Perish is a term used to describe eternal judgment.1 God does not wish for anyone to perish (Ezekiel 18:32; John 3:16; John 10:28; John 17:12; Romans 2:12; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 15:17–19; Jude 1:5, Jude 1:11; 1 Timothy 2:4) but longs for people to come to repentance (see also Joel 2:12–13; Jonah 4:2). Repentance is the act of abandoning deeds associated with sin (Hebrews 6:1), turning to God (Acts 20:21), and doing works that provide evidence of repentance (Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8; Acts 26:20) as illustrated in 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10.2 God’s patience must not be mistaken for a toleration of sin. Judgment might be delayed but it is never completely stayed (2 Peter 3:10; Psalm 7:12–16; Acts 17:30–31).3
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.