remedy: — the best possible remedy. Nor

4. Without having authorised the publication of that remedy. Nor

5. Without having implored men to accept it. Nor

6. Without having given space for repentance.

7. Nor will He inflict eternal judgment on one soul which has not proved its filial enmity to Him, to truth, to holiness.

V. WHAT EVIDENCES HAVE WE THAT GOD IS "NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD THUS PERISH"?

1. The evidence arising from His character.

2. From His word.

3. From His oath (John 3:16).

4. From the gift of His Holy Spirit.

5. From the revelation of His truth.

6. From the exaltation of Christ as a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance.

7. From the promise of the personal help of the Holy Spirit — to them that ask it.

8. From every instance of true repentance which has occurred.

9. From sparing mercy from day to day.

10. From warnings, exhortations, invitations, directions, promises, etc., without number.

VI. WHAT is the imperative and only ALTERNATIVE that men may not perish? We answer, "repentance."

(The Evangelist.)

---

---

KJV: 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:

WEB: For this they willfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth formed out of water and amid water, by the word of God;